Mercure Apartments Curitiba Sete de Setembro

Early January...Beggars(?) on the streets?!

by VdV

During my first trip in January 2004, during the end of my 3-week stay in Curitiba, I was in a car with some friends. All of a sudden, there seemed to be many youth, with dirtied faces and clothes, going car to car begging for money. In most other cities around the world, it wouldn't seem so strange. But, having spent 2 weeks in Curitiba, where it seemed relatively safe, clean and not so many beggars (there are some, but not as many as in bigger cities), I was surprised to see so many--and they appeared to be youthful and very able-bodied!

I recounted this experience to my friends who live there, and they laughed and said it was part of the university custom. On the first day of the term (in my case, I think it was January 18, 2004), the new university students put dirt on their faces and beg in the streets. My friends said it is a local custom. A sort of hazing ritual I guess!

Just sharing, in case you happen to visit during January and surprised to see so many beggars on a particular day!

Salads or fast food...

by ahoerner about Au Au

This is my favourite place to order salads.

They are served in huge bowls and they are very tasty...

This place is also very traditional in the city by its hotdogs, which are sold either in the shop or by the street vendors right in front of the store (on the sidewalk). Hotdog and salads!

Curitiba, a place not in Europe!

by Strad

"An incredible sight...Critiba Museum"

"One and the only...Barreado"

Barreado is hard to prononce for me, because of its "rr". Barreado is a slow cooked meat, mostly using beef, for over the night, in a sealed claypot. The flavor is incredible, the aroma can be smelled within 2 blocks! Served with some oranges, bananas, and corn mill on the side, the taste is just speechless.

Don't try asking for this gorumet anywhere else, even in Brazil, this is only for Morretes, a tiny beautiful town in south of Curitiba.

"Club night out on Elvis Presley Day"

It was such a hard task to take out these crazy Brazilain ladies all at once. My dear friend Ana who generously sheltered me, and her lovely monther, their neighbor, a gym instructor, and rest of Ana's girl friends.

More reports about night clubbing on town of Curitiba is pending...