Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.
The history of Ilha Grande – an island 150 km west of Rio de Janeiro – is somehow dark and contrasts heavily to its current beauty. First, the island was the Brazilian equivalent to Ellis Island; European emigrants had to stay on the island before coming into the country. Later the island became a sick bay in time of Leprosy and until 20 years ago: A high security prison.
Continue reading “Nature wonderland”
Well, Angra dos Reis is no beauty. The town 150 km west of Rio de Janeiro is mostly known for being an important port for travellers going to Ilha Grande. When I arrived I had to give back my rental car at the agency Localiza. My GPS system was directing me to a strange place where no rental company was to be suspected.
Continue reading “Gateway to paradise”
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.
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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 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”