Porto Alegre

One of the most important economic and cultural cities in Brazil, state capital Porto Alegre was our final stop on our Rio Grande do Sul tour.

Founded in 1742, this city actually began life as a large farm.  It is situated on a delta where five rivers converge.  Today it's one of the wealthiest cities in Latin America and the combination of history and architectural contrast makes it a great place for tourists to visit. 

My sister-in-law told me that she imagines London to be a bit like Porto Alegre.  When she first said this to me I thought she was mad to such an assumption but when I arrived I started to understand what she meant. 

There are many similarities between London and Porto Alegre - the many styles of architecture that help to tell the story of the city and create a stunningly contrasting horizon; the strong cultural presence and of course the climate which is indeed very similar - lots of rain and cold. 

Touring round the south of Brazil has been something I have enjoyed immensely.  I never fail to be amazed at the historical, ancestral and cultural diversity of this country that I have called my home for over a year now. 

There are so many regions to visit each one with a unique beauty, you could easily spend a lifetime travelling along one of nature's most beautiful roads.