Weekend trip from Rio de Janeiro: Buzios, Brazil

by Jessica Festa on

While many travelers to Brazil choose to spend a majority of their time in the large and lively metropolitan city of Rio de Janeiro, there is a culturally rich and sophisticated village about two hours away that is well worth a visit. Búzios, with its sandy beaches, opportunities for adventure, ambient restaurants, and charming shops, was once a tiny fishing town made famous by a visit from actress Brigitte Bardot in 1964. Now, the area is thought to be similar to the luxurious Saint-Tropez, and for good reason.

Getting in:

To get to Búzios you can fly into Búzios Airport, which receives regular flights from Guarulhos Airport in São Paulo, or from Santos Dumont in Rio de Janeiro on Fridays and Sundays. Private and non-regular aircrafts use Umberto Modiano Airport, also in Armação dos Búzios. Likewise, you can catch a Viação 1001 bus daily from Rodoviária Novo Rio in Rio de Janeiro.
Beaches:

Búzios is world-renowned for its breathtaking beaches. While there are many worth exploring, here are some of the best:

João Fernandinho Beach (pictured right)- This small, laid-back beach has clear, calm water as well as a unique desert-like landscape.

Brava Beach– If you’d prefer something a bit more adventurous, Brava Beach is well-known for its strong waves and excellent surfing opportunities.

Geribá Beach– For those who want to be “in the know” and surround themselves with beautiful people, Geribá Beach attracts a hip and sexy crowd.

Azeda Beach– This secluded beach is said to be one of the most beautiful in all of Brazil. It’s considered an Environmental Protection Area and can only be accessed via water-taxi or hiking a small track from Ossos Beach.

Ferradura Bay– This warm-water beach is loaded with activities including banana boating, waterskiing, bar hopping, and trying different restaurants.

Sports and Adventure:

Because of its excellent water and nature-rich location, Búzios is home to many outdoor and active options, some of which are:

Scuba diving– Because of the crystal-clear water in Búzios, there is great visibility for seeing marine life like giant turtles, grouper, manta rays, and bright corals. Moreover, the water is around 72 degrees, making it comfortable to stay in for long periods of time. One great place to dive is Âncora Island, which you can reach in about 30 minutes via boat. Arraial do Cabo, which is about 30 minutes by car, is another great spot and is well known throughout the entire country. If you’ve never dived before and want to learn, or if you have but would still like to go with an instructor, Casamar, Mar Azul and True Blue are all reputable companies.

Búzios Golf Course– This elite course consists of 18-holes and was designed by internationally famous architects Pete and Perry Dye. Golfers come from all over the globe to experience the unique landscape and topography of the venue, which can be seen by clicking here.

Sailing– Búzios plays host to some great sailing, and athletes come from all over the world. Even famous Brazilian sailing champion Lars Grael practices in Búzios. Furthermore, the city hosts a Brazilian Sailing Week for the country each year. If you’d like to try sailing for yourself, I would recommend going with Happy Surf located on Ferradura Beach.

Experience an eco-tour– Búzios has a diverse landscape of mountains, hills, beaches, and rich flora, making it ideal for people who enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors. Visit Emerências Reserve, the only place in Búzios where you will find the beautiful and vibrant endangered golden lion tamarin (monkeys), or Tauá Reserve, which is home to over 300 butterfly species and sixty bird types.

Fishing– Because Búzios is surrounded by beaches on all sides, it is a prime location for fishing. Shark, sea bass, anchovas, and sea bream can all be caught and enjoyed from the beaches; however, if you’d like to experience an authentic fishing trip with an experienced local, head over to the Fishermen’s Colony to rent a boat and hire a sailor who will promise a catch of up to twenty fish each hour.

Kite surfing– Búzios, the land of water sports, is also home to excellent kite surfing opportunities. While kite surfing is fun it can also be dangerous, which is why it’s important to learn from a certified instructor. Eduardo Graf, a 6-year instructor certified by the International Kiteboarding Association, runs the Búzios Kitesurf School. Participants will be able to fly like a kite over Rasa Beach while taking in views of the beaches and the town.

Explore the cultural hub of Rua das Pedras (Stone Street)

The cobblestone road, which is often thought of as the place to see and be seen, extends towards the Orla Bardot and is a continuation of the road accompanied by the Armação Beach. Moreover, bars, clubs, hotels, shops, restaurants, and art galleries litter the street, making it a lively and interesting area to explore the city through.

