Life in São Paulo and travel throughout South America
Mountain Weekend
On July 9th every year São Paulo acknowledges the beginning of the 1932 Revolution. This state holiday signifies the first major
revolt against the government of Getúlio Vargas who ruled by decree. Although Paulistas lost the 87 day long war, the state gained important
aspects of government they had been fighting for: a non-military state Governor and the enactment of a new constitution.
The long holiday weekend provided an opportunity to escape the concrete jungle. During warmer summer months,
Brazilians crowd the beaches along the coast. The chilly winter weather (think ideal Minnesota fall) prompts drives to the mountains.
After some intense group email chains, our crew carpooled its way through the small historic town
of São Luiz do Paraitinga to a remote farm aptly named Sítio Donna Cachoeira.
Sunday afternoon we made the trip to Fazenda Catuçaba where our good friends, Suzanna & Jeff, lived and worked before moving to São Paulo.
They were gracious hosts (along with the hotel staff) and the reason why we were able to experience this INCREDIBLE location.
Manu introducing us to the horses at Fazenda Catuçaba.
Our very patient (and extremely allergic) friend, Michael. What a good sport!
“In the heart of Brazil’s nature and culture, Fazenda Catuçaba is a unique 450-hectare coffee farm
in a coastal mountain range, bordering a Unesco natural reserve.”
Lisa arrived just before our departure for Mountain Weekend…
we were thrilled she was able to make the trip with us! (picture by Jana Davis Pearl)
(picture by Jana Davis Pearl)
Warming up with a cup of coffee in the main house.
Our time was spent lounging in unseasonably warm weather, consuming home cooked meals, exploring the nearby town
of São Luis do Paraitinga, trekking through the mountainside by foot and way of horse, and playing an abundance of games.
Both highly respected (Farkle, Pass the Pig) and invented (Cup Stacking Tournaments).
Cheers to a fabulous and memorable weekend!
7 Comments
wow – I am literally in the middle of writing my Mountain Weekend post! Love this – you have such great pics. Can I steal some??
Yes! It is a perfect rainy day to be writing
I’ll send you the link!
Totally agree. This is so fun reliving it. Thanks!
Great pictures April! Say hi to Lisa!
wow absolutely beautiful!!! i love that spot. looks incredible. xoxoxox
[...] of the trip AND for letting me steal your beautiful photos! For more pics and details, check out April’s blog post on the weekend. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to like this. This entry was [...]
Looks like a great weekend! I am sure it was nice to get out of the city and experience some green. Although, it is funny to me to see these pictures in Brazil with so many Americans
I think I have only spent time with one American ever in Brazil, and that was just for a lunch, even when I lived there for several months. However, being married to a Brazilian and being in Ribeirao Preto does that to you…