Outgoing International Journey- Salvador-Bahia and Ribeirao Preto, Brazil

We’ve been invited by the Ribeirao Preto and Salvador-Bahia clubs to visit them next summer. It is actually the winter season in Brazil, with average daily temperatures below 80 degrees (F). Both home stays will be five nights each with a two-night side trip to Iguassu Falls in between. The dates for a Cedar Rapids Airport departure/return are June 24-July 9, 2019. The Journey price, including side trip to Iguassu Falls, is $995 per Ambassador plus approximately $1500 for airfare.

Ribeirao Preto is an important cultural center. The Prefeito Luiz Roberto Jábali Park, the Maurilio Biagi Park, Carlos Raya Park, Santa Tereza Reserve and the Zoo are important preservation areas. Pinguim Beer house, Dom Pedro Theatre and projects such as Ribeirão Preto’s Cinema Center are relevant sightseeing points, along with events such as the Agrishow Agricultural Fair, Tanabata Festival, Joao Rock Music Festival and the National Outdoor Book Fair.

The side trip will be to Iguazu Falls which is in southern Brazil. The colossal power of these thundering falls is a mesmerizing sight: 275 separate falls in a U-shaped formation pound the water below in raging cascades with a deafening intensity. We will have a two-night hotel stay near the Iguassu National Park where we will visit the beautiful Parque das Aves, the largest bird park in Latin America. In the park you will witness more than 1,320 birds from about 150 different species. There are 16.5 hectares (40 acres) of lush Atlantic rain forest maintained to provide the best habitat for these animals.

In the evening we will enjoy a folklore dinner show that covers, not only traditional dances from Brazil, but several other Latin American countries. From north to south, it’s songs and dances, such as chorinho, capoeira, samba and others, all of which are showcased to bring joy to all present. We will also be treated to a delicious barbecue dinner during the show, with great variety of meat and sides.

Salvador is located along the balmy tropical Atlantic waters on the Bay of All Saints and is one of Brazil’s oldest colonial cities. The city is known as the “melting pot” of Brazil where the Portuguese, African and indigenous people came together to form the “Bahian” culture. They live in what’s known as the “Land of Happiness.” We will learn about the history of the Portuguese settlers, the African slave trade (which was banned in 1835) and the blending of these two groups with the existing indigenous people. Sugar was king in the colonial times and we will hear about its importance in the region. The club has some great activities planned such as exploring the UNESCO neighbor-hood of Pelourinho with its rich Baroque churches and colorful colonial architecture, a day on a schooner visiting islands of the bay, visiting the tranquil beach village of Praia do Forte and a sea turtle rescue center and a trip to the town of Cachoeira with its colonial architecture and important connection to Brazil’s fight for independence.

An application to signup for this Journey is at:
https://friendshipforce.azurewebsites.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Ambassador-Application-and-Agreement-1.pdf
Please submit the application and a $100 deposit to Jim Steggall, 3324 Riverbend Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52411. Any questions please contact Jim at bjjfs@mchsi.com or (319) 651-1092 if you are interested in this Journey.