Week 113 - Santa Catarina Adventures Part 1
- Suzie Prevett
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
In memory of Marcelo...we were thankful of your hospitality, humour and amazing food. Rest in Peace.
The morning began quietly in Guaratuba, with the aroma of fresh coffee and the promise of adventure. After a hearty breakfast at a local café, we set off on the motorbikes toward Pirabeiraba in Santa Catarina, the road winding through lush landscapes that whispered stories of Brazil’s heartland.
By midday, we arrived at Sergio’s home, greeted with warmth that felt like family. Lunch was a feast: traditional feijoada, rich and comforting, a dish that spoke of heritage and hospitality. Conversations flowed easily with Serena and her family, their kindness painting the day in bright colors.
Soon, Sergio whisked us away to explore Joinville: the panoramic views from Mirante, the echoes of history at the National Museum of Immigration and Colonization, and the charm of Rua das Palmeiras lined with towering royal palms. The town’s Germanic architecture stood as a testament to its cultural tapestry, while stories of thriving industries like Whirlpool reminded us of its modern pulse.
Back at the house, Serena’s cakes and coffee were nothing short of divine; creamy, delicate, and unforgettable. Marcelo dropped by, introducing himself with a smile that promised more good times ahead. As the evening settled, laughter mingled with the clink of beer glasses and the bold kick of Jägermeister. It was the perfect close to a day steeped in connection and discovery.
The next morning began with another indulgence, a breakfast that felt like a celebration of flavors. Marcelo and Merin arrived to take us on a new adventure, and for the first time, we met Merin. Their children, 18-year-old Yuri and 7-year-old Sara, were at school, but their presence was felt in the stories shared along the way. We drove through Campo Alegre, paused for coffee at Cascata Paraíso after marveling at its cascading beauty, and continued to Salto de Engenho. Lunch was an unforgettable buffet, a symphony of tastes that left us smiling.
Our journey led us to São Bento do Sul, where the Igreja Matriz Puríssimo Coração de Maria stood proudly, and then to the Seminário de Corupá, steeped in quiet history. Coffee breaks punctuated the day like commas in a sentence, each one a pause to savor life. Before heading home, we gathered ingredients for a barbecue, collected Sara, and returned to their house for an evening of laughter, drinks, and the kind of quality meat that makes you appreciate simplicity. Sergio joined us later, and we finally met Yuri for a night of fun and connection that lingered long after the embers cooled.
The following day began with an English-style breakfast ofv bacon, eggs, and tea...a comforting nod to home. Marcelo drove us to Sergio’s, where our bikes awaited. After changing, we set off toward Chiesetta Alpina in Jaraguá do Sul, a climb rewarded by breathtaking views under a blazing sun. Lunch was another buffet, delicious and satisfying, before we continued to Pomerode and the Cervejaria Schornstein brewery. The town’s charm unfolded in statues, its iconic entrance, and a curious tree adorned with round ornaments.
Our route took us to Blumenau, where Germanic heritage thrives. We wandered through its village-like streets and indulged in apfelstrudel with coffee, a sweet pause in a day of exploration. The ride back was long, tracing main roads through vibrant landscapes, and by evening, we were ready for the comfort of Marcelo and Merin’s home. Pasty's awaited...light, flaky pastries filled with chicken, meat, and smoked ham. Each bite was a revelation, and the laughter around the table made the flavors even richer.
Another morning, another breakfast fit for royalty. This time, we set off for São Francisco do Sul, one of Brazil’s oldest towns. Forgetting sunglasses led to an unexpected delight, a local artisan crafting a delicate hummingbird and flower from wire, a tiny masterpiece born from serendipity. Lunch was a seafood buffet, fresh and abundant, before we explored Forte Marechal Luz and the serene Praia de Enseada. The day ended with a ferry ride across shimmering waters, a quiet moment to reflect on the beauty we’d witnessed.
Back at the house, tired but happy, we gathered for another barbecue, complete with caipirinhas that tasted like sunshine in a glass. The following day was slower with a late morning, tea, and a walk around the property before Yuri and Sara returned. Lunch was pasta with Bolognese, accompanied by home-pickled beetroot, a humble dish elevated by care. A siesta followed, then a ride to collect bikes and plan routes for the days ahead. That evening, Marcelo and Merin went out, leaving us their home, a top-quality pizza Marcelo had made especially, and a bottle of sparkling wine: a quiet night of films and reflection.
Our final morning began with laughter over breakfast, the bittersweetness of farewells creeping in. We packed our bikes and rode to Sergio’s, where Serena welcomed us with cakes, coffee, and the chance to prepare packed lunches. Photos captured smiles that words could never fully describe. With hugs and promises to return, we set off toward Balneário Camboriú.
The road was shrouded in fog, cable cars hidden in mist, beaches eerily calm under a gray sky. Finding cash became an unexpected challenge as ATMs refused us, and hostels demanded cards we couldn’t use. At last, a supermarket in Bombinhas offered salvation, exchanging $100 for us in a pinch. With funds secured, we booked a place, shopped for essentials, and ended the day on a quiet beach, the sea flat and still, the horizon lost in fog. It was hauntingly beautiful, a reminder that even in uncertainty, there is peace.
As night fell, we spoke with locals about routes and plans, dreaming of Florianópolis and the adventures yet to come. The journey was far from over, but already, it had given us something priceless: the warmth of strangers turned friends, the taste of traditions, and the simple truth that life’s richest moments are found not in grand gestures, but in shared laughter, good food, and the open road.
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