The bay of Paraty is absolutely beautiful and can be easily enjoyed during an escuna tour on a traditional sailing boot. As Paraty is an important vacation destination for the cariocas (citizens of Rio de Janeiro) there is a big tourism industry and many ships look like party boats.
Where the crabs live under the pavement
I’ve not been to Portugal so far, but I’ve already seen a traditional Portuguese city: Paraty (sometimes written Parati). When the Portuguese wanted to get gold from Minas Gerais they anchored in the bay of Paraty close to the village of a native tribe. They followed an already existing trail into the mountains to find the good they were searching for.
Continue reading “Where the crabs live under the pavement”The Possibility of an Island
When the people of São Paulo need a break from their city they often travel to one place: Ilhabela. It is an island located only some minutes (approximately 7 km) by ferry from São Sebastião. How many people go there in summertime can be easily seen when you follow the waiting line for the ferry boat: It winds through São Sebastião in an enormous length.
Continue reading “The Possibility of an Island”Praça de Sé
A good starting point for a visit to São Paulo is the Praça de Sé – the historic center of the city. It is a nice place surrounded by palms, often crowded and it has seen mighty demonstrations (like for free elections in 1984) in the past. You can get here easily by metro, using the station naturally called Sé.
Continue reading “Praça de Sé”Parque do Ibirapuera
If you need to relax a bit, São Paulos equivalent to the Central Park, the Parque do Ibirapuera might be the place for you. It is a 160 hectare park with ponds, woods and lawns where you can relax, do some sports or look out for art.
Continue reading “Parque do Ibirapuera”With a taxi to Paraguay
I was at the triangle Brazil / Argentina / Paraguay, I had my hotel in Brazil and visited the Brazilian side of the falls. And I went to Argentina to see las cataratas from there. How to get to Paraguay? It would be possible to walk over the bridge and the border, but the temperatures were to high for such a hike.
Continue reading “With a taxi to Paraguay”Parque das Aves
When entering the rain forest around Foz do Iguaçu you will mostly don’t see too many animals. Having a look at the birds and reptiles living at this spot is possible when visiting the Parque das Aves in Foz do Iguaçu.
Continue reading “Parque das Aves”The Brazilian view on the Falls
The Brazilian part of Cataratas do Iguaçu is smaller then the Argentinian side. It is also part of a National park preserving the area. It is mainly one route leading you from an entry point along the river directly under the falls. It is an easy walk but if you don’t like to get wet (at normal Brazilian temperatures absolutely no problem) you have to prepare.
Continue reading “The Brazilian view on the Falls”Don’t cry for me Argentina
Going to the Argentinian side of the falls means leaving Brazil and therefore you first have to wait at border control. And receive a nice stamp within your passport. The Cataratas del Iguazú are part of a state park which is often pretty much crowded. We had the chance to go directly to the Sheraton hotel within the park and walk from there.
Continue reading “Don’t cry for me Argentina”The Romantic Palace of Schwerin
Located on an island within the Schweriner See you’ll find Schwerin Palace, a stronghold from the year 1845. It is a designated World Heritage site and always worth a visit – even if it is only for a walk through the wonderful park.
Continue reading “The Romantic Palace of Schwerin”