Brazil Off the Beaten Track

by sehab saad anis (Algeria)

Making a local connection Brazil

Brazil is dominated by its vast cities and even vaster rainforests, but lying not too far from Rio de Janeiro sit the two small, lesser-known settlements of Paraty and Ilha Grande, and it was here I really fell in love with the country. After spending three days exploring the mesmerising natural beauty of the Iguassu waterfall complex, a short flight took us into the chaotic hub of Sao Paolo. Peering out of the window as we came into land, there was not an open space in sight; coming from the relative calm of the waterways, I could feel my adrenaline building, ready for city life. Personally, I love big cities, and I’d read and heard how intense Sao Paolo could be. At first sight it was quite intimidating - building upon building, sleek tower blocks and slums intertwined, and that frenetic energy you often feel at major airports felt very strong once we were on the ground; a moderate police presence combined with large groups of fast talking Brazilians certainly reinforced the sense that Sao Paolo would be a turbulent experience. However, no sooner had we landed then we began the 5-hour drive away from the city, north-east towards the coast and into the State of Rio de Janeiro and the seaside resort of Paraty.