Minas Magic!

Brazil, only experienced firsthand through a ventured visit can one become acquainted with its ecological (by far the most ecologically diverse country in the world) deeply spiritual culture and diversity. Its richness, the people, their warmth, simplicity, tranquility, and openness of tolerance. More than a slice of heaven, you can feel it all the way down to the behavior of domestic animals and even the pigeons. ?There is an old Brazilian saying, and I personally think it is rather accurate. “God is Brazilian!”?

And there is no better place in Brazil then to begin with the State of Minas Gerais – Minas. Even among Brazilian’s, Minas Gerais and its people, commonly referred to as “Mineiro”, are recognized to be a very special people, culture, and place. Their friendliness and warmth, their recognition and depth of culture.? Their peacefulness, happiness, simplicity, wide and large natural habitat, their being and ways. And of course their food and drink! ??“Minas food” is typically acknowledged as the best in all of Brazil. We invite you to begin your “love affair” with Brazil here in Minas Gerais.? We can guide and educate you through your initial and then re-occurring visits to different places, environments, and cultures, sub-cultures of Brazil, including some of the most fabulous beaches and waters in the world. You may even decide to buy a country home or beach home (close to the water – as beaches are public property!) somewhere in Brazil or just make it your “go to” trip from abroad, or from within Brazil. We suggest you watch this 90 second video below on Minas Gerais……

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MAIN VIDEO HERE - see early post of 90 second video!!!

To begin your journey, we recommend visiting Minas Geris (one of the 26 states of Brazil along with the Federal District of Brasilia) and the state capital city, Belo Horizonte (has direct flights from the US – Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, and New York City, JFK). BH or Beagá (English - bea'ga), this city is part of the Brazilian commercial and population triangle of Sao Paulo – Rio de Janeiro – and Belo Horizonte, which is both a commercial engine region and holds substantial population of Brazil.? Minas is the 4th largest State of Brazil (larger than France) in area size. If you look at a state map of Brazil, it is easy to recognize (South-east area) – just think of Jimmy Durante and his “nose” pointing west. It is the second most populous State of Brazil and third in terms of Gross Domestic Product.

Minas is home to some of the longest rivers, highest mountain peaks, and wonderous waterfalls. It houses large area of farmlands with a diverse range of crops (with Minas being the largest producer of coffee and milk in Brazil). ?Belo Horizonte experiences a tropical savanna climate with consistent temperatures throughout the year and relatively dry periods (low humidity – yeah!) from April to September. The capital of Minas Gerais is, Belo Horizonte, is a flourishing city known for its music, arts, culture and literature.

Minas Gerais is known, literally and figuratively, to be one of the “richest” spots on earth in terms of minerals, gems of all types, gold, nature resources, and of course, a loving and tranquil spirit. It is the only place on earth you will find “imperial topaz” a semi-precious stone.

Another local treasure will catch your attention when you are in the mountains and the Cerrado, where there are many bodies of water in various forms.? Certainly, lakes and reservoirs for boating and/or lake house “getaways” are quite common! There are an abundance of rivers and streams for rafting or float trips. Readily available and convenient for a day trip or longer adventure!? But the real secret I think, and it seems they are just about everywhere, are the natural spring feed waterfalls that exist throughout Minas – of every size!? The hills and mountains of Minas “leaks” all over the place (some in huge amounts!) and all the pure, crystal-clear water must run somewhere (downhill) – and it does so spectacularly – see some in the photo gallery. There is no fish or fishing, but some of the most amazing waterfalls, rapids, rock formations, and beautiful swimming “holes” one can imagine. And of course, rock climbing, mountain trekking, parasailing, and biking around the landscape.

There are constant festivals, many recognized with international awards! Cultural, music, dance, art exhibitions and workshops, gastronomic (food), culinary adventures, sustainability, costume, children’s events, religious, lectures and of course, Carnival! Brazilians love to get together and celebrate life and community for any reason, or for no reason at all!? And do not forget about Minas’ nationally and internationally recognized cheeses! Minas, the best Brazil has to offer, and so diverse!?

Minas has a rich history within the musical tradition and is well known as the birthplace of many famous musicians. A side note, before coming to Brazil I never truly understood the power of percussions and beat, and its ability to almost create a utopian sense of community, oneness. From the moment Covid 19 stopped festivals and activities worldwide since the start of 2020, early this year (2024) was really the first year I experience Carnival deeply in Belo Horizonte and the power of percussions! Come experience it, it alone will change your perspective!

Minas is also a place in Brazil which holds some specific and unique fruits and tree types within Brazil. Minas is also where almost all the world’s “niobium” is found and mined. Niobium, it helps you get here safely and is used commonly within the aeronautical and aerospace industry among others. To almost exclusively the positives, this special place has helped shape the Mineiro way, culture, and people.?

