Etiquette & Customs in Venezuela

Caracas is an ugly fetid city on the hill, where most of the rains, and in a decent part of the huge grills and barbed wire. High ugly concrete structures, even in the park grand piano, made of concrete, all it's crazy and want to go there as soon as possible. And it is better to leave in the evening to the outskirts of the city to distinguish a million lights spread over the hills of Barrio  is poor neighborhoods. And if you want to find in Caracas on grass or cocaine, both cheap and good quality  - ask the cook at the hotel or at Parking.

Etiquette & Customs in Venezuela

Meeting Etiquette
. A firm handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile are the standard greeting. When shaking hands, always use the appropriate greeting for the time of day - 'buenos dias', 'buenas tardes', or 'buenas noches'.
. When meeting groups always introduce yourself to the eldest person first.
. When leaving, say good-bye to each person individually.
. Since this is a formal culture, address people by their academic or professional title and their surname until invited to move to a first- name basis.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If invited to a dinner party, send flowers, particularly orchids, in advance of the event.
. Do not give handkerchiefs since they are considered unlucky.
. Gifts are generally opened when received.
. Always send a handwritten thank you note as it marks you as a person with class.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Venezuelan's house:
. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes later than invited.
. Arriving on time or early shows that you are too eager, which is interpreted as greedy.
. Dress conservatively but with an elegant flair. Smart casual dress is usually acceptable.
. Never decline an offer of coffee, as it is a symbol of hospitality to Venezuelans.

Table manners
. Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Do not begin eating until all other diners are seated, unless encouraged by the host to start.
. The host saying 'buen provecho' (enjoy or have a good meal) is the customary invitation for everyone to eat.
. In most cases, a maid or server will place food on your plate, although large dinner parties may be buffet style.
. Always keep your hands visible when eating, but do not rest your elbows on the table.
. Food is always eaten with utensils. Even fruit is eaten with a knife and fork.
. Keep your napkin on your lap while eating.
. Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink. Venezuelans typically toast with the word 'salud'.
. The host makes the first toast.
. When not using utensils, rest the tips on the edge of the plate with the handles resting on the table.
. It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork diagonally across the plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.

"Queen of Rivers" - The Amazon River...

The Indians called the Amazon River - Paraná-Tingo, which means " Queen of Rivers. " And indeed, this river is by all measures - the greatest in the world.

The honor of opening the Amazon River belongs to the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Orelyano. On named it in honor of the women warriors of Greek mythology, when mistook for a female long-haired Indian Yagua dressed in fibrous skirt. Interes to the discovery of the Amazon rose again in the late XIX century, connection with the rubber boom.

Brazilian Amazon - a vast realm of swamps and jungles, in turn, is the greatest in the lowlands of earth. During the flood, when the level of the Amazon rises to 20 feet, this flat is flooded nearly 100 kilometers in area, turning into a huge fresh water sea prick here and there the tops of trees.

Amazonian tidal feature is the famous "Prophetsa" which means "thundering water". From the clash of the mighty river runs to meet the tidal wave on the Amazon River formed 6 meters high water wall, topped with foamy crest. He rolls up the river with a loud roar, sweeping away everything in its path and mount the vessel, which did not have time in advance to take refuge in a side channel or bay.

Depth at the mouth of the Amazon is about 100 meters, and even after 3 000 kilometers, it exceeds 20 meters, which allows sea-going vessels pass through the whole of Brazil and get to Peru.

Amazon got its name because the Spanish conquerors, who, fighting on the banks of the river with the Indians, were struck by the fury of the intrepid Indian women, who fought along with men of the tribe. Brave warriors reminded Spaniards ancient myth of Amazon - and through them the river got its name.

The waters of the Amazon known as "white" - because of the huge amount of silt transported river water becomes very turbid, opaque and seems bright. In this regard, near the city of Manaus is possible to observe a very amusing effect. At the confluence of the Amazon Rio Negro, the water which, on the contrary, it is very clear and, as a consequence, it seems almost black (hence the name of the river) water of these two powerful rivers do not mix immediately, within 15 miles down the Amazon River from Manaus can be seen a parallel, in the same vein, two-colored flowing river.

