Belo Horizonte Tourist Traps

It is very easy to get caught up in the matter of precious and semi-precious stones as this is one of the principal sources of these in Brazil.

There are a couple of competing entities who are prominent throughout all of Brazil's major cities. Their representatives and representation is seen in the finer hotels, they regularly have a team of sales people working the cruises, actually boarding the ships that make stops at Brazilian ports.

I'm not suggesting that their activity is wrong, to the contrary, they are a wonderful source of a wealth of information. More than that, if you happen to be on a cruise ship, either of these competitors will offer to take you on a complete and comprehensive tour of the city.

The trade off is that they want you to come to their showroom. Both of them have wonderful and creative simulations right at their showrooms which will give you a thumbnail virtual tour of a real mining operation. It is, of course, very well done.

We thoroughly enjoyed their company both on and off the ship. But do understand, they are consummate professionals and this is their business. They make their living by the carrot and stick method, luring you to their showroom and bending every effort to sell you a ring, a necklace, tiara, you name it and they can deliver.

If you know how to contain yourselves, this is a source of very inexpensive ways of getting a half day tour, but go in with your eyes wide open. When they start to pout, gently remind them how often they told you there was no obligation.

We enjoyed their company both on and off the ship, had wonderful tours of both Rio de Janeiro and Recife and learned a little about the way to indentify the better from lesser quality gems. In the world of fine gems, they speak often of the Three C's, cut, clarity and carat. I would modify that to Cut, Clarity , and most important of all, CAREFUL.

Let's find out little more about this subject of gems. Visit with me at the travelogue which has been prepared.

MINAS GERAIS.[:-0-:]