Porto Alegre for Beginners

When you ask someone from Australia, England or the US which cities they know in Brazil, they'll all know Rio de Janeiro. It's one of the most well known cities in the world, overflowing with historical landmarks, amazing scenery and beautiful beaches. Beyond Rio? Most will also know the huge city of São Paulo and some will know the capital of Brasília.

Nobody knows Porto Alegre. Nobody.

I certainly didn't. The first I ever heard of Brazil's southernmost state capital was when the Australian national team (the Socceroos) was drawn to play it's second match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup there against the Netherlands.

My first time in Porto Alegre watching football

While I did some research before arriving in Porto Alegre for the match, I really didn't know what to expect from the city. Other Brazilians had less than glowing reviews about the city and it's people.

When I did finally come to the city, I had an incredible time. It helped that Australia's match against the Dutch was one of the games of the tournament, but it was more than that. Contrary to their reputation throughout the rest of their country, the people of Porto Alegre were exceptionally friendly and welcoming.

My host for the four days I was in town (through Couch Surfing) was one of the best hosts I've ever had. He loved his city and really wanted me to enjoy it too. While I was only in town for a few days, I some great people (one in particular, but we'll talk about that another time) and felt that Porto Alegre was one of the few cities that I'd seen in the previous six months of travel through Latin America that I could actually live in for some time.

One of the most beautiful streets in Porto Alegre

Now, less than 18 months later, I'm back and starting to learn more and more about the city and state of Rio Grande do Sul. The people here are known as Gaúchos – basically South American cowboys – and they're very proud of their culture which is distinct from other parts of the country.

The state of Rio Grande do Sul could easily have become it's own country. It was at times part of Spanish and Portuguese territory and has been the centre of numerous battles for independence from the the rest of Brazil. As a result it shares as many cultural traditions with surrounding countries like Uruguay and Argentina as it does with the people of Rio.

Traditional Churrasco

Chimarrão and Churrasco are two things that are virtually a way of life in Rio Grande do Sul and yet are far less noticeable in the rest of the country. Chimarrão, known is Spanish speaking countries as maté, is a green tea like hot drink consumed almost religiously by Gaúchos. Meanwhile, churrasco – Brazilian barbecue – has its roots in Rio Grande do Sul and the locals here are know throughout the country for the quality of their churrascos.

Chimarrão

Porto Alegre has some great neighbourhoods, from the Historical Centre, to Cidade Baixa which wouldn't look out of place in Melbourne's hipster northern suburbs, or Moinhos de Vento which wouldn't look out of place in Melbourne's yuppie southern suburbs. It also has beautiful parks like Gasômetro, alongside of the great lake (which they call a river) and Redenção (also known as Parque Farroupilha) which the locals are very proud of.

Churrasco in the park

Gaúchos love nothing more than spending a Sunday afternoon wandering around one of the many parks and green spaces in Porto Alegre sharing their Chimarrão, or sitting around and cooking some meat to perfection.

This is clearly a place I can get used to.