Introduction

I first visited Brazil about a decade ago—a trip I took by accident. It was Christmas and I was to meet some Brazilian friends in France for a holiday of eating and skiing. Europe was always the destination that first came to mind when I planned a major holiday. In spite of a long-standing invitation, visiting Brazil had never really entered my mind. At the last minute, however, plans changed—my friends could not join me in Europe, and I found myself on a plane to Brazil.