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Brazil is another country that conjures images, whether it be of the Amazon or the Samba and Carnaval.

Brazil

Raphaelk
2004-01-30 21:40:33

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Brazil is another country that conjures images, whether it be of the Amazon or the Samba and Carnaval. Rio de Janeiro was my first stop and the harbour is regarded as a natural wonder of the world (photo 1), part of this view is Sugar Loaf mountain. This is best viewed from the Corcovado a massive art deco statue of Jesus atop a peak

Shortly after I arrived it was Carnaval time in Brazil, this started the earliest in Olinda, a picturesque little town some way north. From there I went to Salvador de Bahia, the former capital and home to the worlds largest carnival. Bahia is a very African province and as such is home to a different type of music to other parts of the country. Much of it involves larger drum sections (baterias), and it is all much more of a street party than the more famous Carnaval in Rio. The area is also home to Capoeira a martial art disguised as a dance that originates with the black slaves. It is performed in order that the overseers could not see that the participants are actually training in self defence and is accompanied by musicians.

Salvador is famous for it's laid back mentality, the clocks in the bus station are intentionally set too fast, in order that the people might actually be on time. It is said that the only thing in Salvador that is early is Carnaval which starts a few days earlier than in Rio. There are different bits of Carnaval all over the town. In the Pelorinho (the old town), there is a relaxed street party with smallish blocos (samba groups) walking circuits through the streets (photos 2-8). As the carnival progresses the starting time gets earlier so that by Saturday it is starting at midday and ending about 6a.m. There were several international participants, the most notable being a Danish samba school who improved over the days they performed, by the end they were as good as any of the other blocos. In other parts of town such as Baha and Campo Grande the street party ...

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