|
Wednesday, 6th April - Day 1 (Joan L.)
Today we leave Florianopolis and all its natural beauty. We leave with wonderful memories of our hosts, the mayor and his deputy, the dinners, beaches, etc. Most of us have seen the whole island and we have all had many good times with our new friends.
About to leave Florianópolis
We meet at the bus. As usual there are many photographs, hugs, and tears. At last we're off, up along the beautiful Costa Esmeralda, passing Itapema, with it's protected bays and clear water, a place for underwater diving and sailing, then Balneario Camboriú, a high-rise city with beautiful beaches and resort facilities.
At Barra Velka, a fishing community where the lake runs parallel to the beach, we leave the ocean and start inland and up onto the plateau. We stop for lunch at Joinville, where we pay according to the weight of our lunch. Joinville's citizens are mainly of German descent and proud of their prosperous, clean and safe city.
Disaster strikes soon after and we stop at a service station to replace a filter on the bus. The heat and winding roads have taken their toll.
At last we reach Curitiba, 900 metres above sea level, and meet our new hosts in front of Government House. First a visit to the impressive Mayoral Office where we meet the Minister of Tourism and his beautiful daughter, then home to our new homes.
 
This evening we have a sumptuous dinner at the Restaurant Estancia Gaucha Grill with plenty of meat. It is a pleasant surprise to see our Curitiba Metropolitana Ambassadors from last year attending. It has been a long day so we leave to get ready for our sightseeing bus tour tomorrow.
o (Margaret & Peter J.)
We had to be at the bus stop by 9 am for a tearful farewell to our wonderful Florinaópolis hosts. We were certainly sad to say goodbye to Ana Helena and Eduardo as we felt we had become really good friends. Our week with them had been memorable. Everyone else in our group had a great week and enjoyed staying with their hosts, and all said that they felt it would be hard for anything else to be as good!
Our bus was luxurious! On one side there was only one seat and on the other two seats which were well spaced and had foot-rests. The chairs tilted so that one could have really slept. If only we had such comfort on our plane flights!
We headed north on the same road we had gone on yesterday to Camborioú - wonder-fully lush pasture with high mountains as a backdrop. We stopped for lunch near Joinville at a place really designed as a bus way station. For lunch we had a wide choice from sandwiches, hamburgers or the buffet, which was the same system we saw in Florianopolis where the plate was weighed and we paid by the weight.
Many slept after lunch as the bus started to descend the mountains. On one stretch the bus driver stopped the bus as we had engine problems. After a short stop he managed to get us going and we continued on to a service station when we stopped again. Apparently the bus needed a new oil filter. All this meant we were delayed somewhat - we didn't arrive in Curitiba until after our expected time of 5pm.
We were met by our new hosts, although some hosts were not able to be there as they were working. There was some confusion as to who was to stay with whom but eventually all was sorted out. We walked across the road to the Council Chambers for our Mayoral Reception. The Mayor was “in a meeting” so we were greeted by the Minister for Tourism for Curitiba. He had a very able interpreter although it was obvious he actually did understand English to some extent. He probably didn't want to lose face by speaking English - perhaps making an error. Also present was the Tourism Minister's daughter aged 16, and very glamorous and attractive. Peter was given a beautiful book on “Atlantic Forests” for the Club. This book was as heavy as lead and, fortunately, Don has offered to carry it home for us.
After the reception we went back with Odete (Curitiba ED) to her apartment. She has obviously given us her bedroom and is sleeping on a sofa in a small bedroom. Her apartment is very small but attractively furnished. Her apartment is in a high-rise, and if we put our head out our bedroom window we could see the soccer stadium.
Odete's English is difficult to understand but it is fun trying to express things in a way that she can understand. We were able to have a short, much needed, rest before we left for the Welcome Dinner at Estancia Gaucha Grill - a churrascoria similar to the one we went to in Florianopolis. These are fascinating restaurants which were described to us as Brazilian barbeques. The restaurant has a large pit of hot coals and, over this, very long skewers with different types of meat on them. We were given a plate and selected salads from a salad bar. Then the waiters started coming around each with a different meat. We were asked if we would like some of the particular meat each had and some would be sliced off onto our plate. There were so many different types of meat that there was no way anyone could have eaten all of them.
