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Background: Following three centuries under the rule of Portugal, Brazil became an independent nation in 1822. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil overcame more than half a century of military intervention in the governance of the country when in 1985 the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader. Highly unequal income distribution remains a pressing problem.

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By anne125
September 28th 2009

Sao Luis South America » Brazil » Maranhão » São Luis

Sao Luis - L´hotel

Suite a Olinda, nous avons repris le bus pour Sao Luis, ville sur le Nord du Bresil. Pour la petite histoire, les Francais ont cree la ville en 1612 et se sont fait virer pas les Portugais, qui voulaient le Bresil pour eux seuls! Bref, ancienne ville coloniale aux portes de l Amazone, l´architecture de certains batiements du centre rappelle la periode coloniale, mais le melange avec les batiments en ruines d´a cote n´offre pas un spectacle tres ravissant. En gros, je n´ai pas trop aime cette ville.. Trop chaud et humide, rien de special a visiter si ce n´est que [View Full Entry]

By Dave125
September 26th 2009

Sao Luis South America » Brazil » Maranhão » São Luis

We arrived yesterday at the bus station not really knowing where we were going to go, all we knew is that we need to get eventually to Belem at the Amazon so got the bus to Sao Luis. I am starting to get used to the bus times here, when they say it will take 24 hours it will actually take an extra three as this has happened on nearly all our buses!! For the first time we got great seats on the bus right up the front so no toilet smell and no one reclining their seat into my face [View Full Entry]

By hkwoody
September 10th 2009

Fantastic Results of The Aeolian Process South America » Brazil » Maranhão » Barreirinhas

Doesn't Look Good

I know it's an odd title but it's the best I could come up with. The Parque Nacional Lencois de Maranhenses is literally at the end of the road, to keep going east from here - which is what we wanted to do - needs off road 4x4's, plenty of time, a lot flexibility and tons of patience. We don't have some of these so went on a long day trip from Sao Luis, it was a good decision and well worth the travel time, the place is sensational. After a 5am !!!!! start we got to Barreirinhas where we transferred [View Full Entry]

By hkwoody
September 9th 2009

Marooned :-(((( South America » Brazil » Maranhão » São Luis

Alcantara Pier

Yesterday we took a trip from Sao Luis to Alcantara which is a bit over 20km away by boat - the only way to get there. There were a handful of passengers for the crossing which was a bit choppy - a swell of ~2m and whitecapped waves - but only a bit over an hour so not too bad. Alcantara is an interesting place and great for a day trip. It was built in the 18th century, fell into decay, is now being partially restored but still has a few derelict buildings and mansions in amongst the habitated places. After [View Full Entry]

By Viajerong Pinoy
July 28th 2009

COBBLED STREETS AND AZULEJOS South America » Brazil » Maranhão » São Luis

SAO LUIS

Jean Marc and I got picked up by the taxi at the hostel and 4 hours later we arrived in Sao Luis, we got dropped off at a nice Hostel called Pousada Lagoon in the new part of town, recommended by Jean Marc's friend, a little misunderstanding there, JM thought he will stay with him in his house but he booked us a hostel instead, nevertheless quite good for the 30 reais per person price, and has wifi and en suite toilet. We freshened up then walked the town, the new part that is, quite busy as we walked down the [View Full Entry]

By Viajerong Pinoy
July 27th 2009

LENCOIS MARANHENSES South America » Brazil » Maranhão » Barreirinhas

LENCOIS MARANHENSES FROM ABOVE

Arriving in Barrerinhas around just past 2pm, right away I was not impressed with the town, lots of people out on the street and it is very hot here, not so clean either. We asked the truck driver to drop us off at the Pousada Porto near the water's edge but it was full and all of the hostels and Pousadas around it, we were told Brazilians were on vacation and came here in droves especially weekends, we found a hotel but super expensive, 150 reais for a double, we asked the truck driver to look for some more, we saw [View Full Entry]

By jlbarbe2
July 3rd 2009

There must be enough love for the whole world South America » Brazil » Maranhão » São Luis

brazil photos kates camera 007

So without the constant barrage of the senses of the historic district, the culture shock has subsided substantially. Today I was really able to just sit back and appreciate the beauty of this place and really kind of fall in love with it. A friend we made had a car and drove us around town a little and to the train station to check on ticket prices to Belem. (yeah we changed plans and will probably take a train on saturday) It was nice to just sit and ride and listen to some music while watching the scenery pass. It had [View Full Entry]

By jlbarbe2
July 1st 2009

My mother wants to meet you South America » Brazil » Maranhão » São Luis

brazil photos kates camera 006

So the title is in reference to the fact that alot of people here say this to us. I am told it is because we are from the United States and they are very proud of their children for learning english well enough to show us around and invite us over. So life in the country has proven much nicer than in the historical center. Mostly because we are not in a hotel and we get fresh air. It is nice to have a kitchen to cook meals in. We have been cooking them alot of meals and they for us [View Full Entry]

By jlbarbe2
July 1st 2009

... South America » Brazil » Maranhão » São Luis

I have found that the hardest part of studying a culture first hand is the language barrier. You can witness something first hand and make judgements and analysis, but his is useless in large part without an understanding of the background. And aquiring backgrounds is difficult if you do not speak the language. This trip is extremely overwhelming, absolutely incredible and very frustrating. I have never been out of the United States before. I have tried but something has always gotten in the way. I sometimes question whether or not I should have ever come here, but in large part I [View Full Entry]

By jlbarbe2
June 27th 2009

Movin to the country... South America » Brazil » Maranhão » São Luis

brazil photos kates camera 223

... gonna eat me alot of passion fruit. Study abroad is finished! I still have a paper to turn in by July 12th but the classes are done and we are out of that noisy ass hotel! We are going to be staying with a friend for about a week in his orchard. It is soooo much nicer than the hotel AND I dont have classes 8 hours a day! AND I am not sick anymore! We are recovering and chillin with our friend josh. Yesterday I got my hair cut by an old man with shaky hands who has been [View Full Entry]

Travel Blog » South America » Brazil » Maranhão