Experience the arts

There are an array of worthwhile galleries and shops on the road to put you in a creative mood while experiencing local and international art. Galeria das Artes features numerous artists from all over the world showcasing a mix of medias like bronze sculptures and oil paintings in permanent displays. If you enjoy public art, Christina Motta has beautiful sculptures set up in the area, like the famous bronze Brigitte Bardot piece (shown above). Other must-see galleries to visit on the street include Celina Lisboa (contemporary paintings), Abigail Schlemm (illusionist paintings), Atelier Flory Menezes (paintings and sculptures on permanent display), and Vilmar Madruga (world-renowned paintings).

Gastronomy

There are an array of diverse and delicious restaurants on Rua das Pedras, but these are some of the best:

Chez Michou– Stop here if you’re craving a casual, mostly open-air atmosphere and delicious sweet and savory crepes. Choose from unique options such as cheese and banana, chicken curry, and caramel banana while enjoying beers, cocktails, and music.

Sawadee– This upscale oriental restaurant with traditional low tables and plush cushions for kneeling brings a fusion of cultures to Brazil. The flavors are exotic and hand-carved decor, Asian-inspired art, outdoor gardens, and numerous small tea lights create an exotic ambiance.

Cigalon– This romantic restaurant has beach views, an extensive wine list, generous portions, and food that seems to be a mix of Argentine and French fare. It is one of the best places in town to get ceviche and delicious duck.

Capricciosa– This famous pizza restaurant bakes pies to perfection. Best of all, they’re made in a wood oven and guests can choose from an array of toppings like spinach, shrimp, tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and more.

Salt– If you like unique dishes and international flavor, you’ll love this place. This contemporary restaurant opened in January of 2011 and is often praised for its fresh seafood, friendly staff, beautiful dark chocolate interior, and upbeat music.

Estancia Don Juan– This funky restaurant is painted in vibrant Earth tones and serves some of the most delicious Argentine cuisine in town. Old photographs and posters adorn the walls and furnishings are carved with unique and precise detail. The wine list is extensive, and their steaks are served sizzling and juicy.

Nightclubs

The nightclubs on Rua das Pedras are some of the best in the world. Check out:

Pacha– For those who love techno and house music, this upbeat indoor/outdoor club has amazing views of Canto Beach. Their unique design features part of the club being partially built in glass, 3 feet below sea level, and overhangs the sea for 98 feet.

Moor- Here you will find a mix of Argentinian restaurants, a bar, and a nightclub on the second floor. The venue also hosts concerts and performances on a regular basis.

Privilege– Known for its world class DJ’s and breathtaking views of Orla Bardot, this upscale two-story nightclub brings in a sexy crowd. If you like trance music and beautiful people, this is where you’ll want to go.

Patio Havana– This sophisticated venue features concerts of blues, jazz, and popular Brazilian music.

Unusual aphrodisiacs from Asian countries

by Jessica Festa on

Wondering how to get you or your partner more in the mood for sex? Instead of opting for expensive pills or unnatural remedies, why not learn from the Asian culture and try one of these libido-boosting aphrodisiacs? From dangerously poisonous fish to fertilized duck embryo or snake’s blood, it is clear some people really will try anything to have good sex. While these odd ingestants may be useful for people in Asia, I’m thinking that others may want to stick to increasing their libido the old-fashioned way: getting drunk and watching porn.

Balut

Balut is a common finger food in Southeast Asia and is literally an almost-developed duck embryo that is boiled alive and eaten in the shell. If you want to try this delicacy for yourself, head over to the Philippines, where it is most common, or Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia. It’s a very popular food to enjoy at bars while drinking a beer, which makes me wonder if it’s the Balut making people horny or the alcohol.Bull Balls Soup

Bull Balls Soup, also known as Soup #5, originated in the Philippines and is a dish made from the bull’s penis or testicles. The genitalia is washed and then scorched in boiling water before being cut into small pieces. These bits are then simmered in a pot along with other meats, vegetables, and ginger. Not only is it said to be tasty, but also the bull’s genitals in the soup are believed to have a higher potency than even Viagra.

Durian

It’s hard to believe anything that smells this bad could be considered arousing, but this odorous fruit is said to have a strong aphrodisiac power. In fact, in Indonesia a common saying is “the durians fall and the sarongs come up.” The stench of the fruit is so overwhelming that many public venues like restaurants, hotels, and buses prohibit durian from being brought inside. I guess some people find unpleasant smells sexy.

Monkey Brains

While the eating of monkey brains is controversial – the practice has, unfortunately, led to the over-killing of the animal in Indonesia – it is actually enjoyed in many countries around the world due to the dish’s believed ability to cure erectile dysfunction. Disturbingly, many people enjoy eating the brains of the monkey while the animal is still alive, although laws are currently being implemented to make this illegal. Before you go digging into this delicacy, however, just know that in return for horny side-effects, you’re running the risk of acquiring Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, an illness similar to Mad Cow.

