Reflections on Brazil

 Bananas are available in many different varieties including my favorite, the plantain which must be cooked.  Our ship spent two weeks cruising the coast of Brazil.  As I've written more than once, the coastal cities are beautiful with white sand beaches that seem to be never ending.  The food piques our curiosity as much as anything and provides a "taste" of the culture.  We wish we could have visited the interior of Brazil.  There are many native villages that remain protected and much of their land cannot be entered without government permission.

Since much of the population is multi-racial it seemed to us that racism is not an issue.  However, we have discovered that the Europeans still hold the keys to the kingdom.  Without Affirmative Action or DEI programs, citizens of European descent continue to control the socio- economic structure of Brazil.  There are very few black physicians and other professionals since those of European descent maintain a lock on the advantage in educational and employment opportunities. 

One of the reasons we seek private guides when possible is the connection we can make with those who live and work everyday in our vacation destination.  They share stories of their life experiences which enriches our visit in their country.

• “We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.” – Anais Nin