I was sitting opposite a German girl, Uta, who said she spoke no English but did speak a little. Also opposite was a 16 year old girl, Vanessa, who spoke much more English, having learnt at school for 4 years. She said she hoped to visit Australia one day. It is fun trying to converse but also tiring. I went to sleep in the car going home.
Thursday, 7th April - Day 2 (Don & Joan M.)
After meeting at Government House we set off for a tour of the city's parks. The first was the German Park where we followed the story of Hansel and Gretel, depicted on boards set out in ceramic tiles, and then to the witch's house where our two Joans turned into witches riding their brooms.
Reconstructed German church that honours the German settlers in south east Brazil
The second park was Tangua Park, created from an old quarry - it is considered to be one of the most beautiful parks with stone walls, waterfalls and lakes.
Then an enjoyable break for lunch at a restaurant where you chose what you wanted and then it was weighed and you paid by weight.
Then to Joao Paulo, named in memory of the Pope after his visit to Curitiba. It contains seven houses constructed entirely without nails - one of them is a church and there is a painting of the black virgin.
The wired opera house was very different, built with tubular iron and covered with a wire screen similar to the Paris Opera House.
Then on to the botanical gardens and an orchid display.
Our evening ended with a visit to a restaurant owned by a friend of our hosts who invited us for dinner. The specialty of the house was Swiss Potatoes, a dish made from grated potato formed into a mould and filled with onions, meat, tomatoes and herbs, then baked - most delicious.
Friday, 8th April - Day 3 (Maureen & Terry M.)
The day was going to be a very busy time for us. We were taken by our host, Reginaldo, through the peak-hour traffic to the main railway station at Curitiba at 7:30 am. All of our people were there in time for the 8 am departure of the Serra Verde Express train which links the cities of Paranagua, Morretes and Curitiba.
Theodoro and Odete from the Curitiba Friendship Force club came with us. Theodoro did a fantastic job as our tour guide. We were no sooner on our journey when morning tea, including beer, was supplied to us. Before we got to the mountain range, which was called Serra do Mar, we passed through lovely flat country and saw many Araucaria trees which are the symbol of the State of Paraná.
The railroad was built more than a century ago, and it is today one of the main tourist destinations in the State of Paraná. It was one of the boldest engineering works of the times (more than one hundred years ago).
The journey provided many magic moments such as 13 tunnels excavated in granite boulders, 30 metal-framed bridges, high mountains and several viaducts which are all part of this fantastic trip. The first tunnel we entered was 447 meters long, and the highest point of our train trip was 955 meters high. The train line is used quite extensively, and at one time we passed a goods train that was 86 carriages long and had six engines either pushing or pulling. One of the bridges we crossed over was called “The Mother-in-Law” bridge - obviously a great place to get rid of your mother-in-law!
We departed the train at Morretes and we had a bus waiting for us. The bus took us to a town called Antonina which was on the coast, and we had a great view of the Paranaque Bay. We also visited a lovely little church at Antonina called The Holy Mother of Pillar.
We were then taken back to the town of Morretes where we had a very traditional meal of Barrowieado, which is a meat cooked for 14 hours and then mixed with mandioca. It is a typical food of the State. Despite the name it was very tasty. The restaurant was situated on the river and called Restaurant Panoramico.
At this stage Jo realized she had lost her reading glasses - probably left them on the train. Theodoro came to the rescue and called the train station, and yes, they had been handed in, and Jo was able to collect them when we drove back past the railway station. Jo said that St. Christopher never lets her down!
Our trip back to Curitiba was by bus. In 10 miles we climbed 908 meters through the lush forest of Mata Atlantica (a natural environment for thousands of species with its lush vegetation). Arriving back in Curitiba we no sooner stopped at our pick-up point when the heavens opened up and rain poured down in torrents. Rather than get wet we decided to stay in the bus and ride the storm out. Luckily the storm only lasted about 5 minutes.
