Rio Grande do Sul is the southernmost state in Brazil. It is mountainous and rocky in the north, on the edge of the São Paulo plateau, and flat in the south. The state is strongly characterised by immigration from Europe in the 19th century, mainly Italian and German-speaking immigrants. They fled the economic and political problems in Europe and hoped for better living conditions in Brazil. There are still many places where German is spoken, e.g. Sinimbu. Although the language is outdated, it has been passed down from generation to generation and is only slowly dying out. Unfortunately, the younger generation increasingly only speaks Portuguese, although they often still understand German. The entire history of immigration from Germany can be seen in the Esculturas Parque Pedras do Silêncio park near Nova Petrópolis.
German culture is also present in the form of beer breweries and some good bakeries. In addition, Oktoberfest is celebrated every year. The European-style towns are also in very good condition. They are looked after and maintained, especially as they live from tourism.
Gramado and Canela are located in the Serra Gaúcha. Two very touristy little towns where you can go for a quick meal in the St. Gallen restaurant or perhaps prefer a fondue in the Montblanc, or perhaps you’d rather order a wine in the Abstrato Bar or a pizza in the Colosseo. It’s a mixture of alpine chic with furs on the chairs and a world of adventure with a thousand museums to choose from. Should it be Hollywood Dream Cars, Space Adventure or a skiing slope? Gramado and Canela are sure to have something to suit you. But when it gets to coffee the only place to find one – let alone an affordable one – is at the bus station.
The nature compared to the south is impressive. But further inland, around Santa Cruz do Sul, you will find the real and quieter world. The region is known for its tobacco cultivation and the presence of major cigarette manufacturers such as China Tabaco Internacional, Universal Leaf Tabacos and Japan Tobacco International. This brings prosperity and security. But there is not much else here.
Huge wheat fields, soya plantations and herds of cattle characterise the south of Rio Grande do Sul. The roads lead straight ahead for hundreds of kilometres. Every now and then a huge silo appears or the gaúchos drive their herd across the road. Otherwise, it is quiet on the coast in early spring. Everything is still in hibernation and has yet to awaken. In addition, the uncharacteristic continuous rain has destroyed many things and delayed the slow start to the season.
At the beginning of September, a hurricane flooded southern Brazil. 39 people died and 2,300 lost their homes. It has also been raining non-stop for over a month. The rivers have burst their banks, many ferries across the Uruguay River to Argentina are no longer running, most of the land is flooded at best, washed away at worst.
While the south of Brazil is struggling with all the rain, the rainy season is delayed in the west, leading to high temperatures and huge forest fires. But more on that another time.