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For such a caotic and hectic country, I had definitely not expected to find such an ordered and logical city! Welcome to Brasília, capital of the great Brazil. Most major and capital cities are located at strategic points, such as on rivers, or near coats, but no, not this one! This city is located in the geographical center of Brazil, right smack in the middle of nowhere, with absolutely nothing! Its head designer/ architect Oscar Niemeyer planed this city to great detail under President Juscelino Kubitschek's order. Both are now great heros. The city (not the greater urban area) is shaped like an armed crossbow. Each "wing" of the bow is divided into sections, separated by the Eixo Rodoviário. The wing counts 16 blocks from centre outwards (North -> South) and 9 blocks from east to west. The two wings are separated by the drawn bow or the Eixo Monumental. This Eixo reminded me of the Mall in Washington DC, as its much like the Mall, one gigantic stretch of grass separating various monuments and important buildings lined by two big roads. The "tip of the arrow" is marked by a gigantic Brazilian flag hanging from a great 100m high iron mast. Along the "arrow" you can find various monuments. Further more, blocks in the wings are divided into sectors, each having its own "theme". There is the hotel sector, the hospital sector (where you can find ALL medical related clinics), the embassy sector, etc. So you can see, it has been thoroughly planned. Also, in the "wings" buildings are not permited to be higher than 6 stories, this is to preserve the beautiful skyline you have in this city. The city is fitted with an extremely efficient road system and a surprisingly well run bus&metro network, catering for both urban and suburban Brasília. Distances can be quite extensive, and this often gives the long bus voyages, but other than that, no problems. It is quite funny actually, the earth here is a beautiful terracotta red, and when sprinkled with bright green grass it gives a funny contrast.
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