09-09-2004, 12:21 PM
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Confirmed User
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,969
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Quote:
Originally posted by DirtyWhiteBoy
Hi Lucy,
The first thing you have to understand is that Brazil is HUGE and has so many different things and vibes to it... it really depends on what YOU want to see and do.
I have spent some time running around all over there and found the north (Bahia) to be more my pace. Sao Paulo is my least favorite place and if I must fly through there I am in and out as fast as possible. SP is too big, too dirty and has too much traffic for me. Rio is something you should see, but I prefer the beaches in the north around Natal. They are less crowded than Rio and safer IMHO. 2 or 3 days in Rio and you should move along unless you love the place. Copa and Impaneama have different vibes... Copa has more whores so if you want to avoid them, hit Impaneama.
Salvador, Itipua, Pituba, Natal, Forteleza, Jericoacoa (incredible) and other areas in Bahia are incredible and Forteleza excluded as very slow paced. If you have the time, make the trip to Jericoacoa for an amazing trip... and ride the dune buggies if you can.
Danger... all of Brazil can be dangerous. I have had two problems in Brazil both in Salvador, and both my fault because I was alone and somewhere I should not of been.
Problem 1) I was robbed at needle point by a guy who had lesions all over his body and threatened to infect me with HIV. I was in a BAD area taking portraits of locals and was lucky to even get out of there. I always have to pockets full of money and never carry more than I am willing to lose. 1 pocket is for this exact thing and is just enough to make them happy and leave me alone... I lost about $30 USD.
Problem 2) I was in some sand dunes with some girl and the police came up to us and started talking very fast to me. I could not follow because of the speed and they started yelling at me and then 4 of them beat me to the ground with their sticks. Ugh. After calming down and I was able to speak a little with them, I found out they were telling me to get on the ground and I was not doing so. They wanted my passport, which I left in the room by mistake so I hade to bribe my way out of going to jail... $40 USD.
Both times, my fault.
With all that said... be careful there and don't trust anyone who approaches you. Go to the north for a more laid back vacation, hit the large cities if your a city girl. I think the north has much more culture than the south. try to see a Condoble (spelling?) gathering, it's kind of similar to voodoo. Another fun thing to do is check out a Copoeria school for a days class, you will gain a whole new respect for it.
If you make it to Salvador, hit the old city early evening for great music & eats... and see Olodum (incredible drumming) if you can. It's an awesome show.
Best of luck. I know there are several people here that live and hit Brazil... I'm sure they can tell you about all kinds of great things.
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oh this is absolutely fantastic, all those informations.
Thank you very much, now I got ideas where to go and where not. Really appreciate that, big thanks  |
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