The plan was to build a new capital for Brazil that would represent Brazil as a major player in the international community. Built in the shape of a cross, the city took just 4 years to build and was inaugurated on April 21st 1960.

The city of Brasilia seems to have been built as one large sculpture or piece of architecture with vast open expanses between buildings. This sense of space and distinctive separation of ‘sectors’ within the city make it rather an unfriendly destination for the pedestrian and the necessity of a car is more evident here than any other city in the world.

Visitors flock to Brasilia in the millions every year to absorb the incredible contemporary architecture that lines each street such as the glass crown shaped cathedral of Brasilia. The city is not only home to contemporary architecture though as its galleries buzz with the excitement of the most active contemporary art scene in all of Brazil.

To experience restaurants, bars and nightlife visitors will have to leave the main centre of the city behind and head into the more residential peripherals of Brasilia.
Why not take a look at the interactive map of Brasilia via the menu on the left to get a closer look at the parts of the city that interest you.

Try the extremely hot Brazilian peppers called “malagueta” or “pimenta do cheiro” from the Amazon(my favorite). Cookies & Crackers:depending on where you’re you’ll see giant bags of cookies that are sold by kilo or grams. For packaged ones,try the supermarket or bakeries.My favorite cookie is “biscoito de polvilho”,salted or sweet,they are light and airy,and melt in your mouth! Chicken,eggs & fish:you might be surprised,but they are also sold at the street markets,out of refrigerated trucks!

The famous ones are Ametist,Opal,Topaz,Citrine,Tourmaline,Emerald,etc..H.Stern jewelry shops is a great example. Brazilian gold is usually 18K. Consider buying Brazilian songs CDs. If you go to Amazonas,the souvenirs are extremely interesting-snakeskins,interesting local grab,”balagandas”(to ward off evil presences) and piranhas(deceased or shellacked).

Brazilian bananas:large or tiny,are sweet and taste fantastic,because they are not harvested green to travel around the world..Brazilians like them fried for dessert or as a garnish for meals. Brazilian oranges:there are many varieties of oranges in Brazil,including “lima”(which are not limes,but a bittersweet orange)and “laranja-lima”,also called “laranja-do-ceu”in Rio Grande Do Sul(heaven’s orange,an apt and well deserved name,considering how sweet and tasty they’re). Tangerines: are very,very sweet,you got to try them! Limes:are called “limao galego” and lemons “limao tahiti”.

Papayas:there are a couple of diferent papayas:a very large one,which is delicious,but not as much as the little ones. These are used in a fabulous Brazilian desert called “creme de papaya”. Pineapples:they are called “abacaxi”,and are white inside and several degrees sweeter than anythuing that out comes from Hawaii(these are not my words but from a hawaian I knew in Rio!).I suspect it’s a diferent variety entirely. Apples:Brazil is one of the largest producers of apples in the world,but I don’t find them particulary interesting,besides a variety called “Fuji”. Avocados:are huge and used for desert and milk drinks called “vitaminas”,and NOT for salads. Mangoes:come in several delicious varieties,from little green ones,known as “carlotinha”,to enormous red ones. Coconuts:are sold green,ready to drink,or grated on the spot.

By keeping constantly in tune with the main sources of cosmetics technology, it is able to manufacture the products according to world-class standards. Natura was founded in Brazil and displays its logo as a proud and legitimate expression of its origin. However, its greater commitment is to human beings, to Well Being Well of all persons, and of society as a whole. Brazil has one of the largest and richest biodiversities on the planet: life, in all its diverse forms. In order to protect it, one must first understand that humanity is an integral part of nature, rather than a mere observer of its beauty.

The extraction of its natural wealth must be managed in such a way that everyone - both current and future generations - may have the right to use these resources. This is the source of Nature inspiration. Good Practices-Mobilizing NationalCitisenship The program “Crer para Ver” began in 1995, in partnership with the Abrinq Foundation for Children’s Rights. The program focuses on improving the quality of public primary schools.This program is supported and promoted by voluntary professionals who create different products from t-shirts to post cards, bearing the brand “Crer para Ver”, and then voluntarily sold by Natura Consultants throughout the country.

The renovated suites are particularly nice. They feature a living room with a dining table, large desk, and a spacious bedroom with a second desk, furnished with stylish furniture. A third bed can easily be added for those with children.

If you can get a room, the Nacional is worth it for the experience and the quality. Rooms are extremely spacious, with large bathrooms and modern fixtures. The newly renovated spa and sauna are truly outstanding. But if brand-new (and easier to book) is what you’re looking for, try the Meliá.

Rooms with double beds are better than those with two twins; they have larger desks and closets and are larger overall. Avoid the east-facing ones which face the main street. A few rooms are adapted for travelers with disabilities.