A trip to the Northeast

Not quite like the US Northeast, in Brazil the land is hot and dry in parts, and has beautiful beaches in others. The dunes, as are the beaches, are known worldwide. The area is popular with tourists from all over the world for its attractions (you can even go for a camel ride on the beach), its food and its culture.

Here in Rio you can have just a little impression of the last two in the FEIRA PARAIBA, or Feira São Cristovão, in Sáo Cristovão. The place is open Tue thru Th from 10 to 4pm and from Friday 10am to Sunday 10pm. There is food, music, dancing, shows and typical objects. In the evenings it is crowded and hot, I recently went on a Friday afternoon around 4pm and it was very pleasant, not all restaurants were open, of course, but a group was playing forro (typical and very enticing dance) and some of the locals were dancing and swaying to the music.

Can you imagine having lunch with 3 of your best friends for all of  $25?

Sweets galore

chorinho na praça

Should you happen to go up to the Corcovado by the little train which leaves from Cosme Velho (it is suggested that you get tickets in advance, especially in the summer, as the lines can be quite long) and it is a Saturday, you might consider going down the Avenida Laranjeiras a bit more and turn into Rua General Glicério. Soon you will get to the open market (feira) and in the square there will be music, chorinho to be precise, a type of Brazilian popular music. Chorinho means ´little lament´ but in fact the music is quite happy.

This neighborhood is off the usual tourist track and quite charming. Make sure to try a pastel, a deep-fried pastry filled with usually cheese or meat or hearts of palm

The market and entertainment happens every Saturday until about 2pm

Need to add pics