BEAUTIFUL BRAZIL

BEAUTIFUL BRAZIL
By Christine Arnold

The chance to visit Brazil was like a dream come true. Who hasn't dreamed of strolling down Copacabana beach at dusk? Rio is a city of enchantment. Its golden beaches are an invitation to forgetfulness, the exciting nights turn into a sparkling dawn. There are panoramic views from Corcovado, with its towering statue of Christ the Redeemer. Sugarloaf has breathtaking views of Rio's colonial architecture blended with the ultramodern skyscrapers downtown. All of this against a backdrop of green mountains that twinkle at night with the lights of a city that is truly alive.

The Botanical Garden's 123 acres with 5,000 varieties of plants and the tallest palm trees in the world should not be missed. Beach walking and people watching are top activities. The train ride through Tijuca Forest to Corcovado and the cable car ascent to Sugarloaf offer stunning views. The discos and nightclubs open late and close at dawn-lavish carnival-type shows abound. The restaurants are world class and the shopping, especially for gems and jewelry, is fantastic.

The Northeast is a land of spectacular beaches and warm, sunny weather. Fortaleza is a large, sophisticated city surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Shopping for handicrafts at the nightly market offers great buys in ceramics, lace, linen, leather and woodcarvings. The people are so confident in the weather that it is difficult to find a restaurant or club with walls or a roof. The music here is different than in Rio; this is where the lambada, also known as the forro originated.

Colonial Salvador, founded by Portuguese in 1549, boasts some of the finest baroque architecture in South America. Also called Bahia (Salvador is the capital of the Bahia State), this is a two-tiered town that spreads across the land like waves from the Atlantic. Bahia is the artistic soul of Brazil, with a unique culture influenced by both the Portuguese and Africans. The native touches are here, like lateen-rigged sailboats, pastel-painted houses, huge stone forts and over 160 baroque gilded churches. The cuisine is the best in Brazil. Dine in small beachfront restaurants and enjoy Bahian specialties - Fejoda(a pot-au-feu dish); Cosido(meat and vegetable stew); Muqueca(a stew made with palm oil); and a wide array of tropical fruits and spices.

Folklore shows spotlight the Afro-Brazilian sound and dance styles. The "Condomble Autentico" is an incredible experience in voodoo that must be seen to be believed. The Mercado Modelo has stalls selling colorful paintings, African voodoo amulets, figas (the Brazilian good luck charm) and everything else Bahian. The old city center is a jumble of hilly cobblestone streets lined with centuries old houses and churches.

The most fascinating and delightful thing about Brazil is the people. Very rich or very poor, they are the most positive and happy group I have ever seen. I now know how important it is to enjoy every single day-just as the Brazilians do!

Call Classic Travel to plan your Brazilian adventure!

About Christine

Christine Arnold is the Sales Manager at Classic Travel and has been with the agency since 1993. She has a degree in Travel and Tourism from the College of DuPage in Illinois, is an International Travel Institute Certified Travel Consultant and has been voted "Travel Agent of the Year" for the Greater Lansing Area since 1998 and has a very loyal client following. A native of Chicago, Christine has traveled extensively in Europe, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Russia and South America. Utilizing her backround in hotel management and her contacts around the world, Christine's travel experience, her passion for travel and personalized attention for her clients result in exciting trips and incredible travel values.