Feijoada and Caipirinha

I experienced Carnival in Rio this week. It was such an amazing time! I really enjoyed Brazil and hope to see more of it soon--I didn't get to Sao Paulo or Salvador like I wanted. 

I was impressed by how technologically advanced things were. I had reliable broadband internet and even figured out a way to check my phone messages.

I ate a ton! In Brazil, it's common for the middle-class to have live-in help. My host adopted the custom and hired a Carioca housekeeper, a Rio native. She cooked a ton of food to welcome me.

Her English was excellent, which was great because I don't speak any Portuguese. She promised to send me the recipes for these.

Comida Miniera (The Menu)

Feijoada (of course!)--various cuts of pork (belly, hocks, ears, etc.) slow simmered with black beans
Linguiça Sausage slow simmered with black beans
White rice
Orange slices
Farofa with bacon (it's grainy, mix with rice or meat but not to be eaten alone!)
Couve (Brazilian-Style Collard Greens)
Okra
Fried Manioc (Cassava)
Caipirinha

Feijoada is Brazil's national dish--it's basically a beef or pork and black bean stew. My host, however, defined Feijoada as a meal or feast, not simply a dish.

Caipirinha is Brazil's national drink. So refreshing!

There were lots of street vendors and open markets too--fresh fruit and fruit juice and street food was abundant and cheap.

I've laid out tips for visiting Brazil, though my experience was unique because I had a guide that's lived there for a while. I didn't have to worry about  housing or transportation or spending much money.

Visiting Brazil
1.) You have to have two blank pages in your passport--so heads up!
2.) Tourist Visas cost about $200--another heads up!
3.) Brazilian currency is called Real or Reais. $1=R$1.96, so roughly two American dollars.
4.) The National Language is Portuguese, so if you plan to stray from the tourist routes be prepared for a possible language barrier or plan to take along translator.
5.) ATMs are widely available as are vendors who accept major debit and credit cards.
6.) Don't drink the water. Just don't!
7.) Shops are open late in the city--until 10 pm or later.
8.) There is a three hour time difference.
9.) Gorgeous, but brief sunsets.
10.) See the infamous Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain.
11.) Tour a favela--please, for Christ's sake with someone reputable. I had the priveledge of staying in a more affluent Rio neighborhood, São Conrado, but we were neighboring a large favela, Rocinha.
12.) Tijuca Rain Forest Jeep Tour--omg!! Amazing.
13.) Brazil is sexy--plain and simple. Perfect for a honeymoon or romantic rendezvous.
14.) Beaches are liberal--expect to see a lot of skin.
15.) Lots of unleashed dogs--just like Costa Rica. They aren't strays, they just roam around. Maybe it's a Central/South American thing?
16.) Get a guide book. I like Lonely Planet.
17.) Don't expect to sleep. Yes, I went during Carnival and my experience might be biased, but I hardly got any sleep. We partied well into the morning, and since I can not sleep during the day, so we went out exploring then too.

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