Thursday July 8, 2010
Whether you're sipping one of these tasty concoctions on Brazil's sandy beaches or simply doling them out to friends in your own kitchen, this Brazilian beverage is an awesome alternative to the margaritas and mojitos that usually accompany summer's rising temperatures. So if you're looking for a Portuguese-inspired way to cool down at the end of these hot July days, a caipirinha may be exactly what you--and your taste buds--have been craving.
With past temperatures in Brazil reaching a scorching 113 degrees farenheit, it isn't surprising that the country's national drink, caipirinha (pronounced ky-pee-reen-ya), is cold, delicious, and oh-so refreshing. The traditional Brazilian refreshment is made with tropical limes, sugar, and the sugar cane brandy known as cachaca, and with plenty of ice cubes, you've got yourself a cooling taste of the tropics.
If you're heading to Brazil, you won't want to miss sipping on one of these delicacies, and since most bars serve them up generously, finding a spot to enjoy one shouldn't be too difficult. But if you're looking for the best of the best, we've got some recommendations for especially authentic bars and restaurants that do caipirinhas right.
If you'll be near São Paulo, you'll find that Valadares, a local bar known for it's cold beer and unconventional meats, has a great caipirinhas selection. If you're traveling more centrally (near Brasilia, perhaps), the North Wing of Martinica Cafe is a popular happy hour spot for lots of locals, and is rumored to serve some of the tastiest caipirinhas in the area.
Even if you're not jet-setting to Brazil this summer, caipirinhas are easy to make at home, too, so that you can experience the taste of Brazil right in your own backyard. Check out our simple caipirinha recipe for mixing up a single-serving or a full pitcher. Also, if you want to change it up a bit, you can add to or replace the recipe's lime with other tropical fruits such as passion fruit, strawberry, or kiwi.
Taste buds tingling at the thought of Brazilian food and drink? Read up on some of the delicious dishes and drinks native to this region of South America - and where to get them.
- Becca McArthur, About.com Editorial Intern
Tuesday July 6, 2010
Ever wonder how South American countries celebrate their independence? If you are traveling to South America in the coming months, you'll find ample opportunity to fully immerse yourself in local culture with the many Fiestas Patrias, or Independence Day Festivals, going on all over the country this summer.
On July 9th, 1816 (Argentinean Independence Day), the representatives from Argentina's various provinces met in a local family home, now the Casa Historica de la Independencia museum, to proclaim their independence from Spain, and to this day, the country celebrates that day each year with passion, pride, and lots of music and dancing.
Chile's Fiestas Patrias takes place both the week preceding and the week following September 19th, and it too involves lots of festivities to celebrate this nation's criollo leaders who declared self-government for the first time in 1810. In Chile, much of the music and dancing takes place in ramadas, open-air "buildings" with a dance floor beneath a thatched roof that mimic the style of traditional Chilean shelters.
At almost every festival, you'll find a surplus of authentic national foods and fondas (refreshment stands) lining the streets. If you're in Peru on July 28th or 29th, you can celebrate by trying the country's delicious chicken or beef empanadas, which are sure to be plentiful at Peru's Independence festivities that weekend. Perhaps, if you're feeling adventurous, you could even try Peru's regional specialty, yuquitas rellenas, a tasty snack made from cheese and cassava root.
So if you've been waiting to plan that exotic excursion to South America, now is the time to start. No matter where in the country you find yourself traveling, whether it be hiking the Andes or basking on Chile's western coast, this summer's Independence Day festivities are the perfect way to truly experience la cultura of South America. Check out this South American Events Calendar to find festivals by country.
Want to plan your dream trip? Here are our picks for summer travel in South America:
- Becca McArthur, About.com Editorial Intern
Monday March 1, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all impacted by the recent earthquake in central Chile, which has left hundreds dead or injured and displaced many more. I encourage you to look beyond this devastation and help support the country by planning to visit in the near future.
About.com's Guide to Nonprofits has outlined a number of other ways you can aid in the recovery effort, including how you can make easy $10 donations to the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and other charities simply by sending a quick text message.
- Brian Spencer, Travel Editor
Sunday November 29, 2009
What NOT to Do in Chile (matadortrips.com): "Matador's destination expert on Chile lays out the country's avoidable attractions...and what you should do instead."
Listing the most attractive and crowded destinations during the summer season, the author suggests alternate locations that are often uncrowded and very scenic.
In addition, the author suggests "shoulder season" activities and alternate activities for food, shopping, transportation and language tips.
Do you agree? Or have additional tips for the visitor to Chile? Add your comments below.
View of Cerro Aconcagua, viewed from Santiago area, is displayed with the kind permission of Brian Pearson of Santiago Adventures, Ltda.