We went home to rest as the program had us going out to a dinner and dance show at 9:30 pm.
So, we all rested for a while and then got up and dressed and went to the Dinner and Cultural Latin Show in the Centro district. The place was called Café Tortoni. Yes, dinner was served about 10:30 pm, and many of our group enjoyed the dance band and dance floor before the main dance show started well after 12:00 pm. It was tango and samba dancing done by four young couples. It was very good despite the late hour.
Well, about 1:15 am our long, long day of approximately 19 hours ended.
Saturday, 9th April - Day 4 (Geoff & San M.)
About 11 am Brazilian time we meet up in front of the State Building and then set off in a convoy and drive through industrial suburbs into the country. After passing through the Portal of Polenci, and continuing past the Polish Emigrant memorial and Lake Passavana (drinking water for Curitiba), we eventually arrive at the country house of Carlos and Eloisa.
Even weekend driving has its hazards. The passengers in the various cars following Neusa's VW (her "Ferrari") say grateful prayers for having arrived safely! Henk gets out all covered in sweat - Lorraine commented he must be hot - “No”, he says, “It's the fear factor!!!”
Up the drive to be greeted by Briss the Boxer. Soon saw a hummingbird “kiss the flower”
Most hosts and ambassadors arrive and much friendly chatting gets underway. Starting with a small caipirinha which we are all rather getting to like followed by lots of beer etc. and appetizers of cabernosi sausage grilled and dipped into dried polenta.
Much ribbing when Terry pokes a fork into Jan's backside and she says “I hope that's your fork, Terry - better check it out, I felt a big prick!!!!!”
We talk to two young men, cousins, and former exchange students to Oz and get some tips on the “Falls” (Iguassu Falls). Also hear some interesting history about Brazil (see note at end of segment)
Lunch was on the verandah with a view of the Lake - a BBQ chef had been employed and in good Brazilian time we all settled down to another wonderful home-made buffet of steak, cream of chicken, salad, manioc, couscous, potato salad, onions, tomato salsa and green salad. Lots of Brazilian music.
After lunch some of us go for a walk down to the Lake. Back for cake and tea, and then time to drive home, for some, a scary prospect, depending on who had been drinking what. However, we did all arrive home safely, some a little greyer than others!
Geoff needs his glasses fixed by an optometrist, and very kindly Roberto, Tanya, their two little girls and a niece offer to come to with our host Neuza and her daughter Larissa to translate. We finish up in a very elegant mall and Geoff finds it easy to have his glasses fixed, but (Brazilian style) it takes 5 adults and 20 mins to buy 2 batteries for his camera. While we wait for the glasses, we are all so grateful and exhausted so we buy ice creams and hot chocolate fudge sundaes for everybody, content to watch the passing parade of beautiful curvy Brazilian girls, and pondering how they manage to pour themselves into their clothes top and bottom and look so sexy and gorgeous, but not tarty. Can't believe how good those kids of Roberto and Tanya's are, not even a whimper, and they must have been very tired. How kind these people are to look after us like this.
Home to no dinner which was fresh bakery rolls and divine coffee. Another enjoyable hour delving into the dictionary, spent swapping family stories with our host, and watching videos of Larissa's dancing school concert.
HISTORY:
The King of Portugal was taken to Brazil during the war with Napoleon, and at the end of hostilities Portugal wanted him to return.
He was married and left his son Peter in Brazil.
Eventually, in early 1822, Peter was expected to return as well, but he wanted to stay in Brazil.
Stay day, Sept 7 is an important day for Brazil - Peter declared independence from Portugal and became first King of Brazil, 1822 - 1835.
Peter 2nd only reigned for 5 years then, peacefully, a republic was declared.
|
Sunday, 10th April - Day 5 (Lorraine O'S.)
Today is our free day to spend with our hosts. Norma has offered to take me to the Fair which is all arts, crafts and food in the old area of Curitiba. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the city.
We had to collect her sister from upstairs who is 93 (doesn't look it) and lives by herself, then we made our way across town to the home of another older sister who is widowed and has two noisy dogs who guard her and keep her company. We then drove to the Fair. It is always exciting driving with Norma. I'm sure my foot and finger-prints will remain forever imprinted in her car!
