Gran Aventura II - chapter 2

 

We are enjoying Itapoa. It is a laid-back beach community this time of year. We understand that during the "summer" months it can be much more alive and inundated with tourists. But during these "winter" months, it is very quiet. The temps have dipped into the upper fifties at night but a very pleasant 70ish during the day. The beaches are amazing, clean and beautiful - and seem to go on forever. Jordan and I have walked two sections of the beach - each over 7 miles long! I have started most every day with a beach walk - basking in the warm morning sunshine. 

We have had some rainy days as well. Mostly just a warm mist that does not prevent a walk on the beach. But we have also had some torrential down pours that drive us inside to our books and games. 

The Portuguese language makes for an interesting challenge. Maurina understands it much better than I do. Spanish helps a little, but most people speak neither English or Spanish. Google translate is our friend. Of course, Jordan is a huge help as he speaks Portuguese fluently. We have met a few people on our daily adventures who speak some English. They love to see us and take the opportunity to practice. 

The five of us are exploring a new city this weekend. Balneario Camboriu. It was about 3 hour drive south of Itapoa. But it seems like another country. High rise condos line the quarter moon shaped bay. Beautiful beaches that are groomed, like a ski slope, overnight by work teams. I am not sure if I have been to anyplace that resembles this. It is filled with fancy people in fancy cars. The night life seems vibrant (although we were back to our rented apartment by 9:30). 

Our apartment is amazing. It has three bedrooms, spacious living room and dinning area. It is on the 15th floor overlooking the beach. Because it is off season we are.paying only $110 per night. 

Balneário Camboriú is a coastal city in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. The city is built on steep hills which drop down to the sea. It is a popular tourist destination for South Americans, who are drawn to its main ocean boulevard Avenida Atlântica (Atlantic Avenue), and who swell the city's population from 145,796 (2020 census office estimate) to over one million in the summer. Balneário Camboriú is famous for its unique beach-to-beach which links the city's central beach with the beach of Laranjeiras. The city also has a statue similar to Rio de Janeiro's Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer). Standing atop the Morro da Cruz, Cristo

Luz (Christ Light) portrays Jesus holding a circular "broad-brimmed hat" at his left shoulder, symbolizing the sun, and which houses a spotlight that shines out over the city. The Cristo Luz at 33 meters tall is only five meters shorter than the Redeemer and colorful lights both within and without the statue give it nighttime illumination. 

Brazilian money: The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real. It exchanges at 5 to 1 to the US dollar. So if something costs 50 Reals - that is about $10. Brazil is nearly a cashless country. Maurina and I have been here for almost 3 weeks now and we have not used any cash. Everything is purchased with a card. Jordan and Eliana do not carry cash. Cash is not a typical means of transaction in Brazil. (Side note, I am still confused why the English language  spells Brazil with a z when Brasil is spelled with an s.). If you wanted to give a street musician a couple of bucks, you need to scan the QR code they have displayed in there open guitar case. 

We ate dinner at an awesome Mexican restaurant, named Guacamole the other evening. There was a Mariachi group of guys going table to table. They were fun and quite good. I was wondering how they received there tips. As I watched, I never witnessed anyone giving a tip. When it came time to pay out bill, it all became clear. There was a 15R gratuity per person at the table automatically added to our bill. That's $3 per person. I was not complaining, they were good, but still I found this interesting. For the most part all gratuities are added to the bill. 

Parting shots