Snake’s Blood/Wine

In Asia, snake products in general are believed to create an unusually high sex drive. One way to achieve an increased libido is by drinking a concoction made by infusing the essence and venom of a poisonous snake into grain alcohol or rice wine (shown right). While this may not sound appealing, your other option is to slice a poisonous snake open and drink the blood straight out of its body.

Tiger Penis Soup

As we’re basically talking about the power of the penis here, it’s not surprising that a number of Asian aphrodisiacs are literally penises. Although the tiger is near extinction, that doesn’t stop locals of China and Southeast Asia from consuming the appendage for its sex-enhancing properties. Making the soup is a time-consuming process, as the tiger penis must be dried out and then soaked in water for a week. From there, the penis is simmered with spices and other ingredients. Sound tasty? Because of the difficulty of procuring the penis of an endangered animal, a bowl of this stuff can cost a few hundred dollars.

Caterpillar Fungus

Caterpillar fungus, or “dong chong xia cao” (summer grass, winter worm) in Chinese, has been a popular element of Chinese medicine for hundreds of years as a way to treat cancer, exhaustion, and, of course, impotency. The product is created during the winter when the ghost moth caterpillar burrows into the ground and hibernates. During this time a fungi enters the caterpillar’s body and eats it from the inside. Eventually, the caterpillar fungus will erupt from the dead insect’s head. While this may sound like the plot of a horror movie, this natural sex-enhancer can cost over $100 per gram depending on where you purchase it.

Bird’s Nest Soup

While many people think of a bird’s nest as nature’s architecture, others enjoy it as a tasty and libido-boosting meal. The soup is not made with just any old bird’s nest, but one made of solidified saliva, as these have the best texture for creating the cuisine. To make the dish, the nest is dissolved in water and, depending on if it is a natural white or red nest, can cost over $100 for a bowl.

Hagfish

This slime-producing eel is the only animal on the planet that has a skull but no vertebral column or jaw, making it difficult to classify. Although many are unsure as to whether the Hagfish is behind or ahead of the evolution process, one thing is certain – people from Southeast Asia love them. So what is it about these odd-looking creatures that turn people on? Most likely, it is the resemblance to a penis in shape and its production of a large amount of slimy liquid when stroked.

Dog Meat

Though many Westerners may object, in certain Asian countries it is said that eating dog meat creates a warm sensation throughout the body that is linked to passion, intensity, and carnal urges. What’s really unsettling isn’t so much the fact that it’s dog meat that’s being eaten, but that it is believed that the slower and more painful the death of the animal, the more flavorful the meat and the stronger the effects on sexual stamina. I guess for some this is worth it for a steamy night of passion.

[images via raeky, BorgQueen, Genghiskhanviet, Magnus Manske, Lmozero]

Tranquil travel hits Bali as the entire island falls silent during Nyepi

by Jessica Festa on

While many cultures around the world celebrate their New Year with fireworks, parades, and loud parties, the island of Bali in Indonesia takes a different approach. In fact, travelers looking to enjoy some peace and quiet in a beautiful setting should consider taking a trip to the island on March 23 to take part in the Balinese New Year, or Nyepi, “Day of Silence”.

During Nyepi, the entire island of Bali falls silent in an effort to cleanse and purify. In fact, shops aren’t allowed to open, vehicles and machinery may not be used, work is forbidden, electricity must remain off, and even the Bali airport closes down.

Just because the island falls silent, however, does not mean you shouldn’t visit. In fact, an array of cultural activities and package deals are offered in honor of Nyepi, making it the perfect time to visit Bali.

AYANA Resort and Spa

For those who would like to experience Nyepi for themselves, the luxury, cliff-top AYANA Resort and Spa allows guests to stay on the property and continue to use the restaurants, spa, and other facilities during the event as long as noise is kept to a minimum. They also take part in the festivities that lead up to the day of silence, including creating a giant paper mache figure called ogoh-ogoh (shown above). On the night before Nyepi, locals from all over the island come out to show off their own ogoh-ogohs, which tend to resemble skeletons and monsters, while live bands play in the background. It is believed that those taking part in this cultural ceremony confront their own negativity and purge it from their souls.

