Traveler: Ezgi Kocager Herrera – English Teacher & Travel Enthusiast
What is your most unforgettable escape? Definitely Myanmar. The experience I had there was totally something else, it’s hard to explain. But Brazil will always have a different place in my heart and in my souvenirs. First of all it was our honeymoon. Secondly, I love South America and plan to go back there for another discovery in this summer. Fingers crossed!
What was the purpose of your travel? For me, in general, travelling means a lot. It’s kind of the way of living. Since I was 17, I’ve been moving from one country to another. I can’t be immobile. Although it looks like sometimes I want to settle down somewhere, I need to move and I always need little escapes to step out of my comfort zone. So, this time our purpose was instead of going somewhere we can easily bump into many honeymooners, we decided to benefit our long period and wedding budget to make an adventurous trip .
With how many people did you travel? Me and my husband.
Where did you stay? Rio de Janeiro, Ubatuba, Paraty, Sao Luis, Lencois Maranhenses National Park and Jericoacoara.
What did you most like about the trip? The fact that it’s a great mixture between European and African culture. The easy-going and lively attitude of habitants is contagious. This atmosphere suddenly absorbs you. As well, during my travels I like mixing nature and culture. So, Brazil in general and Rio in particular is awesome for that! It’s kind of a country, a very big country where you can find everything you look for. It’s always a great pleasure to be a part of it for a certain time.
Could you share an unforgettable memory about the trip? Every part of the trip was unforgettable. Every city we’ve been was beautiful but the most unforgettable and the most beautiful one without doubt is Lencois Maranhenses National Park and the moment when we saw the amazing view just after climbing the sandy hill.
Your most surprising find during the trip? Upon our arrival to Barreirinhas, we met with two funny guys from Switzerland and then started chatting about the cities that we’ve all been to. When the conversation came to Sao Luis they suddenly talked about the newspaper writing about 13 people shoot dead in the same week as our visit. It was a very bad and an unfortunate surprise.
Favorite restaurant(s) or food you have tried during your trip? Feijoada is one of the well known, traditional food in Brazil. So, I think the best place to try is Bar do Mineiro in Santa Teresa. Also I highly suggest Zuka in Leblon. When you move through north east you should definitely taste «Tapioca». You’ll love it!
What are the must tries of the city? The Hippie Fair in Rio. It’s a big market set on every Sunday btw 9am-6pm. I found almost all souvenirs and my traditional jewelleries from that market. You really shouldn’t miss!
Any hidden gems you could whisper to us? Jericoacoara! Even when I speak about it to my Brazilian friends they all were surprised and asked «how did you hear this place?» OK! It’s not a top secret but as it’s hard to reach, even for Brazilians, it’s not a very well known destination. On the other hand it’s a very well known place by wind and kite surfers all over the world thanks to the strong wind that it receives from Africa.
Would you go back? I’d love to go back there again. Brazil is as big as a continent 🙂 But my list is quite busy. First, I need to accomplish them.
Could you list a few of your favorite finds you came back with? Of course, a couple of pairs of Havainas! Apart from that you can buy jewelleries made from a certain plant (I can’t remember its name) looks like gold. (So, don’t miss the Hippie Fair in Rio)
Any tips that might be useful to know before going there? Buses are always late! Sometimes for about an hour. So, if your bus is not on time, don’t worry, wait as much as you can and always keep a book or a magazine with you. You never know when your bus will be there 😉
Next stop you would like to visit? Vietnam.
Ezgi Kocager Herrera
English Teacher & Travel Enthusiast
