Bustling Brazil
Brazil, might be known as the big country in South America that is bustling with people, wildlife, culture, and sports. But to me, it is the country that I am traveling to in the blog and hopefully someday in real life. Recently, Brazil has been in a bad spotlight due to the outbreak of the zika virus which was causing major birth defects and the past Summer Olympics. The mystery around the zika virus and its correlation and causation of birth defects as well as causing illness has been a deterrent to potential visitors. That along with the problems the Brazilian government had with setting up and running the Olympics, from locking them selves out of arenas to problems with the water, to even just the fact that most cities of Brazil are highly (if not over) populated could be reason enough for an average traveler to bail. Yet my curiosity and innate desire to see and experience different lands and cultures pull me the the home of the Amazon forest.
In Rio de Janerio, my trip will begin. With the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue looking out over the city and the beaches, I would love to spend a sunny day on the beach playing volleyball and soccer with locals, enjoying the ocean waves, and the local flavor of feijoada. Although, I doubt I would understand any Portuguese, the influence of history and Brazil’s past would add to the cultural experience. Brazil was first colonized by the Portuguese and then was under the United Kingdom until it established it’s independence. Rio is also home to Carnival. Oh how I would absolutely love to see and experience Carnival. The costumes, parades, dancing, and parties are unrivaled to anything I can imagine. Another almost mythical part of Brazil is the wildlife.
As you probably know, Brazil is home to the Amazon river and rain forest. The Amazon is home to a host of amazing biodiversity. From leopards, to piranhas, to parrots, touring the rain forest would show the incredible vast number of organisms that share the river and rain forest with the remaining indigenous tribes. Although the large amount of dangerous or poisonous plants, frogs, fish, and animals is a little daunting, it would be a truly humbling experience to sheer size of the Amazon. Beyond the wildlife found in the Amazon, a different type of wildness can be found in the crowds of fans of the Brazilian soccer team.
Brazil’s men soccer team is considered to be one of the best in the world. Brazil’s team was not always considered one of the best in the world but thanks to Pelé, Brazil’s sports have kicked off and shot to the top. While the sports are top notch, the fans are equally crazy and enthusiastic. Being in the stadium with the Brazilian soccer team playing would be unforgettably energetic.
Overall, visiting Brazil is bound to be eventful and invigorating. This amazing experience is just waiting for an adventurous spirit to take a flight down into the Southern Hemisphere.
I really enjoyed your approach to this passion blog by explaining your fantasy travels. This is a very unique way of describing a place. I found many relatable points in your blog. To start off the research lab that I am a part of is working with the Zika virus and you are 100 % correct there is little knowledge on the virus which makes it very difficult to study. As far as seeing the iconic Christ statue I would also love to see that as well being that I am quite spiritual. Last but not least you mentioned playing volleyball. Lately, I’ve been wanting to play and I could only imagine how satisfying it would be to play in such a beautiful place like Brazil.