PART THREE

ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS

Brazil is probably best known for its football. In general the country offers excellent leisure, entertainment and sporting facilities.
Shopping is also a popular pastime in Brazil and shopping malls are usually open from 10am to 10pm.
There is also a good range of restaurants with a diverse range of international cuisine, at a very reasonable cost. Brazilian, Portuguese and Italian food is particularly popular.

FOOD

Brazil’s population consists of an interesting mix of Portuguese, African, Italian, German, Syrian, Lebanese and Asian origins, creating a rich cultural heritage.
This ethnic mix is responsible for the great diversity to be found in the cooking styles of Brazil. Due to the variety, food in Brazil varies from area to area.
Bottled water is recommended as drinking water.

COMMUNICATIONS

Brazil is a technically-advanced country and has sophisticated telecommunications, internet and broadcasting facilities.
Brazil reportedly has the 10th largest number of internet users in the world, and there has been a major shift from dial-up to broadband services in recent years, with ADSL now accounting for nearly 80% of the broadband market
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Barra de Mamanguape Beach
The waves are small because of the reefs. It shelters the headquarters of a project for the protection of the marine manatee.

Campina Beach
There are small dunes and mounts of fine, white sand. Coconut trees embellish the entire beach margin. The waves are strong and attract a lot of surfers.

Oiteiro Beach
Also packed with coconut trees and sand mounts, it attracts plenty of surfers to the strong waved waters.

Bessa Beach
An urban beach, with strong waters and many coconut trees. The Paraiba Yacht Club is located here.

Manaira Beach
With many reefs, the waves are small and there are many kiosks to serve visitors.

Tambaú Beach
It is an urban beach with a promenade and many kiosks. There are regular craft fairs here.

Cabo Branco Beach
Another urbanized beach in João Pessoa, Cabo Branco has a good promenade for sunset walks.

Ponta do Seixas Beach
The easternmost point in the South America is here.

Barra do Gramame Beach
Good for bathing, Gramame has still waters and is surrounded by fisherman’s houses.

Barroco Park
Formed by the colonial mansions scattered around the upper and lower regions of the city. The secular architectural complex represents one of the biggest historic treasures in Brazil. To walk on the stone streets contemplating the colourful mansions takes anyone on a trip into the past of João Pessoa.

Theatro Santa Roza
A building from 1889, this theatre was decorated in baroque style. It is one of the oldest theatres in the country. It is located at Pedro Américo Square.

Redenção Palace
Erected 1586, Redenção Palace used to be the home of the old Jesuits convent. Today the building is the State Government headquarters.
Cabo Branco Lighthouse
It is located at the easternmost inland point in the country and allows one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city; from here all the Ponta do Seixas beach can be seen.

Santa Catarina Fortress
The fortress was built in 1586 and comprises of the captain’s house, a chapel and cannons from the XVI century. It is open for visitors daily, from 8am to 5.30pm and there are guides available for tours. Access to the fortress is made next to the port. It is located at Ponta de Matos beach, municipality of Babadelo – 25km from João Pessoa.

Saint Francis Church and saint Anthony Convent
Totally embellished in baroque style, the church and the convent were built in 1589 and 1779 respectivly. The highlights are the chapels of the Third Order of Saint Francis and Saint Benedict, featuring Portuguese ceramic panels and sacristy. The spaces also feature, regularly, popular art exhibitions. There are guided visits and opening hours are 9am to noon and 2pm to 5pm everyday. It is located at São Francisco Square.

São Frei Pedro Gonçalves Church
Erected in 1843, the church was restored in 2002 and features and fountains from the old XVII century building. In front of it there are many restored colonial mansions, making a pretty archtechtural set. The church is open to the public Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, and on Sundays from 3pm to 6pm.

Arruda Câmara Park
This park is a real oasis amidst the movement in the centre of João Pessoa. Also known as ‘’Bica’’, because of an old mineral water fountain, it features a zoo, botanical garden and leisure areas. Arruda Câmara Park is certainly one of the most pleasant trips for visitors, bringing together ecology, education and culture.

Solon de Lucena Park
Located at the commercial centre of the paraibana capital, Solon de Lucena Park, also know as ‘’Lagoa’’, is filled with centenary imperial palm tress, golden trumpet trees and acacias – the tree symbol of the city. At the centre there is a fountain, which on party nights lights this delightful tourist spot in João Pessoa.

Boat Trips to Picãozinho
This beautiful place is formed by coral reefs next to the coast. There are natural pools, excellent for bathing during the low tide. It takes 15 minutes by boat to get there.

Shopping

Crafts and Regional Products
Paraibano Crafts Market (MAP) – There it is possible to find samples of everything that’s produced through workmanship in all of the state of Paraiba, including foods, such as: curd cheese and butter cheese, manioc gum, raw brown sugar block, country honey, among others. The market is located at Senador Rui Carneiro Avenue, Tambaú.

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DAVID BELK
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