Futebol, Samba, Capoeira, Ginga, Picanha, Vida e Amor - the travels continue in one week, destination Brazil! This will be my 6th trip to the heart of futebol, the first visit to the south of the country - with planned stops in Florianópolis, Porto Alegre and São Paulo. The previous visits for the 2013 Confederations Cup, 2014 World Cup and adventures in love included Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador, Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro. During these visits, which included living in Fortaleza for 6 months, I learned the language and experienced first hand the rich life of the country. Futbol runs through their veins and offers many with a hope for a better life. The rhythm of samba beats through every movement and attitude of the Brazilian people, and is evident in everything they do - in complete silence you can feel the samba. Ginga is the mystical quality of movement that is only possessed by Brazilians, and plays a key role in their futebol dominance. Ginga is the fundamental movement in Capoeira, which was the motivation behind having an instructor at the 2021 Sultan Summer Gala. Immersing myself in their culture provides me with invaluable futbol and life education, and explains my insatiable appetite to experience life, and learn the history of this amazing country.
Futebol
Similar to my recent European trip, I will meet with coaches, observe trainings and attend matches, including Avai vs São Paulo FC, Juventude vs Fluminense, Internacional vs Flamengo, and São Paulo vs Palmeiras.
Picanha
The Gaucho tradition runs deep in Southern Brazil. Gauchos are known as traditional cowboys born and raised across the region where they formed a culture and way of life that is truly unique. With a love for culture and cuisine focused around meat and a barbecue style technique of preparing and cooking (churrasco), Gauchos have carried their age-old traditions founded on family farms for centuries. Hospitality is a hallmark of the Gaucho culture that is passed down from generation to generation. Traditional Brazilian Gauchos grew up preparing, cooking and serving delicious cuts of meat and savory side dishes for their families, friends, and guests for any celebration or gathering, and continue to do so today on family farms and homes throughout Southern Brazil. Gaucho tradition still remains strong – in and out of Brazil. The gaucho heritage continues to be honored in the form of Antonio Caringi’s famous sculpture, O Laçador, which has remained a cultural icon since 1954. It depicts the Gaucho way of life, and was later named the official symbol of Porto Alegre, Brazil in 1992. Today, it stands and is represented as a historic monument, and a permanent tribute to Gaucho culture.
Vida e Amor
Florianópolis - every single person I talk to has the same raving review of Florianopolis, the capital of Santa Catarina - an enchanting island off the southern coast regarded as a special place filled with gorgeous beaches, great surf and delicious seafood. Many of the beaches are only accessible by foot or by boat, making it a fantastic location to soak up the sun in peace. The island was originally colonized by fishermen, and some of the old fishing villages and traditions still exist today.
Porto Alegre - the capital of Rio Grande do Sul lies on the eastern bank of the Guaiba Lake, where five rivers converge to form the Lagoa dos Patos, a giant freshwater lagoon. Located in the southernmost state of the country, the gaucho culture is shared with Uruguay to the south, and Argentina to the west. Rival clubs Gremio and Internacional dominate the Futebol landscape.
São Paulo - Brazil’s vibrant financial center, is among the world's most populous cities, with numerous cultural institutions and a rich architectural tradition. Futebol clubs include Palmeiras, Corinthians, São Paulo FC - among others.
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