“Anyone who needs more than one suitcase is a tourist, not a traveler”
― Ira Levin, Rosemary’s Baby

Brazil was hot, very hot, but I survived; and actually, managed to have fun.

For the first few days there, I worked remotely.  It was great being able to work and spend time with my family.

Then I took 4 days over Thanksgiving to travel to Serra da Canastra.   Michael had searched for a place to go.  He read about this protected national park in the state of Minas Gerais.  It is a park full of trails and waterfalls.  The tallest and most impressive one is Casca D’Anta, at over 610 feet. 

We made no real plans in advance.  We didn’t book a hotel or guide, or anything.  We rented a car and started driving towards Sao Roque de Minas, which is the closest town to the park.

The drive was gorgeous.  When we got near the town, I started looking for a pousada.  A pousada is smaller than a regular hotel, it is normally charming and provides a more familiar experience.  They all provide delicious breakfast, with tons of variety.    

We chose Pousada Barcelos based on reviews.  We got there it was already dark, and they had availability.  This was right before high season, so I knew our chances of finding a place to stay was good.

We checked in, and on their suggestion went to Velho Chico Restaurant.  We shared yucca fries and fish parmigiana with rice, beans and French fries.  I had my usual caipirinha.  Michael had a draft beer. Everything was delicious.

The staff at the pousada were the best!!  I got a list of tour guides from them, but by next morning I hadn’t connected with any yet.  I was not concerned.  I knew all would turn out okay.  To visit the park, one needs a guide or a real good 4×4.  Some of the roads are just very difficult and very hard on the vehicle.

At breakfast, a couple on the next table asked us about our plans for the day.  I mentioned that we didn’t have anything scheduled.  He offered to call his guide and see if she could fit us in.  She did.  For two days we went to waterfalls with the couple and a guide named Claudia.  She is mostly known as Loba da Canastra. Loba is a female wolf. https://www.instagram.com/lobadacanastra/

We visited waterfalls and local artisans.  Besides the landscape, this area is known for having some of the best coffee and making some of the best cheeses. 

It rained right at the moment we got to Casca D’Anta, so it was specially full, gorgeous and loud.  I left my phone in the car, so it wouldn’t get wet, so I don’t have a photo, but will get one and post later.  It is a must see! 

This couple that we met were the most awesome people.  He is such an inspiration, a lover of life and adventure.  https://www.instagram.com/jjosuelprado/

They are planning a trip to Amazonia next year, and Michael and I hope to tag along.

After 2 days there we drove to Capitolio.  To be continued… Here are some pictures of those 2 days. 

Pousada Barcelos: the inn where we stayed

A tiny village that we stopped for lunch

Lunch stop: home cooked meal on a wood burning stop. Delicious!! A variety of delicious stuff such as zucchini, okra, chayote, collard greens, pumpkin pure, pasta, chicken, etc

A little chapel at the top of a mountain. A farmer built it fulfilling a promise after a successful surgery.  It has been featured in soap operas and music clips.

Here is Michael enjoying a waterfall.  I joined him after the photo.

Igreja Matriz: the church in Sao Roque de Minas

Location of Roça da Cidade, artisanal cheese factory and store.  An award winning cheesemaker.  

Carcara: a bird from the Falcon family

    A homage to St. Francis of Assissi.  The Sao Francisco River has its origin right on this spot.  The spring is right to the right of the statue.  This river the the longest rivers that runs entirely in Brazil.

My always favorite: passionfruit caipirinha

Tilapia parmigiana

“A traveler enters the world into which he travels, but a tourist brings his own world with him and never sees the one he’s in.”
― Thomas H. Cook, The Crime of Julian Wells