OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND

An uncommon view of the Sugar Loaf, in Rio de Janeiro. The image, taken by the Sao Jose dos Campos University, unveils the morphogenesis of the Guanabara bay. Depth at Praia Vermelha (Red Beach due to the color of its sand) reaches 100 feet. 

BLACK ROOTS OF BRAZILIAN SOUNDS

Two steps to the right, one to the left and two to the left and one to the right. Marking is done with drums without metal pegs, which were honed in the heat of an improvised lamp. 
The dance circle is formed by the colors of the  flowery skirts of the coreiras, the female dancers. In the center, one of them bears the image of St. Benedict over the head. The creole drum sounds are mixed with the voices and belly-to-belly movements of the dancers as an invitation for the next dancer to join the circle.
The creole drum from the state of Maranhao has been deemed immaterial heritage of Brazil by the Institute for National Artistic and Historical Heritage (Iphan) since 2007. It is estimated that there are over 200 drums throughout the state. Of these, 130 were recorded by the project Safeguarding of the Creole Drum. The demonstrations occur throughout the year, at no particular date, but the biggest events portrayed are the carnival and St. John´s feast.
Its origin is dubious - some say it came from Africa as a legitimate cultural manifestation. Others, like Lucia Franco, a true native dancer, report it was played by slaves to broadcast to neighboring slave rural ghettos any outcoming taking to flight. Dance was  a mere coverup.

BRAZIL IS....

A 500-YEAR-OLD COUNTRY

Imagine an old big country, so huge that no one can invade. You have few examples like USA, China, Russia and Australia. All of them were born by conquests, acquisitions, wars or merges. Not here. Brazil is the only big country that ever was Brazil, even before its discovery (search Tordesillas Treaty). 

Brazilian people have no race, no face, no color, no suit, no surname, no specification. In this world, you can't detect a brazilian by any characteristic. Brazilians are of any kind, indeed. 

And the climate? Just good weather all the year round, everywhere.

As for food, Brazilians have become natural gourmets due to vast and easy food availability. Enormous supermarket chains, fairs everywhere and big malls, spread all over the country, lead to a healthy consume of foods ranging from japanese to ubiquitous italian.

Looking for night life? There is no other country that sleeps so late. Heavy midnight traffic. São Paulo (the whole city) never sleeps. Beaches (8.000 km) are filled with little bars, and smaller cities also carry through the night easily, with loud samba or forró(NW) rhythm.

Police and public service? Not so bad, but no one counts on them.

MORE by: Marcos Ficarelli