Beach culture in Brazil is wildly different than from, say, going to local Laketown Beach in Holland, Michigan.  This comes as no surprise, I imagine, for me or for you.  There are the stereotypical and well-known differences like skimpy/thong bathing suits with zero cheek coverage, tiny speedos for the guys and multiple impromptu barefoot soccer games on the sand.

Can't get enough of the $1.50 coconuts

But there are some other differences which came as a complete surprise to me.  For starters, nobody brings a towel to the beach.  If anything, Brazilian beach goers use a sarong which they might lay over a plastic or wooden chair.  Nobody uses a towel because it's not that common to "lay out" as we call it in the States.  When Brazilians go to the beach, they head to their favorite cabana, get a table with an umbrella and spend the whole day there.

The beach cabanas are big business in Brazil and they are omnipresent on the coast.  Each cabana boasts different specials to try and lure locals and tourists to spend the day at their tables.  Cabanas provide everything you could possibly want: showers, bathrooms, food, drinks. shade and sometimes activities like slacklines, hammocks or games.  They also watch over your things while you are in the water (for the most part).  Sometimes the cabanas charge for the table and chairs but other times you can stay there for free if you order anything to eat or drink.  Each cabana also blasts popular music from speakers up by the bar.

Me with Loni and our boss - gotta love his speedo

It's common for locals in Bahia to head to the beach on Sunday at around noon, order some coconuts, then lunch and then beers.  The most common thing to eat at the beach is carne do sol (sun-dried meat) and fried hearts of palm.  While at the beach families just hang out.  Sometimes they play dominoes or cards, read or nap.  Service at the cabanas is usually excellent because competition is so high.  The servers always check to see if you need anything else and if you are doing okay.  You pay for everything at the end of your time at the beach which is nice and easy as well.

Bliss

There are quite a few beaches within walking distance of our apartment and I have been enjoying them a lot.  The Fulbrighters from last year have advised use to take advantage of the beach time now as things not only get busier at the university but the weather gets a bit more rainy as well.  I don't mind following that kind of advice, for sure!

My roommate likes this quote, too - she had me take this picture of her

0 comments