This morning we arrived in Santos, Brazil. This is close to San Paulo, which is reported as the largest city in Brazil. Also, we were told that it is the third largest city in the world, but my research shows that they are about the eighth largest city with the most recent population counts. In any case, they are a major metropolitan area and a hub for finance, culture, and industry. Named for St. Paul the Apostle, it was founded on January 25, 1554. In modern times, the locals shorten the name to Sampa.
We spent the day in Santos, which is the actual port where we docked. This area was known for growing and exporting coffee, so we toured the coffee museum which is in the building where the coffee auction house was located. Due to the coffee plantations, there were a huge number of slaves brought in from Africa. Next we toured the Pele museum, which had a lot of memorabilia from his career in Football (Soccer). As you may know, he grew up in Santos and in 1957 at the age of 16, he started playing for the Brazil national team. As you might expect, he is quite a hero in this city and holds many records. Next we went to another Botanical Garden and have a few pictures of more local flora and fauna. Joan really enjoyed the tortoises and a local large rodent called a capybara, that was too quick for me to get a good picture of it.
A little more about Santos. Reportedly this cit is growing quickly because a lot of the more affluent people in San Paulo are getting second homes in Santos to be closer to the beach and more relaxed retirement community.
The day ended with a good party and some Elijah Craig bourbon with a couple I met from Minneapolis. Small world.
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