Brazil Travel
Brazil was the first destination of my 2 month Latin America travel last year. It has been on my bucket list for the longest time because I have heard so much about the Brazilian Churrasco (BBQ), and I have a few Brazilian friends/ friends-of-friends too.
Rio de Janeiro
Amazing city, beaches, mountains, cities, favelas, this place has it all. People are very friendly, even though I have heard that this city is dangerous, but honestly I felt safe here.
First day I decided to visit Christ the Redeemer, landmark of Rio. Quite easy to get to, lots of people at the top.
Second day I went to downtown. Now downtown felt unsafe for me, but still there were lots of tourists, so it was alright.
Day 3 I went to the (in)famous Favela. It is like a slum that police don’t care and drugs are dealt here but you can book a tour to visit with a local. I felt that maybe it is a little exaggerated as I can even find Airbnb rentals in the Favela, so maybe it is not really that dangerous. But this certainly is a maze, I can imagine people getting kidnapped here if they are not careful.
However there are many friendly locals happy to show tourists around etc. It is interesting to learn about the history of Brazil through the Favela tour.
Day 4 — Brazil vs Croatia World Cup Round of 8
Damn, I was never a Football person, but I just so happened to be caught up in the 2022 World Cup. Everything closes when Brazil is playing! I knew Brazil is a Football country but this is beyond my imagination.
Damn again, they celebrated too early before Croatia did a last min come back. What a roller-coaster ride of emotions.
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The last day I just spent it back at the beaches, soaking it all in.
São Paulo
After Rio I went to São Paulo, it is such a big mega city! It has a Chinatown and a Japan town, so many Asians! I went to Paulista Avenue on a Sunday, lots of street performance, stalls selling food and handicrafts.
Checked out the central market too, good stuffs! 2nd floor was all food, but the outside surrounding areas were shady.
Also took a stroll in Parque Ibirapuera, a large park. It is not that special for me because I am from Singapore, but it is a nice green park.
The last day I went to Japan Town, Liberdade. Amazing place, Brazil has the largest overseas Japanese population in the World! Honestly, São Paulo is very developed, some areas even remind me of Singapore as in the houses are nicely built, roads are great too etc.
Now to the food
Brazil reminds me a lot of Singapore due to the weather, city development etc. But Brazil is also a really diverse and big country and I did not have time to explore much.
So, next time :)