One of oldest known Paleo-Indian remains of the Americas was found in the greater Belo Horizonte area in the 1970’s. Luzia as she is known, is about 12,000 years old, and stands as a testament that even long ago, humans had the good sense to understand that living in such a splendid environment as Minas Gerais was a smart move!?

And the weather is fabulous, I consider it almost perfect – dry, low humidity most of the year!? But even the higher humidity periods are not like the mid-south where I last lived. The humidity climbs because of the “cooling rains” the summer sometimes brings! Belo Horizonte’s average monthly hours of sunshine ranges from a high of almost 250 hours a month (average of 8.33 hours a day) to a low of 150 hours (just below 5 hours) in December (rainy season).? The sun typically just shines here, day after day! ?Yearly temperatures range from 9 to 35 degrees Celsius (48 to 95 F) although elevated areas have cooler temperatures. The region classified as a tropical savanna climate humid / warm summer (December) and dry / mild winters (June).? Some of the best times to visit are in April through July!? Just perfect weather.

At the heart of Minas Gerais, is Belo Horizonte, “beautiful horizon” the state’s largest city and the “first modern planned” city (1894-97) of Brazil. The State of Minas Gerais contains the bulk of the “Estrada Real”, the “Royal Road” from which Portugal pull so much wealth from Brazil and from where the first cries of freedom from “colonialism” where shouted. For more on this subject, a visit to the city of Tiradentes (also a person – their nickname) during your first visit is suggested! A few of the other more historical cities in Minas Gerais include Ouro Preto, S?o Jo?o del-Rei, Diamantina, Mariana, Tiradentes, Congonhas and Sabará.

There are many exciting stops upon the “Royal Road” but one of the more famous and popular tourist attractions is Ouro Preto, located about 90 minutes outside of Belo, and from which “official” tallies shows 1500 tons of gold mined with 800 tons being transferred to Portugal from this small creek and area tucked between a few of the Serra do Espinha?o mountains. There are still active good mines in the area. While the bulk of the original gold went overseas, many of Ouro Preto’s high concentrations of churches are partially “lined” with gold leaf; and the city’s overall wealth, cultural depth, and architectural claims had to occupy a fair amount of official and unofficial gold tally. ?

Ouro Preto was the capital of Minas Gerais from 1720 until 1897 when Belo Horizontal was designated the capital. In the early days, the municipality of Ouro Preto became the most populous city of Latin America, counting approximately 40,000 people in 1730 and, decades later, it reached 80,000. At that time, the population of New York City was less than half of that number of inhabitants and the population of S?o Paulo did not surpass 8,000. Ouro Preto is designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, one reason is the outstanding Baroque Portuguese colonial architecture. Today the city is host to about 75,000 inhabitants and the Federal University of Ouro Preto, one of the more important Federal Universities of Minas Gerais (along with UFMG in Belo Horizonte – Minas has the largest Federal University system of any state) and Brazil. It offers undergraduate, masters, and PhD level studies in Exact and Applied Sciences, Life Sciences, and the Humanities and Social Applied Sciences. ??

We invite you to come visit Brazil, with your first trip being to Minas Gerais…Belo Horizonte, Ouro Preto. ?Why?

That you may come to realize and acknowledge that your own individuality, which we so much revere in this life, is something not entirely our own. It is truly part of something much larger.

Where fathers and mothers may still be seen to be holding their teenage daughters’ hand while walking the streets and sidewalks of the cities and countryside.

Where different types of plants, shrubs, and trees are in blossom throughout the year.

Where on the outskirts of Ouro Preto, in a small town - village like Sao Antonio do Leite, the air is so clean and pure, that on the usually clear evening skies, a nightly light show spectacle occurs in the heavens, and you can still see the “milk” of the Milky Way. Sao Antonio do Leite (The milk of Sao Antonio) is known for its residents living a long life and many attribute the pure water, air, and simplicity of life there as a main factor. ?Please visit www.villereal.com.br (located in Sao Antonio do Leite) as one of your “must stay” places during your visit to Ouro Preto and Belo Horizonte. Not far from these two cities is also located the world's largest open-air museum, Inhotim, which is definitely worth a visit.

Where youth, middle aged adults, and elders, are often seen walking the very elderly, guiding the blind, and still sharing and experiencing more life together.

Where friendliness, hospitality, and diversity govern society, and where happiness, communications, dance, music and creatively expressing life, rule each day.

Where empathy and tolerance are spoken verbally and practiced silently each day, and the homeless and less fortunate are talked to and engaged every day and treated with kindness and respect; were food and drink is generously offer by “society” in an almost seemingly unorganized rotation.?

