I have met many Brazilians in my adult life; most in Portugal, but also in many of the other countries I have visited and I have always thought how open and friendly they are. And, indeed, this is what struck me most about the mainland, in Salvador de Bahia, as well as the island of Fernando de Noronha.

This is a country of great extremes. There are huge expanses of land (it’s an enormous country) and there are huge expanses that divide the haves and have nots. But everyone has a smile at the ready and is open and welcoming to foreigners like myself. Whoever I met was polite, friendly and willing to share. The sun shines everywhere and the ocean is warm and inviting.

These were destinations quite unlike where I have thus far travelled, with the obvious exclusion of St Helena island, and I was extremely appreciative and grateful for the lessons I learnt from being in Brazil.

Smile, laugh, be open and talk to strangers, be friendly and warm, and take one day at a time.
Live for today and go to the beach whenever you can.
Enjoy time for what it is, a gift to experience whenever you have moments to yourself.
Learn and understand that there are great differences in life and be grateful for everything you have.
Believe in whatever you want to believe in, but believe in something, whether you’re in a church or meeting a Bahiana or hearing about the Orixás.
Swim in the South Atlantic wherever you can; it’s beautiful and healing.

Thank you Brazil. I will be back.