It was raining cats and dogs when we went to Paraty yesterday. Too bad for the photos but we still had fun. We got soaked trying to push Amalya’s stroller on the 500 year old cobbled stone streets. Fourteen years ago, I came here and fell in love. The place hasn’t changed much, which is a relief, largely thanks to being a Unesco-protected world heritage site.
Paraty is a must see if you come to this part of Brazil, and I would highly recommend to spend a night or two in one of the super charming pousadas. Try Pousada da Marquesa, or Pousada do Santi. And if you’re just the two of you, try the new Casa Turquesa (they don’t accept children).
It’s nice to walk around, spend time in the many cafes, negotiate a boat trip with one of the fishermen and spend a day snorkeling and going around to the many surrounding beaches and islands.
There is a very nice shop called Armazem Paraty that specializes in art and handicrafts made by various indigenous communities all around Brazil. Some beautiful masks, statues and lots of smaller items that would make for great gifts.
And with the final burst of storm, as we were looking for our way around when night came down, we were rescued by an absolutely charming Neapolitan who landed in Paraty 14 years ago and opened the restaurant Spaghetto. There’s also one in Ubatuba. He made some perfect penne al pomodoro for Marcelo and Amalya. Grazie mille!
What a beautiful place! Too bad you got soaked by the rain but what a lovely surprise in the end with that supper non? Hope you enjoy the weekend! I am loving your world trip posts so far..
Comment by ChantaleP
December 17, 2010 @ 8:26 pm
thank you so much for saying this! i will keep on writing! bom dia from rio..
Comment by BozAround
December 18, 2010 @ 10:19 am