Like
England, it's the south of Brazil that
is wealthier and more developed. More specifically
the state of Rio Grande do Sul - the country's southern most
part - is rich in industry and is famous for being
culturally rich, for Churrasco,
Gaúchos,
Chimarrão
and for manufacturing great shoes.
The inhabitants of this
region are known as Gaúchos although these days they don't all
go round on horseback.
The climate is very similar
to England in the winter and the locals also drink a lot
of tea.
The cultural influence is
heavily Italian and German and this can be seen in most towns
and cities within the state.
My favourite stop on our tour
of this state was Gramado. For me it was the
jewel in the crown of this visit.
Imagine Bavaria South
American style, brushed over with lots of Disney and you are
somewhere close to imagining how pretty and quaint this city
is. The place thrives on tourism and is famous for
chocolate. Penguins, personalised hearts and eggs
and Father Christmases in varying shades of brown and white
welcome you to the practically cocoa-paved streets of
Gramado. Everything you could need exists here it's just
that it's usually made of chocolate. The novelty of the
items is inevitably seductive for the passing tourist,
although I have to admit I was a little bit disappointed by the
actual taste and quality of the chocolate.
Nevertheless, this city is a
must-see if you ever find yourself in Rio Grande do
Sul.
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