Deus e Brasileiro.

God is Brazilian. At least that's what they say here in Brazil.

According to my dear cousin, Evelyn, this is true because Brazilians feel that "Deus torce pelo Brasil," -- God roots for Brazil.  


She says, "Toda vez que acontece fatos como ganhar num jogo de futebol contra outros paises ou em festas alegres como carnaval acredita-se que Deus torce pelo Brasil, portanto ele so pode ser brasileiro." (Whenever something good happens, such as a soccer win against another country, or a happy occasion, such as carinival, it's credited to God's support for Brazil -- this proves that he must be Brazilian). 

Brazil is blessed with many things. It's big (the fifth largest country on the globe), boasts stunning landscapes, an enormous, mountainous coastline plunging toward luxurious beaches, astounding natural resources, a beautiful populace and a mix of cultures that has created some of the most interesting -- and colorful -- personalities in the world.

In and around Brazil's 26 states there is gold ... and  gemstones, granite, limestone, hydro-electic power, 60% of tropical, bio-diverse Amazon rainforest (half the Earth's rainforests are in South America), one of the longest, most powerful rivers in the world (the great Amazon), and countless other natural and man-made treasures -- too many to name. It's the world's ninth largest economy.  And don't forget that Brazil invented Samba, Bossa Nova, the Girl from Ipanema, the string bikini and the planet's largest four-day party, Carnaval.

But Brazil is also a country of extremes, plagued with intense poverty and high crime (they go hand-in-hand). Here, it seems, either you have a maid or you are a maid.

Then there's Rio de Janeiro, the capital of the state of the state of Rio de Janeiro. With a population of more than six-million (nearly 11-million in the metro area), it is the second largest city in Brazil.

Here in Rio de Janeiro, or just plain "Rio", Cariocas (Rio natives) are judged by the "futebol" (soccer) team they back (today my seven-year old cousin asked which was my favorite team -- her's is Flumenense), their love of cafezinho" (espresso), pria (beach) and Carnaval (carnival), and their pride of citizenship in this "cidade maravilhosa" (marevelous city).

Did I mention the food yet? Here is where I come in. As a food writer, cooker and all around foodie, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to learn to cook, Carioca-style here in Rio. Follow my adventures as I chop, stir, whip and eat my way around the city. Let the calories begin!

Speak Portuguese and think you know about Rio? Take the test at this link.
http://www.reidacocadapreta.com.br/2009/01/05/voce-e-carioca-50-coisas-que-fazem-parte-do-viver-e-ser-carioca-se-voce-vive-no-rj-pelo-menos-uma-faz-parte-da-sua-vida/

Note: photo from pededuca.com.br