Weekend in Gramado

 

After spending three days in Gramado with my family and friends, I felt like I wasn’t ready to go back to Pelotas.  It was a sign of satisfaction, I believe, as  it is easy to fall in love with this part of Serra Gaucha.  I wasn’t really expecting too much before the travel and the weather forecast seemed to tell me I will just be staying inside our hotel room most of the time. 

Gramado is located in the Serra Gaucha region in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and takes about 2-hour bus ride from Porto Alegre, the state’s capital.  It is known for its annual film festival, which showcases South American as well as international films.  Hortensias (hydrangeas) and delicious chocolates await visitors.  Its landscape is remarkable, the climate is cool, and very European.  The earliest settlers there were Portuguese, followed by the Germans and it is very different from the Brazil I have seen so far.  If you’re one of those who think Brazil is about beaches, bikinis, and samba, you’ll be surprised with what awaits you in Gramado.

In just one weekend, we were able to experience all sorts of weather, except snowy.  Most of the time though, the weather was very forgiving, allowing us to explore the outdoors. It’s been a long time since I got awakened by the gentle sound of rain and the crisp rustle of leaves. It was fun to walk on wet concrete sidewalks and misty grass and touring the city and nearby places without having to use car air conditioning.  A little bit of bossa nova the night before we left was just the perfect way to end our vacation.

The food was fantastic, from those served at the Ritta Hoppner Hotel where we stayed to the homestyle buffet in a local restaurant. Ritta Hoppner has a fantastic strudel that everyone should try. Until this moment, I’m still dreaming of having one more bite of this tasty creation with a hot tea.

The Ritta Hoppner Hotel demands another blog post, which I should be able to do very soon.  But let me tell you now that I love the place.  It is more than a hotel; a real haven for vacationers.