It was the year 1994 (17th June to 17th July to be more precise), when I was first attuned to the beauty and flair of Brazil.

When a man named Romário de Souza Faria, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was boggled in a contest some 6,443 miles away in Californa, USA, against a Roberto Baggio from Italy.
The contest ended, on July 17, when Roberto would miss the penalty gazillion miles over the cross bar, and Romario had nervously scored the same of the side bar a few minutes earlier. Brazil had won the world cup for a record fourth. And at age 7, I witnessed it on television for the very first time.

In the years that followed, my love for the Samba on the football field would grow. The panache would come in the name of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, Kaka et. al. I would learn that before I was born it had more greats in the name of Pele, Sócrates (a doctorate in medicine who represented Brazil in two world cups!) and Zico, to name a few.

They would dribble head to toe with nimble footwork, the stepovers, twist and turns, pitch perfect switch of play across the field by the wingers, and the magical finish in the back of the net by the forwards/midfielders. It did not matter their defence was mediocre – the goals more than made up for it. For the fan, it was entertainment galore.

When it came to the game consoles, I insisted Brazil only. Whether it was the EA Sports Fifa on Micro Genius, Sega, the Playstation or on the computer, they did not disappoint in the animated world either.

Fast forward 22 years since 1994, I finally had the opportunity to visit this nation I adored much.

First stop, Sao Paolo

Known as the financial capital, it is also the most populous in Brazil. As an ardent fan of street art and graffiti, the highlight was definitely a visit to Beco do Batman [Batman’s Alley]. A playhouse for the local artists to display their graffiti prowess. The graffiti is periodically replaced with new art. I could imagine the artists having a few scuffles on their respective space within the alley. As to the art, it was incredible to say the least – the more you looked at it, the more you get hypnotized in a colourful aurora of psychedelic expression of the artists!

A little collection from the Batman’s Alley

Next stop, Rio de Janeiro

The main Olympics had just ended. The Paralympics were on-going. Walking down the streets of Ipanema onwards to Copacabana, you could feel the Olympic fever with the makeshift tents and the fan zones still active. With the fear of Zika though, it felt like it was no way near its pinnacle for an event such as this. You could still feel the vibe of a famous beach, especially on the Sunday when the promenade is closed to traffic and the residents enjoy it by foot, bike, skate and rollerblades. Look over the promenade and the beach volley ballers, sunbathers, the footballers, surfers and the vendors are equally abuzz.

A view of Copacabana and Ipanema beach from top and close up.
Towards the evening, it was a ride up to the Santa Teresa neighbourhood – notorious for gangsters and famous for its street art. On the way up to the hill, you get a good glimpse of the Favelas [aka Brazilian slums] that looks rather attractive from far I must admit. If one did hear a gun shot, “só Ignore [just ignore]” was the message.

Santa Teresa was home to the Seleron Steps – made more famous by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams for shooting of the song ‘Beautiful’. For that reason, I had to pose for a photo on the steps myself of course. The colours that decorated the steps were rather attractive I must say – the Yellow, Green and Blue to commemorate the colours of the flag that is Brazilian and a bit of Red to sum up the vivacious spirit of the Brazilian people I assume.

A snapshot of the Favelas, Selaron Steps and a piece of Vintage/street art

It was now time to get a little adventurous with a visit up the hills onwards to Pedra Do Telegrapho, to test my ‘bravery’ at ‘the most dangerous stunt yet’;) The good news is, all who tried it on the day survived it with flying colours!

And finally, Rio was wrapped up with a visit to the Christ The Redeemer Statue – ticking the box on one of the seven wonders of the world!

Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio

Last stop, Salvador

Known as the first capital of Brazil (prior to Rio and the current capital Brasilia) this was the epicentre of the Portuguese presence in Brazil. The focal point lies in the Pelourinho district – now a UNESCO World Heritage site for the city’s colonial architecture. Walking down the streets, one would occasionally be warned of the pick pockets. Without forgetting to be vigilant, I managed to enjoy a few strolls up the hilly pathways, getting a glimpse of the architecture, the art and all unscathed.

Sights of Salvador

With Salvador, ended my visit to this beloved land. Its football might be going through a period of melancholia at this present day. Politically it might not be the most stable. With the fear of Zika, travellers may still be vary. When you are in the country though, you are just a part of its 200+ million inhabitants. For me, I hope to come back again, to explore its coffee fields in the future.

Lastly, if you are still not sure if Brazil is worth a visit for Zika reasons – I am convinced the amount of mosquito repellent I showered myself with would have no doubt left Brazil almost Zika free by now. Pick up your repellent and go catch that flight!