The capital city was our next destination. We drove through the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge. The Lake Paranoa glistened below, as a soft, orange glow painted the skies. The diverse set of art works is what this city is known for, aside from its mark in business. Unlike other cities in Brazil, Brasillia is recognized as an administrative district, synonymous with the term Federal District. The three major federal governments of Brazil lie in this city.
There are some unique administrative buildings in Brasillia, as it serves as a venue for many political events. The Ministries Esplanade on the Monumental Axis is the central area where many government buildings and monuments lie. The National Congress Building, designed by Brazil’s modern architect Oscar Niemeyer, stands in the middle of the Eixo Monumental, overlooking the Praça dos Três Poderes. In this stretch, the President’s residence and official quarters also exist. The Palácio da Alvorada is a beautiful glass encased four-story structure in which the President lives. The Palácio da Planalto, the President’s workplace, also projects an image of modernity and simplicity.
The city of Brasillia is known for its modern layout providing a ‘utopian’ environment. A simple and sophisticated layout provides citizens with a high quality of life, complete with commercial centers, restaurants, sporting and leisure structures, as well as cuisine and efficient transit. The Festa Junina is one of the major festivities celebrating the nativity of St. John the Baptist each year in June. Similar to the American custom of ‘square dancing,’ citizens sport unique looks celebrating rural life.
I took a look at my pamphlet in my hands, focusing in on one of the greatest architectural works of the city: the Cathedral of Brasillia, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. We arrived at a grand structure, with tall white beams stretching out like hands towards the sky. Four Evangelist statues greeted us at the entrance. We stepped inside, peeking up at the glass roof, and then traveled to the rest of the cathedral, which lies underground.
Although the capital city of Brazil is primarily known for its administrative attractions, it has surprisingly hosted a world championship competition of hang-gliding. Known for its dry winds, Brasillia provides the right environment to hang-glide. We snapped on our safety gear, locked into our helmets, and were lifted off high up into the skies. Soaring through, I peered down at Brasillia, the unique and always pleasant capital of Brazil.
Brasillia’s well planned layout allows for many accommodations for tourists. Hotel facilities are located in the Hotel Sector North and Hotel Sector South, by the shores of Lake Paranoá. The city is abundant with a wide range of foods as well, ranging from local Brazillian delicacies to international cuisine. Brasillia also holds some of the prime educational institutions of Brazil. For a historic and administrative understanding of Brazil, one must visit the capital.
