Travelling through Brazil was like magic. It was also a real culture shock, the first time I had seen true poverty and been surrounded by temporarily built buildings and life-threatening situations. Beyond this it was full of amazing people, amazing sights, and a culture that has to be experienced to understand. Arriving in
São Paulo (San Pablo), I found my way up to the amazing little town of
Paraty (Para-chi) with its streets designed to be flushed out by high tides. This was the launch point to reach
Ilha Grande (Ill-ya gran-gee) which means "big island", a tropical paradise perfect for relaxing and doing nothing.
Rio was said to be a dangerous place, with every single tourist who came from that place telling their own horror story of loss, robbery, or worse. Fortunately I left without a story to tell, but managed to see the inside of the
Rocinha Favela (Slum), a community of precariously built houses on a steep and dangerous hill, where the poor live and the drug lords rule. It was also interesting to be able to attend a local football game at the famous
Maracana Football Stadium before leaving this amazing country.
São Paulo |
Paraty |
Ilha Grande |
Rio de Janeiro |
Rocinha Favela |
Maracana Football Stadium
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São Paulo
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The Ancient Town of Paraty
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Ilha Grande (Big Island)
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Rio de Janeiro
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Rocinha Favela
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Maracana Football Stadium
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