Dec 2
We docked at Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (which is Rio Grande South as opposed to Rio Grande North, ie Norte) and it was a beautiful sunny day. It was also Sunday morning so practically everything was closed except the small fish market. Rio Grande do Sul is the southernmost state in Brazil and is Brazil's largest wine producing center. The area had been fought over by Portuguese, Spanish and English with Portugal winning out in the end. The customs & clothing seem to more closely relate to Uruguay & Argentina. Most of the architecture dated from the late 1800s to early 1900s and was quite diverse and interesting. There isn't much to this sleepy town, but it will soon grow as Petrobas, the Brazilian state oil company, begins off shore exploration in the area in the near future. There was only one excursion available and it was a charmer. We began by visiting the Oceanographic museum which housed several very interesting and informative exhibits. There were separate areas for Antarctica, bird life shellfish & crustations, cetations (Whales & dolphins) and fish. It was well laid out and would be an excellent learning center for school kids. There was a nice garden outside with plenty of butterflies and holding tanks where Magellanic penguins and a sea lion were being rehabilitated.
The next stop was the neoclassic style Customs house built in 1879 by Dom Pedro II, Brazil's last Emperor. It was a beautiful interior with wide plank Brazilian wood flooring. Next was a walking tour through some well-maintained parks with statues of leaders involved in settlement and independence from Portugal. We also visited 2 churches, the first being the Museum of Sacred Art at the Chapel of the St. Francisco. There were several important pieces from the legacy left by the Jesuits. The other church, Cathedral Sao Paulo built in the Baroque style and the largest cathedral in the state. The local priest was there and and explained the history of the cathedral and its contents. We sailed away at 4pm heading towards Uruguay.
The next stop was the neoclassic style Customs house built in 1879 by Dom Pedro II, Brazil's last Emperor. It was a beautiful interior with wide plank Brazilian wood flooring. Next was a walking tour through some well-maintained parks with statues of leaders involved in settlement and independence from Portugal. We also visited 2 churches, the first being the Museum of Sacred Art at the Chapel of the St. Francisco. There were several important pieces from the legacy left by the Jesuits. The other church, Cathedral Sao Paulo built in the Baroque style and the largest cathedral in the state. The local priest was there and and explained the history of the cathedral and its contents. We sailed away at 4pm heading towards Uruguay.
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