The market place was very crowded, lots of stalls - it was very colourful and noisy and so many interesting things to look at.
We stopped and spoke to many stall-holders as Norma felt very proud to have a guest from Australia staying with her. We bumped into Roma and Claudia and then later met Maureen, Terry, Nina and Reginaldo. Terry had earlier been stopped by someone and asked if he was “Il Papa”. I'm sure if he had been dressed in the robes and headgear and stood in the Square he would have had all the crowds at his feet!
There are many beautiful old buildings in this area, one being a church built in 1537. We went into the city's memorial building made of glass and metal and shaped like the araucaria pine tree that is a very important symbol to the people here, very similar to our bunyah pines. There is a fantastic mural set up high which depicts the arriving of the Portuguese in their ships, and of the slaves right down to modern day happenings, music, dance, labour, etc. It was definitely a great photo stop.
We found a nice cool restaurant to have lunch in. It was good to sit down for a while and be out of the hot sun. Norma knew the lady who owned the restaurant so we chatted to her for a while before we left to go home. Norma needed a rest before we set off again to see the Oscar Niemeyer Museum which is an amazing building and a real landmark in this beautiful city.
Hosts and Ambassadors Inside ‘The Eye’
We went up into the eye and looked out at the view of the surrounding areas, which was really lovely. The exhibitions of art and sculpture were fantastic but photography was not allowed which was disappointing. It was extremely crowded as there was also a Buddhist Exhibition on, and lots of people lining up to wash water over Buddha - quite an amazing scene.
To finish our day, we drove to Norma's surrogate daughter's place and had late afternoon tea and chatted for a while, and looked at photo albums, and then it was home to relax and have an early night.
Monday, 11th April - Day 6 (Don S.)
We departed the city at 9.00 am for a day in the country.
Our bus took us west of Curitiba on a morning that started quite overcast, but as we left the city behind, the sun broke through the cloud and we were in for a hot, humid and almost windless day. Thank goodness for the water bottles! Passing through what appeared to be well-watered and fertile countryside, we saw sheep, cattle and crops interspersed with large pine plantations.
Very soon we arrived at the Vila Velha State Park. At the reception centre a short film was shown on the geological attractions of the Park and how they had been formed. I noticed on the walls, photographs and names of many of the more interesting plants to be found in the area.
It was then off in the Park bus to inspect first hand the river, lakes, sink-holes and sandstone formations. It was interesting to learn that all the sink-holes were joined by an underground river. Where the river appeared above ground it was shallow and the water clear as crystal. It seemed also well-stocked with fish.
The sandstone formations were formed 300 million years ago by the action of glaciers and rivers, and they have been eroded by wind and rain over the millenia into numerous grotesque shapes. They were quite photogenic, particularly those which had become hosts to masses of lichens and tillandsias growing in the numerous minute crevices on the vertical surfaces. As we walked around we came across a large tortoise and evidence of wild pigs scratching up the ground for tender roots and bulbs.
After exiting the Park, a lovely buffet style lunch was enjoyed at a Mennonite Co-operative. The Co-operative also sold a wide variety of cheeses.
The return to the city concluded a most interesting and enjoyable day.
Tuesday, 12th April - Day 7 (Jan & Barry S.)
One of the best days of the week. We met in the city for a tour of downtown, and some of us went to the museum - one of the biggest complexes in Curitiba - it has an auditorium that holds 400 people. The external structure resembles a big eye.
After lunch, we met our Hosts for an afternoon of shopping at one of the nicer shopping centres.
In the evening, we had our Farewell Dinner at the world's largest restaurant (Restaurant Madalosso) which holds 4,800 people. We had a small room with a band, so we enjoyed dancing and trying to learn the tango.
 
 
These Shoes Were Made For Dancin'....
The meal was nice, the wines were awful, but the company made up for the wines.
A good finish to an enjoyable week.
Click to go to São Paulo page for our third and final week which begins tomorrow.....
|