Rates start at $239 per night plus taxes and gratuities. Email reservation@ayanaresort.com or click here to book. The Radiant Hotel and Spa

The Radiant Hotel and Spa is a 5-star boutique hotel that sits on 50-acres of pools, palm trees, tropical gardens, and magnificent fountains. In honor of the Balinese New Year, the hotel is offering a 3 day/2 night Nyepi Package which includes two nights in a Superior room, daily breakfast for two, an evening at the buffet, unlimited soft drinks, a 45-minute foot and shoulder massage, and 10% off beverages. And to help you enjoy the tranquility a little more, you can add-on one of their relaxing spa packages, like a 30-minute Jacuzzi soak followed by a 70-minute full-body natural oil massage, shower, and snack, or a combination that includes a sauna session, massage, body scrub, and facial.

Package rates start at $154 plus taxes and gratuities for the dates of March 22-24. E-mail info@theradianthotel.com or click here to book.

Conrad Bali

This contemporary designed, beachfront property is all about creating unique and worthwhile experiences for their guests, from cooking classes to brunches on the beach to tennis lessons. For Nyepi, the Conrad Bali is helping guests cleanse their souls by hosting an array of holistic and healing activities, like yoga and meditation. They are also keeping their spa open so that guests can enjoy treatments like a tea-infused aromatherapy bath followed by a marine mud and sea salt body wrap, or a full-body massage and natural yogurt body mask.

Rates start at $168 per night plus taxes and gratuities. Click here to book.

Sun Boutique Hotel

The Sun Boutique Hotel is a modern hotel with enjoyable features like spacious rooms, soothing wall art, a delicious bistro, and a beautiful rooftop garden. In honor of Nyepi, they are featuring a Sun Nyepi Package which includes a welcome drink, daily buffet breakfast for two, daily tropical fruit basket, two water bottles each day, coffee and tea, and lunch and dinner for two on March 23.

Package rates start at about $174 for a standard room. E-mail info@sunboutiquehotel.com or click here to book.

Komaneka

If you love being surrounded by nature in a peaceful setting, this is your perfect hotel. From March 22-March 24, Komaneka will be offering a Nyepi Package, which includes two nights in a Bisma Suite room, a 60-minute Balinese massage, two lunches and dinners, welcome drink, daily breakfast and afternoon tea, daily en-suite cookies, fruits, and flowers, daily entrance and return transfer to Neka Art Museum, free mineral water each day, free activities like cultural offerings, dance lessons, and wood carving, and free shuttle service to and from central Ubud.

Package rates vary depending on when you book. E-mail reservation@komaneka.com or click here to book.

New BBC America cooking show combines travel and adventure

by Laurel Miller on

It was only a matter of time before all the eating of rats and scorpions on “Survivor” grew tiresome. Perhaps that’s why producer Kevin Greene and “Chopped” producer Chachi Senior created a new cooking series for BBC America that combines exotic locales with dodgy outdoor adventures. There’s just one little catch: there’s no kitchen.

“No Kitchen Required” takes 2008 Food & Wine “Best New Chef” Michael Psilakis of New York’s FISHTAG and Kefi, private executive chef Kayne Raymond (aka the resident beefcake), and former “Chopped” champ Madison Cowan, and drops them into ten remote locations to perform some serious hunting and gathering.

After being plunked down in Dominica; Belize; New Zealand; Fiji; Thailand; Hawaii; New Mexico; Louisiana, and Florida, each chef is handed a knife (“Pack your knives and go,” is not a sentence you’ll hear uttered on this series) and a few key ingredients. They’re then left to fish, hunt, forage, and otherwise scrounge up the remaining ingredients to “create a locally-inspired meal that will be judged by the community.”

Despite the gimmicky and somewhat contrived nature of the challenges, there’s a lot to love about this show. It’s fun, innovative, and despite my raging addiction to “Top Chef,” I’m happy to see a cooking show that finally requires the use of local/seasonal ingredients (let’s hope there’s no blow-darting of endangered monkeys or serving of shark fin). Weaving the regional and cultural element into the concept is genius. Braised nutria, anyone?

The series premieres April 3rd.

[Photo credit: © Gilles Mingasson for BBC AMERICA]

Video: cosmic time-lapse, ‘Temporal Distortion’

by Elizabeth Seward on

“Temporal Distortion” from Randy Halverson on Vimeo.

If you’re in the mood for taking a beautiful, cosmic, time-lapse break, consider this your opportunity. The gorgeous time-lapse images that make up this short film (which is part of a 23 minute expanded version) feature the Milky Way, Aurora, and plenty of other Earthly delights. An original score by renowned composer Bear McCreary accompanies this piece. McCreary has scored “Battlestar Galactica” and “The Walking Dead,” among others. We’ve featured other time-lapse work from Randy Halverson. If you like this video, be sure to check out his Milky Way time-lapse as well as his South Dakota winter time-lapse.