A GUIDE TO BRAZIL
Hear the word Brazil and it's almost like a carnival erupts inside your head. You glimpse a flash of sequins and a blur of feathers from Rio's sexy street parade. You hear the roar of the crowd as Ronaldhino effortlessly flicks the ball into the back of the goal. You imagine snake-hipped dancers moving in time to sultry samba rhythms. And you feel the sand between your toes as you watch a sun-bronzed athlete send a volleyball sailing over the net. Nowhere on earth has such a zest for life and passion for partying as carefree Brazil. And few places live up to the dream as well as this tropical South American slice. Your own Brazilian adventure takes place in the northeast of the country, close to the city of Natal. And because it's at the top of the country, the flight time's not bad at all – just nine hours for a transatlantic trip to paradise. In theses parts, the people greet you like old friends, the beaches are eye-poppingly gorgeous, and the vibe as Brazilian as a carnival reveller rattling maracas and shimmying down the street. If you're looking to eat, live, party and play with some of the world's most exuberant people then book yourself a ticket, board that plane and get on down to the Brazilian fun bubble for a holiday as juicy as the limes they load into those zesty caipirinhas.
Beaches
There's no doubt about it. Mention Brazil and beaches in the same sentence and most people will come back with Copacabana, Brazil's famous party playground, where bronzed boys play sport on the sand and impossibly perfect girls pose in itsy bitsy bikinis. But there's more to Brazil's beaches than Copacabana - a lot more. In fact, the country boasts 8,500 kilometres of coastline gilded with spectacular tropical beaches and aquamarine bays. And they don't come any better than the sandy strips lacing the northeast coast around Natal. Lapped by balmy waters and backed by a swaying curtain of coconut palms, the sun-baked beaches of Via Costeira and Ponta Negra offer a real slice of paradise. Sit in the shade of a yellow and green striped parasol, cocktail in hand, and watch as the everyday theatre of Brazilian beach life unfolds around you.
Eating out
Tuck into succulent steaks and the freshest seafood, washed down with an ice-cold beer or a few glasses of wine. It's so easy to enjoy a good meal out in Brazil with a host of tempting restaurants and bars to pick from - and the prices are as impressive as the choice. You can generally enjoy a meal for two with drinks for about GBP8. A beer will cost you about 70p and a caipirinha just GBP1. If you're looking to give local specialities a go, try carne de sol, sun-dried beef, or acaraje, an Afro-Brazilian dish made with shrimps and seasonings. The national dish is feijoada, a tasty concoction of beans, pork and a garnish of oranges that you'll find on most menus. But if you'd sooner stick with what you know then choose from the range of international options on offer, like Mexican, Italian and Chinese.
Nightlife
Brazil's nightlife is legendary. After sunset, head to one of the samba clubs of Ponta Negra and experience authentic South American life. Forro is Natal's preferred style and dance floors erupt into a riot of colour and a blur of fast-moving feet as thronging crowds click their heels to the beat. If you can't make it in time for Natal's carnival, Carnatal, which explodes into life from the 30th of November until the 3rd of December, make sure you catch one of the authentic Brazilian shows. The all-singing, all-dancing spectaculars are a crazy kaleidoscope of feather headdresses and extravagant costumes that'll have you strutting down the aisles before the night is up. Of course, no night out is complete without a cocktail so once you've shown off your moves, head to the bar and order a caipirinha. You've heard them mentioned a thousand times before but in case you're not sure, it's a zesty little number made from cachaca, Brazil's national spirit, lime juice, sugar and crushed ice, guaranteed to get you in the Latin mood.
Shopping
From sleek, air-conditioned shopping malls to seafront stalls creaking under the weight of jewellery and beachwear, retail therapy is easy to come by. If you want plenty of choice, head for the city of Natal where you'll find more than enough to keep your credit card groaning. Havaianas, the flip-flops currently taking the fashion world by storm, can be snapped up for a couple of pounds – not bad compared to the prices you'll pay over here! In Ponta Negra there's a lighter dusting of shops selling everything from shoes and bags to clothes and trinkets. Meanwhile, in Via Costeira wander round classy hotel shops or peruse the souvenirs on offer from friendly beach vendors. A handy tip when it comes to currency – if you're planning on taking travellers cheques stick with American Express.
