Carnival fever set to take over Brazil, where golf options also exist

Brazilians have a lot of stereotypes, and most of them are positive. They’re friendly, happy people is one of them. In fact, a study not long ago reported that 85 percent of Brazilians would classify themselves as happy or content. Which is amazing, because far less than 85 percent of Brazilians even have indoor plumbing.

But Brazilians also are a pretty self-aware group. They understand that their country can be a mess, but they love it anyway. And that love truly comes across during Carnival, the early February, nation-wide celebration that virtually shuts down the entire nation. There is a saying in Brazil to the effect that, while for the most part, Brazil is run haphazardly, when Carnival comes, it suddenly becomes a Norwegian country, so well organized are the parties and the infamous samba contests.

For world travelers, a trip to Brazil during Carnival is a trip like no other. Carnival starts next week, with parties all around the country, and with huge Samba contests in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. While setting up a trip to see Carnival 2008 is too late for all but the super rich at this point, it’s truly an experience not to be missed for those who love to taste a bit of the world’s culture.

And, oh yeah, golf may not be a thriving business in Brazil, but there is golf, including a Dye course in Rio called Buzios Golf Club and Resort, and some fine golf and resort offerings further north in Salvador in the state of Bahia.

So while it’s true that drug-dealing gangs support some of the samba schools competing in Carnival in Brazil, don’t let that scare you away. After all, it’s Brazil, and it’s never a happier place than during Carnival.

Brazilian stars like Juliana Paes and Grazielli Massafera will liven up the 2008 Carnival.