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Summer in January: A Trip to the East Coast of Brazil
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By May on
January 12, 2010
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What to do when it’s cold and wet outside and you’re stuck in Dirty Jerz? Call up your Brazilian roommate from freshman year and book a trip to Sao Paulo Guarulhos International airport, I say. And when you’re in Brazil, soaking up some nice 30 ℃ weather - even thinking about all that homework you haven’t done yet won’t get you down.
First, take a trip down to Riviera de São Lourenço, one of the poshest beaches in Brazil, with some of your best friends. The trip is about 3 hours away by car from Sao Paulo, and here you can get the eyeful of all those Brazilian hot young things. The Riviera has long been known as the "rich people beach," and the consensus out there is that this beach is filled with some of the most good-looking young people in Brazil. The beach is gated, too, so no worries here about safety. It is also filled with locals, so no tourist trap here—time to practice that Portuguese! In fact, most of the visitors to this beach own apartments of their own, but no worries if you or your parents don’t own a piece of the Riviera. Book a stay at hotel Ilha da Madeira, the perfect crash for you and your friends, breakfast included.
While lounging on the beach getting that perfect tan, munch on pastels, a traditional Brazilian beach snack kind of like a fried empanada, filled with either meat or cheese, and sip on some ice cold coconut water straight from the source. If you’re feeling really thrirsty from all that heat, a "tangerina" popsicle will surely do the trick—the orange, tangerine flavored ice will melt down your arm for only 2 Reais.
Oh yeah, and eat away-- no need to be self-conscious. Every Brazilian girl you see will sport an itty-bitty bikini bottom, sort of reminiscent of a thong, with no shame and all pride. Check out C.I.A Maritima, the nation’s most popular swimwear brand, for something that will definitely bring all the boys to the yard. Guys, no need to be shy either, everyone wears Speedos here. It’s Brazil baby!
Speaking of being in Brazil, you can’t miss the nightlife. While on the Riviera, check out Pucci Riviera Beachhouse, a beach-house shaped club known for its wild holiday parties, which always invites a huge line come midnight whenever some event is going on. For a more laid back vibe, restaurant-turned-club sushi dig Tare Dining Club is smaller and less packed, but becomes a pretty legit dance fest after 12:30 am.
When you become sick of the Riviera, take a short 30-minute road trip with astonishing, picturesque tropical views down to Praia de Maresias, one of Bertioga's most beautiful beaches by public consensus. Sit under a mass of yellow beach umbrellas and melt ice cubes on your knee while sipping on Skol, Brazil's national beer, that has been said to "not taste as strong as American beer but can get you drunk way faster." And while you’re at it, don't forget to try a bowl of ice-cold Acai-- discovered right here in Brazil.
Want a souvenir that lasts? While on the beach, try Tererê - ask a friendly vendor to braid colorful strings and beads into your hair that can reportedly last 20 to 25 days even after you leave the beach. One look at the mirror at yourself, resembling a thirteen-year-old tween with neon colors and plastic intertwined in your hair, and you know you're going to take it off the minute you step off the plane in the states. But now you're in Brazil, so you know what? It looks pretty damn awesome. Another Caipirinha, please.
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