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Hello from Paratay!
I have had the most fabulous day in this little colonial town. Paratay was one of the places originally inhabited by the Portugese on discovery of the New World, it is surrounded by lagoons and deep water which make it ideal for sailing. The town has experienced many declines and regenerations over the years. Once a busy trading port, the discovery of gold in the surrounding regions prompted a boom in the town. Paratay was the only route to the gold, which was entirely impassable to pack horses and was navigated by indigenous and black African slaves throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The town then fell into decline as roads became better and the town was no longer the only route through the region.
The arrival of the ferry in the nineteenth century revived the town again, as communications with Rio de Janeiro grew and torusim started to flourish. Because Paratay had been cut off from the rest of Brazil for so long it retained a marvellous colonial charm, with rough cobbled streets, stucco houses and a night life all of its own!
Last night on arrival we headed out to this amazing restuarant; Paratay 33, which served the best Caciprihanas flavoured with fresh passion fruit. I also sampled the local tipple, a sugar cane liquer known as cachaca (Yes i probably have spelt this wrong but this keyboard is in portugese!) which tastes like bananas and maple syrup with a serious kick! The measures here are none existant so a shot is the size of about three in the UK.
After dinner we wandered down to the jazz festival in the main square. This was incredible! The festival was free and the entire town was out dancing in the streets to Brazilian and New Orleans inspired jazz. At the cultural center today I learned that celebrations and parties are an intergral part of this town, and are held on a regular basis.
Today I explored the town on foot, starting with the old fort that protects the entrance to the bay. They still had the huge cannons used against pirate ships during the gold rush era on display outside and the views over the town and out to sea were breathtaking. I also checked out the cultural center which was just fabulous. They had incredible displays of the history and culture of the town and amazing artwork made entirely of sand. Religion plays a big role in life here and my visit to the local church upheld this; it was possibly the most intricate and beautiful church I have ever seen. The artwork was handpainted and stretched right up to the celiling. I was also able to see the old statues of Jesus on the cross that are carried through the town during the Easter celebrations. I also indulged in a local brazilian coffee which was to die for!
Brazilians certainly know how to throw a party, but in my opinion nobody could do it better than this little town!
Until next time
Charli x
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