caz finds brazil inspiration in london

brazil carnaval

Caz loves all things Brazil, so when she knew that Brazil was coming to London, of course she headed straight down. Here’s her thoughts on why this country is on the top of her list.

Brazil is in London. Well, almost. We don’t have the stunning beaches, the continuous music, the free-pouring cocktails… but there is certainly a Brazilian flavour in the air. Until 5 September there is going to be a samba rhythm surrounding London’s Southbank, as the Festival Brazil brings the country’s best musicians, artists, dancers and writers to show off their skills.

capoeira dancing in the streets

The Samba/ Capoiera feast, Brazil! Brazil! is an hour long show of pure adrenaline, energy, rhythm and breathtaking moves that you did not think were possible for a human body to make. As well as tracing the history of Capoeira (a martial art dance that derives from the days of slavery in northern Brazil) and demonstrating its moves with jaw-dropping rapidity and skill, the show also has the musical accompaniment of some of Brazil’s finest musicians, playing an array of ‘instruments’ from a standard drum kit to rubbish bins and beer bottles- an amazing feat of recycling if you ask us.

Most of the performers are from the favelas of Rio and Salvador, and have honed their skills to perfection before establishing schools within the favelas themselves, but wherever you go to in Brazil, the sounds of a samba beat can be heard, from the beaches to the clubs.

Here at Black Tomato we think the north of Brazil is the best place to catch the samba and capoeira performers, and Salvador almost throbs with rhythm- if you’re looking for an alternative to the legendary Carnival in Rio you will find it here- music, song and dance is very much the order of the day- as well as a generous pour of the national spirit, Cachaça, making the perfect caipirinha. Ooops, sorry, we mean trip…

We can always help you plan your own Brazilian holiday, so get in touch if you’ve been inspired.

(7 votes, average: 4.57 out of 5)

 Loading ...

we’ve all thought about it…

emergency exit

What would it really be like to go down the emergency exit slide of a plane? Forget that it’s actual use is to save you in a potentially life threatening situation…in better circumstances, this thing is like a bouncy castle for adults.

emergency exit

The problem is, you’re probably never going to get to use one (nor are we) and if you ever do – let’s hope not, you won’t be thinking about how fun it is. Well Steven Slater now knows what it feels like. And he probably felt great doing it. You may have heard about this guy, his story is going pretty viral, but we just wanted to acknowledge the fact that Steven Slater got to do something that we’re pretty jealous of. Too bad it’s also illegal.

(Link via Gawker)

(4 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)

 Loading ...

welcome to twenty three point five

You may or may have not noticed, but there have been a couple of changes to Black Tomato’s blog, and we hope you like it. So it’s our pleasure to personally introduce you to twenty three point five.

So why twenty three point five? Well, believe it or not, 23.5 is the degree at which the earth is tilting, and as we’re all about delivering the cutting edge in travel and lifestyle, 23.5 was the perfect fit. And addition to the new name, we’ve also included a rating function so you can tell us which articles you like best. So have a mooch and let us know what you think.

Your budding bloggers,

McPhee and Sophie

(12 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

 Loading ...

zulu culture takes a bite of london’s camden

shaka zulu in camden

As of August 4, 2010 you can head to one of London’s new places to be seen: Shaka Zulu. This lounge bar/restaurant/club set in the heart of Camden’s Stables Market is spilling over with native South African design and culture. From Swarovski crystal leopard centrepieces to 60 foot tall murals – it’s as authentic and extravagant as you’re going to get as far as Zulu culture in London goes…

an authentic zulu experience in the heart of london

With a water garden, marble bars, tribal masks and handmade mosaics everywhere – you might have to hold up your chin when you walk in the door. If you’re a barbeque fan, go straight for the South African Braai. Kudu, Springbok and Bobotie not part of your normal diet? Shaka Zulu is the place to change that (trust us, it’s yummy). Their head chef Barry Vera has concocted a menu to make your mouth water. Literally. Just read it, you’ll see. Or you could head to the Seafood & Oyster Bar for Mozambican Prawns and Rooibos Smoked Salmon. Delicious doesn’t cover it. Did we mention they have the largest South African wine menu in the country? Finding a match for your dish won’t be the problem, finding just one match will be. After the opening party on August 4, you can book a table (including a chef’s table right inside the kitchen – food, up close and personal) for your own memorable night. Check out their Rewards card to earn points…you might even get enough for a flight to South Africa…

(5 votes, average: 4.20 out of 5)

 Loading ...

sam’s mexican adventure

mexican flea markets

One of our interns – Sam, headed to Mexico recently. Sun, sand and a little shopping was just what she needed. Read on to hear about her first flea market experience.

Not so long ago I was in sunny Cancun, Mexico. The entire two-weeks were unforgettable, from experiencing the effects of world-cup fever, right through to visiting Mayan ruins in torrential rain. My Cancun experience was anything but ordinary.

market trinkets

From my many adventures, one of the experiences that will remain with me is my day at an authentic Mexican flea market. It was during the first week that we first discovered the flea markets of Mexico. We hopped on a bus, costing 7 pesos and 50 cents for each journey…and off we went. Off the bus we immediately entered the world of bargain buys and expert haggling. What an experience. Quick tip: Flea markets are not for the faint-hearted, it’s all about the haggling to snap up that great bargain. The market traders are expecting you to get into negotiations, so don’t get scared off by their starting price – even they know that you’re not going to pay it.

At first, we didn’t know where to start, but after a few warm up rounds, we felt the exhilaration of bagging a bargain; one we’d worked hard for.

stall owner

The markets were a-buzz left-right-and-centre, with vendors vying for our attention each way we looked. We were soon learning the tricks of the trade (like how sometimes, pretending to walk away is the strongest bargaining chip you can hold). “Free to see, free to touch, almost free to buy.” There were plenty of classic one-liners I won’t be forgetting soon. “I’ll rip you off for less!” How thoughtful.

If you have a weakness for a bargain buy (who doesn’t?) this is definitely for you – you’ll be hooked. I know I was. You can find serious bargains at flea markets, and the flexible price tags mean you can make anything fit your shopping budget. What more could you want? Now I’m home, I get to show off all my amazing buys to my friends. And how much were they? Well that’d be telling…

You know the basics, now’s your chance to get in touch…we can get you there to test out your new found skills in the drop of a sombrero.

(5 votes, average: 3.40 out of 5)

 Loading ...