Amazon basin without reason called the "green lungs" of our planet - that the largest array of tropical rain forest on Earth is the main supplier of oxygen in the atmosphere. But civilization is increasingly coming to the Amazon jungle - and the scope of this appalling attack: every hour disappears 4 square kilometers of the Amazon jungle and the speed of development of these lands man is ever increasing.

Argentinian Tango...The Passion Dance...

Argentinian Tango was born in the late XIX - early XX centuries 2 banks of the Rio de La-Plata, which separates Argentina and Uruguay. Most of his dancing in the port area sailors. Then tango passed to the brothels of Argentina. While waiting for their turn (at the time in Argentina to 10 men with one woman), men were taught each other in various pa in Argentine tango. Later, the tango had migrated to Paris and found himself in wealthy homes, restaurants, fashion. In the 70 years of XX century, thanks to Gustavo Naveira, was born a new style of tango - tango-nuevo (new), which is mainly performed under complicated music Piazzolla.

Buenos Aires...European Charm...

The Argentine's capital, is undoubtedly the busiest city in South America, life here does not stop even for a minute. On the street Avenida Corrientes there are cafes, kiosks, cinemas and shops that are working literally around the clock, even the buses in Buenos Aires travel at any time of day or night.

The capital of Argentina has a clear European charm, is subtly felt the spirit of Paris, Rome and Madrid, and this is not surprising, because the ancestors of most portenos, as they call themselves residents of Buenos Aires are from "Old World". Buenos Aires is home to almost 3 million people, but given the population of the suburbs - even more than 12 million.

In Buenos Aires, a huge number of attractions designed for every age and taste. Art lovers will find in this city of many different museums, galleries, theaters and monuments, and lovers of night life and vibrant cosmopolitan city offers the noisy clubs and discos, which boils fun in a non-stop. In Buenos Aires also has many cozy parks, where you can escape the bustle of the big city. This fun you can get from visiting museums, restaurants, beautiful monuments and, of course, tango shows.

The building is La Casa Rosada ( «Pink House"), bearing the official name of the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), - the residence of the Government of Argentina. It is situated in the square Plaza de Mayo, have been the silent witness to the emotional and dramatic events in the history of Argentina.

In Buenos Aires there is a large number of parks, where peace and quiet reign. Park the 3rd of February, perhaps, the biggest of them, it starts in the neighborhood of Palermo and extends further to the northern border of the city. In the immediate vicinity of the Park On February 3, is a zoo and planetarium, as well as some of the most interesting places for recreation: Andalusian patio, Danish rose garden and a Japanese pavilion.

Plaza de la Republica (Republic Square)

The most famous monument of Buenos Aires is, without doubt, a huge obelisk at the intersection of 9 de Julio and Corrientes avenidas, a symbol of the city. Erected it was in May 1936 to the 400-year anniversary of the founding of the city. The obelisk is installed in the center of the square Plaza de la Republica (Republic Square), at the place where the first time in Buenos Aires, the Argentine flag was posted. Its total height is 67 meters, himself obelisk occupies an area of 49 square meters. Not far from the obelisk located house-museum of the prominent Argentine science fiction writer Jorge Luis Borges. A well-known dance "Tango", has its origin in the outskirts of Buenos Aires, where he received widespread among poorer segments of the population. In 1910, the tango became popular in Paris and gradually spread throughout the world. December 11 is celebrated annually as the "Day of Tango". Buenos Aires is a city of colorful festivals, national holidays and sporting events. Number one in sport and the pride of all citizens, no doubt, is football. Squad has been one of the strongest in the world, Buenos Aires is ranked first in the world among all the cities on the total tonnage of football stadiums.

Buenos Aires was strong enough touched by the economic crisis that shook the whole country. People (in particular, and very young children) can be seen on the streets begging throughout the day and at night they go out into the streets and look in the trash something that somehow would help them survive. This should not cause you in disgust, before you the victim of a corrupt government. Yet one should be careful not to walk alone on dark streets. You can give alms to the poor, only better, if it would be something edible, rather than a trifle, which is immediately to spend money on alcohol. If you are looking for, where to have fun, Buenos Aires - the best place for such purposes: here an infinite number of discos, casinos, bars. Night in Buenos Aires never ends...

Brazilian Carnival in Rio de Janeiro...

