CHRISTMAS: 5 gift tips for that friend in love with Brazil
15 Dec, 2014
Read in English below | Leia em PortuguA?s clique aqui
Varied and creative suggestions to give as presents this Christmas with a ‘brazilian vibe’
By Natalia Palmeira
Christmas is coming and the rush to find the right present is inevitable. How about innovating this year and giving friends and family a souvenir with a Brazilian twist. The country with the greatest biodiversity in the world has a unique and creative sophistication that extends to art in several areas, through culture and other areas such as gastronomy and business.Ai?? As facing the over 9000 km from London to Rio de Janeiro isnai??i??t always an option – even if a break from the cold of London to enjoy the warmth across the hemisphere is tempting! Ai??- Culturart Brazil singled out five gift suggestions that can be found without leaving the United Kingdom.
The book Brazil: A celebration of contemporary Brazilian culture, may be the option ideal for that friend in love with Brazil or even for those who are interested in culture and travel. The book shows a contemporary view of Brazilian culture that goes beyond the clichAi??s: carnival, football, samba and caipirinha. Published by British publisher Phaidon, the book takes a look at famous 
Brazilian names in art, architecture, fashion, cuisine, cinema, and photography, among others. Brazil – The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture, from Culture Smart, is another option that brings essential information on customs, traditions, and religious and political aspects. It is the perfect guide for those who are planning a trip to Brazil or for those who want to know more about the customs and curiosities of the Brazilian people.
Brazilian fashion is also in the UK. Created by a Brazilian living in London, Cinthia Bailey, Be Superb has shirts and accessories inspired by Brazil. The T-shirt with the ‘saudade’ logo enchants anyone. The word, which exists only in the Portuguese language and is considered one of the most difficult to translate, describes a deep emotional state of nostalgia for something or a loved one. Produced in Wales, the T-shirts are 100% organic cotton, use water-based ink and contain no chemical additives.
An invitation to a lunch or dinner in a typical Brazilian food restaurant is a guaranteed success. London has several options when the theme is Brazil. Barraco Cafe brings the atmosphere of a Rio boteco to Kilburn and you can surprise a European friend with a feijoada, the famous picanha, and even celebrate with a delicious caipirinha. Made in Brazil, in Camden, is another option for those who want to experience the Brazilian heat with good music and various typical dishes. Tia Maria in Vauxhaul, is the only place you will find tapioca, made from a flour extracted from cassava is popular northern and Brazilian northeast, with sweet or savory fillings. All these restaurants even have live music ranging from MPB to ForrA?, creating an atmosphere so authentic that it makes anyone feel like theyai??i??re in Brazil.
Now if the idea is to take a little taste of Brazil home, making a selection of products with a Brazilian flavour in London is not difficult. PA?o de queijo, coffee and fresh milk are just some of the options that Casa BrasilAi??Londres, located in the Queensway neighborhood, offers and are popular with the European public.
Exotic ingredients from the Amazon can also be found in Brazilian cosmetics, at the Brazilian Beauty Academy located in Stockwell.
Or how about a Natura moisturizer with Buriti extract? Or a perfume with essence of pitanga? These and other products can found in the online store IpanemaAi??Cosmetics.
