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Hotels in Ubatuba

Filed under: Brazil General - December 9th, 2004

This picture I took from my room at the hotel that I was staying at in Ubatuba. It was really nice waking up and opening my window and having this incredible view. The sun starts to shine at 6:30 in the morning, so you can just imagine how hot it gets when the clock reachs 1 pm.

Most of the hotels in Ubatuba are really nice and very affordable. To rent a place in Ubatuba for the weekend you will spend less than what you think. I was there for the holidays in november 15. It was me and 3 other friends and we paid $15 U.S dollars each for 4 days at the hotel. It is an amazing deal, and you can get these deals throughout the whole year, especially during holidays.

If you are planning on travelling to Brazil, Ubatuba is a nice and affordable place to go.

The Brazilian Flag

Filed under: Brazil General - December 6th, 2004

Country: Brazil

Capital: Brasilia

Located in: South America

Language Spoken: Portuguese

Population: 180.000.000 people

Local Currency: Real (R$) - each U.S. $1.00 is worth approximately R$ 2.70

The Meanings on the Brazilian Flag:
Green - stands for the forests in Brazil
Yellow - represents Brazil’s wealth in gold
Blue - Brazil’s blue sky and ocean
White - Peace
Stars: Represent all the 26 states in Brazil and its capital
Phrase: Order and Progress

Famous Locations: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Fortaleza, Recife, Brasilia, Foz do Iguassu

The weather: Summer time during 9 months of the year, winter months rarely go below 10C.

Fortaleza

Filed under: Brazil General/ Fortaleza - December 4th, 2004

Brazilians refer to Fortaleza as “the city of light” for a good reason. Fortaleza is blessed with endless sun, sand, and coastlines that stretch for 573 kilometers. Fortaleza is an enchanting city with a population of about 2.2 million people. It’s the capital of the Northeastern State of Ceara and the fifth largest city in Brazil.

Access to Fortaleza.

Charter flights from a few European capitals to Fortaleza exist but if you live north of the equator it’s likely that you’ll have to make a connecting flight through Sao Paulo, Brasilia or Rio de Janeiro. This can be a frustrating experience because you end up having to fly pass your final destination before finally arriving in Fortaleza. This can add more hours to your flight but the inconvenience is worth every minute!

The day I stepped foot on Fortaleza I knew that I’d make this captivating city my home. It’s not difficult to fall in love with the topography and the people. The average temperate is 27 degrees Celsius thanks to the ever present wind which is harnessed to generate energy and pump scarce water. The windiest months run from July to January and this is the period when Fortaleza plays host to world kite and windsurfing events.

Fortaleza - “to experience list”

I’ve lived in Fortaleza since 1998 and during this time I’ve compiled a “must experience” list that I use to share with family and friends who visit me from around the world. The list has proven to be a smashing success and probably one you should use a reference when visiting Fortaleza.

1. There are more than 100 spectacular beaches but one worth visiting is Jericoacoara, rated as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by “The Washington Post” magazine. It’s located about 5 hours from Fortaleza. This is definitely the place to visit if you’re interested in eco-tourism.
2. Rent a beach buggy and surf the endless white waves of sand dunes. There are experienced drivers who can guide you through the sand dunes for less than $10.
3. Tuesday night is famous for live Forro music. Most tourists flock to a night club called “Pirata” to get a taste of the local dance and music scene. Forro is similar to samba. To get into the rhythm, I suggest you order a Brazilian cocktail called Caipirinha. If you’re shy or tired, this mood enhancing cocktail will lift your spirits.
4. Eat Crab at Praia do Futuro (beach of the future). Locals typically visit this beach on Thursday were they’re guaranteed plenty of fresh crab at great prices. Round trip cab fee plus crab for two shouldn’t cost more than $30. Another popular place to try crab is at the “Beach Park hotel and resort.” The beach front setting is absolutely stunning and a great place to experience one of the most exciting water parks in Brazil.
5. Visit the old town center, otherwise known as “o centro.” You’ll discover great deals on just about anything, especially local art.
6. If you want to understand the heart and soul of Brazil, you’ll definitely have to take a stroll along Beira Mar, the beach front boardwalk that is bound to stimulate all your senses. The 3 kilometer stretch is packed with street vendors, singers, capoeira dancers, restaurants, fairs that sells local handicraft, and much more. The back drop of the sun setting or rising over the Atlantic Ocean combined with hundreds of coconut trees is an experience you can’t miss.
7. While walking along Beira Mar stop for a break and order a refreshing drink of coconut water served in the shell. Take pictures. Continue walking. Take another break and ask for an exotic energetic smoothie called Acai. Continue walking. Take another break and ask for a tropical berry juice called Guarana. At the end of the boardwalk you’ll encounter the most famous ice-cream store in Fortaleza which offers a choice of more than 35 delicious flavors. I can assure you’ll only recognize a hand full of flavors because most of them are exotic fruits or plants from the Amazon. Without a doubt, if you really want to experience the pulse of Brazil, walk along the Beira Mar strip, preferably late in the afternoon or evening.

About Me: My name is Thales Panagides and I’m happily married to a beautiful girl called Glauci. I was born in Ames-Iowa but grew up on the European island of Cyprus. The question is how does someone who was born in the United States but raised in Cyprus end up in Fortaleza - Brazil? The answer is a matter of interpretation. Some call it luck, others call it destiny, but I’m sure my dream of wanting to work from a beach front apartment has a lot to do with it. I currently represent Brazilian companies abroad and have the permission and complete authorization of my wife to represent Brazilian bikinis and lingerie manufacturers. When friends ask how I am doing, my only response to them is the fitting fairytale ending of, “and he lived happily ever after.” Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about the city and while you’re at it, please check my site out at: http://www.brazilian-bikinis.net My email address is: thales@brazilian-bikinis.net

Beach Vendors

Filed under: Brazil General - December 2nd, 2004

When you think of a day at the beach, what do you think? Well, personally I try to think of everything that I may need in order to make my day at the beach enjoyable. In Brazil, many of the beaches offer you almost everything you can imagine. This allows you to have less worries about forgetting things, and allows you to have a worry free time at the beach.

When at the beaches in Brazil, you will find so many beach vendors. These vendors offer you different kinds of brazilian food, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, sunscreen, alcoholic beverages among so many other things. All of these things can be ordered from the comfort of your own seat on the beach, since the vendors will approach you and ask what you would like to get. You will feel like a queen/king.

In Brazil there are no restrictions against enjoying alcoholic beverages in public places. As well there is no need to buy beverages before making your way down to the beach. Instead, many vendors along the boardwalk are happy to make any exotic drink for you at a very reasonable price. These vendors also sell Brazilian style snacks and other exotic treats