Last Sunday afternoon, Lindsey and I walked (as we usually do—I’ll get back to this in a bit) to the Praça da República. This popular square is surrounded by historical monuments like Teatro da Paz, Teatro Waldemar Henrique, João Coelho Park, and Palacete Bolonha.
Every Sunday, tons of people come out to enjoy live shows, dancing, a huge artisan fair, and lots of food and drink. In fact, one of the first things we came across was the Park Bar. 
Yup, it’s official! However, there were other people posted up and selling beer from their ice chests too. A can of ‘Skol’ went for 1 Real (about 60 cents). It’s basically their version of PBR. Belém doesn’t seem to have any open container laws. What’s more interesting is that I didn’t see any belligerent drunks or others taking advantage of the lack of restriction—pretty cool, huh?!
A crowd had formed in the center of the park around a drumming circle. We quickly made our way over to see what all the fuss was about. These guys were good! The couple dancing in the center had the crowd mesmerized for quite a while.
Yup, it’s official! However, there were other people posted up and selling beer from their ice chests too. A can of ‘Skol’ went for 1 Real (about 60 cents). It’s basically their version of PBR. Belém doesn’t seem to have any open container laws. What’s more interesting is that I didn’t see any belligerent drunks or others taking advantage of the lack of restriction—pretty cool, huh?!A crowd had formed in the center of the park around a drumming circle. We quickly made our way over to see what all the fuss was about. These guys were good! The couple dancing in the center had the crowd mesmerized for quite a while.
We made our way around the park and bought some Brazilian nuts. Although, they don’t call them that in Pará. They are Castanhas do Pará because they are actually from Pará and not from all over Brazil. Paraenses are proud of this and refuse to give credit that is unwarranted. Haha!! Açai is another one of the region’s claim to fame. People here laugh when I explain the rave of açai in the states as a supplement for weight loss. It’s prepared much differently here, and many say that the food is heavy and actually causes weight gain. I tasted the ice cream, and just yesterday, I had it the way it is traditionally prepared. It’s like eating cold, soupy pudding. They put things in it for a crunchy texture like tapioca and farinha (a toasted, manioc (Yuca), flour mixture). The açai turns your teeth, tongue and lips maroon! Pics to come!
Before leaving the park, we thought about buying this puppy.
Actually, we almost bought a fish too. A rabbit and guinea pigs were also for sale—all displayed in some unhealthy conditions. We only thought about it for a minute and figured it wasn’t the best idea since we wouldn’t be home to care for them, the fish would have probably died the next day, and US Customs would not have appreciated the gesture. Oh well…
‘twas a lovely Sunday afternoon.
Oh, and about walking, we’ve come to know the city pretty well on foot alone. I’m not sure if it’s our fear of taking the bus or that we just want to explore. Either way, it’s worked out well. We usually get caught in the downpour, but we’re getting used to slushy shoes and drenched clothing. I’m still adjusting to the idea that drivers have the right-of-way, especially busses. I almost lost my life to one on Sunday—true story, but that’s neither here nor there. It’s fun to ask the residents for directions or to share the distances we’ve walked and to see their reactions. They think we’re crazy! I think it’s a great success (in Borat’s accent) …especially when we make it home without sunburn, getting soaked, and without blisters from the flippy floppies, but that’s rare.
‘twas a lovely Sunday afternoon.
Oh, and about walking, we’ve come to know the city pretty well on foot alone. I’m not sure if it’s our fear of taking the bus or that we just want to explore. Either way, it’s worked out well. We usually get caught in the downpour, but we’re getting used to slushy shoes and drenched clothing. I’m still adjusting to the idea that drivers have the right-of-way, especially busses. I almost lost my life to one on Sunday—true story, but that’s neither here nor there. It’s fun to ask the residents for directions or to share the distances we’ve walked and to see their reactions. They think we’re crazy! I think it’s a great success (in Borat’s accent) …especially when we make it home without sunburn, getting soaked, and without blisters from the flippy floppies, but that’s rare.
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