Postcard from Brazil: Capping off the World Cup

Before leaving Jericoacoara, my cousin Drew and I enjoyed a day tour on a dune buggy that took us to two amazing freshwater lagoons to swim in, and sway in water hammocks.

Our driver took us to a local landmark of an incredible wind blown tree that was alive and well in a flat 180 degree angle. He also took us through Jericoacoara National Park to see some massive sand dunes and Martian landscapes.

We took in The Netherlands’ 3-0 win over Brazil, and after doing some final shopping, we called it a night early in preparation for catching our 6:30 a.m. bus back to Fortaleza on Sunday.

We arrived in time to get down to the FIFA Fan Fest again where we’d enjoyed watching the opening games of the World Cup four weeks ago.

Almost all of the Brazilians were rooting for Germany despite losing to them 7-1, as they have a huge rival disdain for their South American neighbor Argentina.

The Fan Fest was very packed and the 4 p.m. start time to the final left many scrambling from the hot sun for limited shade on the beach.

We drank the Brazilian Brahma beers which were only 4 reals each. Our dollar has gone quite far on our trip, serving us well at a 2.2 rate, making each concert-cup sized beer at the event only $1.81.

The final didn’t disappoint with a very good game played by some of the world’s best players, and with my German heritage, I was happy with the 1-0 victory.

A Brazilian pop concert ensued after the game and everyone went bonkers. We made two different groups of Brazilian friends and shared a really fun night out on the town at Fortaleza’s Praia de Iracema.

We arranged a final day to unwind, write postcards, shop, and enjoy one more delectable meal of Brazilian cuisine.

Our great Brazilian adventure full of wild rhythm-filled marvelous cities, picture-perfect powdery white-sand beaches and tropical islands has come to an end.

This is truly one of the world’s most captivating places with its festas (festivals) providing a window into Brazil’s incredible diversity. There’s been music everywhere with that carefree lust for life, and I really enjoyed learning to dance the forro of the Northeast.

I never tired watching the incredible sunsets, wandering the streets, spotting wildlife, making international friends during the World Cup, and in general getting beneath the surface. It’s a country that offers so much, filled with so much beauty, making it really hard not to fall for Brazil.

It’s truly been a grand adventure, a trip of a lifetime. I will take many fond memories to heart, and adopt the fun-loving, laid-back style of living. I vow to return, Brazil.

Obrigado, Brazil. Obrigado.

Brennan Karle is a Las Vegas teacher who covers prep sports for the Review-Journal. He’s in Brazil for the World Cup and will be sharing electronic postcards on his experiences. You can see photos of his trip on Instagram at brennankarle.