Five things to know about Brazil
The Basics
Brazil is huge, the fifth largest country in the world to be precise. As a consequence some Brazilians will see how small the UK is in comparison and assume you've met their friend bob (who also lives on your tiny island - the United Kingdom).
Before you set off exploring do your research and check out the relevant discussion boards to hear invaluable advice from people who have been there.
Check out these two sites to get you started;
Food and Drink
The names may be intimidatingly exotic but be brave and try some of the delicious culinary pleasures Brazil has to offer.
On every street corner you will find a juice bar with everything from Cacau (which tastes of coconut and sweet mango like fruits), to acerola, which is similar to cherries.
The national dish is feijoada, which a thick stew made with black beans and an assortment of different meats.
Brazilians take their drinking as seriously as their cooking. Cachaça is a brutally strong spirit drunk throughout Brazil.
One of the most popular brands is Caninha 51 which boldly claims to be "Uma Boa Ideia" (a good idea). However if you drink it in the delicious caipirinha cocktail, watch out for the incredible strength hidden by the lushness of the drink.
Carnaval
It is not just held in Rio de Janeiro but all over the country. The type of celebration varies considerably between areas.
The three most popular carnavals are held in Rio de Janeiro (the one you see on the news), Salvador (lots of African drum beats) and Recife (a colourful arty carnaval with masks and costumes).
But there are some good smaller town celebrations if the huge crowds don't appeal to you.
Sport
Aside from the football which is a national obsession, Brazil has a diverse range of national activities including beach volleyball, surfing and the martial art capoeira.
This was developed as a way of the slaves practicing fighting by disguising it as dancing.
In it's traditional home in Salvador Bahia, you can go watch this incredible skilled and fast sport taking place.
Safety
The foreign and commonwealth office advises "levels of crime, including muggings, are high" in Brazil. But there are some simple steps you can take to help insure your safety.
1. Don't take anything more than you need to the beach
2. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry in public (even if it's not worth much).
3. Try to keep valuables like cameras, phones and wallets out of sight.
4. Be wary when you go out at night, as you are more at risk then (particularly if you are intoxicated).
For up to date information check the website before you go: http://www.fco.gov.uk and Brazil's official tourist website.
