So, as you know, I am here in Brazil for the World Cup. I am staying in a city in the state of Paraná. So, since most of you haven’t been here, I think I should show you guys around. Even though I’ve been here awhile, I haven’t been around a lot, and a lot less than I would like. Since it’s technically winter here, the days are short and there are a lot of rainy days. It’s far from the stereotypical “Brazil” that most people have in mind. The people are not running around half naked, in fact, they are well covered since it’s is fairly chilly. However, the city has it’s own beauty and charm with many parks, markets, and a lovely downtown. I’m so glad to call this place my home this summer. Everyone, I would like to welcome you to Curitiba, Brazil.
The market near my house where we go every Saturday.
In the Jardim Botânico with part of the skyline in the background.
Jardim Botânico’s greenhouse at sunset.
Just a little piazza in downtown.
A university building! Isn’t it gorgeous?!
Downtown
A flower shop and cafe downtown.
Another piazza
Bus Stop
I mean…who doesn’t think this is beautiful?
Pedestrian road to shop.
Museu Oscar Niemeyer
A church lit up at night.
A craft market in the historical centre.
This is a good lesson for all of you who do travel. While the icons of a country are icons for a reason, and I do encourage you to visit them, remember there is a whole country beyond the borders of them. If I had just gone to Rio, I wouldn’t have been able to see this area of the country. France is not just Paris, and Italy is not only Rome. There are many other places to discover that haven’t been marked by tourism industry. When you go beyond the icons, you find there is another country with a whole different culture than what you imagined, it is a raw image of the natives. You learn the true nature of the people. Explore different regions, and take a phrase book! I wouldn’t count on people knowing English when you go away from tourist centres and into the back country. Talk to locals as much as you can. You usually have some of the best conversations with them, and they can tell you the truth about how life is in that country. Don’t be nervous. Just do it, because beauty is best seen when not tainted by foreign influence to show stereotypes. My experience here in Brazil would have not been the same, if I had decided to just go to Rio. These pictures show that going out of the normal is good. I love my host city of Curitiba, and I hope the pictures make you love it too!
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