Where pigeons in the countless city and neighborhood parks will be at your feet undisturbed as you walk by more often than not.

?Brazil’s “food supply chain” system is undoubtedly one of the very best in the world.? You must experience it!

A place where creative, expressive art is everywhere and in so many places. It is quite good and includes even sides of even 8 or 15 story buildings.? We added some pictures in the gallery!

Where dogs, even the “street dogs” are among the friendliness you’ll ever experience and play openly with the many momentarily unleashed dogs and their owners in the abundant neighborhood parks or squares everywhere. They all get along unseeingly well, as do the people.?

A country and place where you come to understand and realize, an individual’s and society’s overall aggressiveness or its tranquility is equally manifested in the behavior of our domestic pets and even nature’s animals which surround us.? Aggression, aggressiveness, and even judgmental perspectives are not welcome; here, peace, calmness, tolerance, and tranquility, are examples to be shown, taught, and displayed by society daily.? They are part of the fabric of society here in Minas and Brazil.

Where you learn the difference between direct and indirect communications in an overall society really translates into the difference between a society valuing the “individual” over the “community as a whole”, or society valuing the “community as a whole” over the “individual” needs or desire.? There is a balance, and one of many synonyms, could be referred to as civility and enjoying life together.? Non-judgmental, be it economic, social, religious, ethnic, lifestyle.? ?

Brazilian’s work hard and while work is important and performed diligently, “life and living” is even more important, and relationships among family, friends, and “people” in general, are paramount. Where work can and maybe should properly be measured and framed as one’s “life’s work”.? Brazilian’s have a much better life – work – living balance and perspective.?

Wherein businesses are legally setup and governed by what is called a “social contract” and businesses in general are much more integrated, part of, and contribute to the “fabric of society” and “creativity of life” through their involvement, participation, and support of social events and issues on a neighborhood, local, regional, and national level.? The focus is not just on profit and shareholders, and not typically oriented toward what I have learned to call “savage” capitalism. Brazil’s integral perspective of people, social contract, businesses, foundational efforts for the “common good” is unique.? This obviously occurs to some extent elsewhere in the world, but my experience has been that it is often targeted toward larger political and philosophy structure, and their goals are more “influential” than “expressive”.???

A country where you run into a significant number of social scientists with PhD’s and master’s degrees working in every cross section of Life, Applied, and Social Sciences within the public, industrial, and social sectors for the true and better understanding, display, and practice of “society” as a whole and individually.? Yes, there is even a Ministry of Culture.

A country about the same size as the continental US but with only 215 million people, the majority (more than 60%) of which live in coastal cities.? Brazil is, by far, the most biodiverse country in the entire world. It has an incredible array of birds, amphibians, mammals, fish, and reptiles, not to mention an astronomical amount of plant species. I see all types of unique birds and wildlife all the time throughout a city that numbers about 2.5 million!?

It claims 6 of the world’s 7 types of Biomes.

Beside the Amazon and Pantanal (which is a natural region encompassing the world's largest tropical wetland area, and the world's largest flooded grasslands, located mostly within the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, but it extends into Mato Grosso and portions of Bolivia and Paraguay), the Cerrado, Caatinga, Mata Atlantica, and Pampa make up the six biomes of Brazil. And yes, the largest waterfall in the world, larger than Niagara Falls, is in Brazil on its border – Iguazu Falls. There is so much nature and natural environmental within Brazil – to be explored, learned, and enjoyed!

The Iguazu Falls are the largest waterfall system in the world. Stretching almost 3km along the border of Argentina and Brazil, the falls are made up of roughly 275 different vertical drops, with heights varying from 60 meters - 82 meters. This makes the Iguazu Falls taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide.?

Brazil is one of the greenest countries in the world in terms of the electric energy matrix, the difference between Brazil and the world is even greater: while the world only had 25% of renewable electric energy in 2019, Brazil had 83%. The Brazilian electric matrix is composed of: hydraulic energy, 64.9% (hydro); biomass, 8.4%; wind energy, 8.6%; solar energy, 1%; natural gas, 9.3%; oil products, 2%; nuclear, 2.5%; coal and derivatives, 3.3%.?

Oil products and coal only provide a little over 5% of the country’s electrical energy needs; and nearly 65% of electrical energy is provided by hydro – hydraulic!

Another interest fact, Brazil's emissions profile is quite different from the rest of the worlds. Half of its carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emissions come from deforestation (so unfortunate). A quarter comes from agriculture, a fifth from transportation and energy, and the remainder from industry and waste.

It is hard to express the need and unrealized desire you truly have about coming to visit a place like Minas Gerais and Belo Horizonte, its people, culture, and natural beauty. I truly believe a life well spent includes visits and a taste of Minas lifestyle.

Come and see.

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