Brazilian Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is the most ambitious in the world, which has no equal in beauty and scope. Carnival in Rio - it is now the tumult of emotions and passions, unbridled joy, music, dance and celebration of life for several days. Brazilian Carnival is Brazilian dance with unique rhythms, which are impressive. Each year, the samba for a few days into the blood of all participants and guests of the carnival. Millions of people take to the streets of Rio de Janeiro, and rejoice in the measure of their strength and physical capabilities. Pre event in Rio begins another two weeks before the main parade on sambodrome. But continuing this universal joy for a few days after the official end of the carnival.

A stay at the Brazilian Carnival in Rio de Janeiro should be required at least once in life.

Schedule of carnival in Rio de Janeiro in 2010-2030 years:

2010 - February 13-16

2011 - 5-8, March

2012 - February, 18-21

2013 - February, 9-12

2014 - March, 1-4

That's three nights in a row these days unfold on the main activities sambodrome in Rio de Janeiro. The real Brazilian carnival will give you a carnival show «Samba's Queen». Dance show «Samba's Queen» - is 15 curvatious beauties topless dancers with the queen's carriage, which will give you a holiday. You will now show with the Brazilian real Brazilian carnival costumes. Sparkling Brazilian samba will not leave anyone indifferent, as incendiary and very dynamic capoeira show your guests will bring a lot of impressions. And all this under the national fire-Brazilian music. Carnival show «Samba's Queen» - is the Brazilian Carnival all year round, is a Brazilian carnival in your guests, joy, laughter and good spirits.

When planning your vacation in Brazil, dont forget about the Copacabana. Copacabana - the most exciting and eclectic district of Rio de Janeiro with countless lures for tourists and local population: a unique beach with an exciting nightlife, sophisticated restaurants and bars overlooking the ocean, numerous shopping centers, theaters and cinemas. The feeling of lightness and carefree life does not leave you for a minute! And if the Rio - a city that never sleeps, the Copacabana - just an overdose of fun.

"Kariokas" - local residents - fascinate everyone who visits this place for the first time. Almost all of them dressed in white - the color, in their opinion, presents the pacification and good luck.

Copacabana - is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, wedged in a strip of land at the foot of the impressive hills of Rio de Janeiro, located 5 kilometers from the center of Rio. You can spend a week in Brazil, not leaving Copacabana, and many people do that. With a population of 350 thousand people, all stationed at the 110 streets in the four neighborhoods of narrow, Copacabana has the world's largest population density, creating an atmosphere of endless fun.

Copacabana - real live theater in Rio. Day at the beach and in the evening on the Promenade drink, dinner and people just walking up and watch each other: the tourists for the Brazilians, Brazilians - for the tourists. All that is happening here is of great interest to others.

The beach stretches for 5 kilometers. It is so broad, that is more like sand reserve, rather than on the beach. To get to the water, you have to cross this wide space, which includes the present football field and volleyball court. By the way, looking at a couple of games, you will understand why Brazilians are so strong in those sports.

The Beach - the most popular place of petty crooks Rio. After leaving their surroundings unattended and came out of the water, you can not find your things back where you left them. Large hotels Copacabana hire their own security to control the territory in front of their buildings. Many come to the beach without anything, only in a bathing suit and with a thin towel, so they have nothing to lose.

Copacabana first gained fame in 1923 with the opening here «Place Hotel» - the first luxury hotel in South America. Soon there appeared a few casinos, and the beach quickly turned into a kind of international "beer bar" for celebrities. In 1948, three Argentine girl called a storm on the beach, appearing in separate bathing suits, and since then Copacabana bathing fashion world dictates.

Beach, lovely sights, legendary night clubs, boutiques and traditional sidewalks - all this for a long time will charm you. Stroll in the district and mingled with the noisy and colorful crowd, you become a real connoisseur of life.

The Beach - is a place for New Year parties, attracted more than 2 million people from around the world. Festivals fireworks and presentation with live music only intensified the mood of celebration.

Wake up early in the morning and admire the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean! Somewhere in another part of Copacabana at the same time, the fishermen pull their nets from the water, the townspeople hurry about their business, the first batch of freshly baked bread is ready for sale, and nightclub bouncers finally go home.

Holidays in Brazil you will long be remembered for its colors and pervasive atmosphere of fun. A vacation in Copacabana add color and emotion, which is enough for an entire year - until a new visit to Brazil.