"I jump into a sand pit for a living"
Brazil
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Regis St Louis, Carlton, 2013 and 2016. ISBN 8978-1-84796-052-8
In 2014 I was in Rio for the World Cup. I was offered a ticket to see England play in Manaus. It was an attractive offer until I realized that Manaus was 3000 miles from Rio! The sheer size and diversity of Brazil astonishes the visitor.In 320 pages, for most of them full colour and often full page pictures, tells the story of Brazil. The book covers history, diversity of people, culture, natural resources for the iconic sites of the country. Alongside the modern pictures are black and white images to portray life as it was.
The section “the world’s natural paradise” is perhaps the most interesting featuring the natural beauty and diversity of wildlife in the country. My one big disappointment from my previous visit was the failure to see an armadillo, although there were quite common in the grounds of the college where I was based. The book includes a memorable picture of one.
No comment of in Brazil would be complete without sport and the book includes football –from Pele onwards beach volleyball surfing and Ayrton Senna. I received the book shortly before setting out for the Olympics which will undoubtedly showcase the best of Brazilian culture alongside some challenges of life and the country. The book prepared me well.
If you have been to Brazil buy the book as a souvenir. If you have not, buy it and it will inspire you to go.