Brazil 2024 - Kickstarting Carnival: Family Adventures and Festivities

Getting to Barra Bonita

https://youtu.be/YYOSb8Hhppg

My journey took me to Barra Bonita, where my friend, Aila's family resides. The bus journey took about 4 hours and it was very comfortable. Arriving at the small town, Barra Bonita, got picked up Aila and treated like royalty was very nice. That day evening we had a family party where they introduced me to Brazilian delights like Caipirinha and Brazilian barbecue. Aila's mom taught me how to make

Caipirinha and I thought that she is making the drink for the whole gang by looking at the amount of sugar she was adding to the drink, but realized that it was just for me. I got the realization that with Caipirinha if the alcohol doesn’t kill you, the sugar will surely kill you. So whenever I ordered Caipirinha, I asked the bartender to add just one spoon of sugar.

The following day, we set out to explore local waterfalls and wander through the town. Brazilians have a deep appreciation for both music and nature, readily immersing themselves in the refreshing waters of the river or swaying to the tunes echoing in the park without hesitation. I managed to procure garbanzo beans from the local market to prepare channa masala for the family. With great care, I ensured minimal spice usage while cooking both the egg curry and channa masala. However, to my surprise, Aila's parents found even the slightest hint of spice overwhelming, resulting in tears as they savored the Indian cuisine.

Indian visiting Indian Stone

The following day, I had the pleasure of meeting Aila's grandmother, aunts, and the rest of her extended family. Their tight-knit bond reminded me of the close family structures often seen in Eastern cultures. After spending quality time with them, we embarked on a journey to the Pedra do Indio nature preserve, a scenic two-hour drive away. Along the way, we passed by picturesque soy farms, lush coffee estates, and farms housing genetically modified bulls without horns. Following a couple of brief hikes and relishing the scenic vista of the Indian Stone from the observation deck, we proceeded to a nearby coffee farm to indulge in some freshly brewed coffee with beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

Party Time

Once we returned home, I had my hair done by Aila's aunt and headed out to the park. As the carnival season kicked off, we opted to immerse ourselves in the festivities. It resembled a Brazilian version of Oktoberfest, where families and friends gathered to enjoy drinks, food, and thrilling rides. Many brought along chairs and coolers filled with beverages, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with music from various bands. We met a number of Aila's friends and family in the carnival area and had one too many drinks.

Despite the option of using Uber, Aila and her aunt insisted on driving me to the bus station in a nearby town, ensuring my safe departure to Sao Paulo, even in the wee hours of the morning.