The Buddhist Center in Três Coroas

The Buddhist Center is located in a spectacular spot in the mountains of the serra gaúcha. The view is breathtaking and the temple is definitely worth a visit. Before entering the temple you should take off your shoes and keep silent. The temple and the monuments outside are beautifully decorated in vivid colors and detailed patterns. Unfortunately it's forbidden to take pictures inside the temple. There's also a small gift shop and kiosk.

Here's a short video about the temple (exclusive pictures from the inside, ha ha):


73Km from Porto Alegre on road RS-115, you arrive to Três Coroas, where you will see a sign to the "centro budista". Turn right to a dirt road. Climb up the mountain 7Km and turn left to the center. At the gate you'll be asked by intercom how many passengers in the car and the license plate number. Then the gate will magically open and you'll drive to the parking area. At this point you already start to feel the unique serenity surrounding you. Breath deeply and start meditating...
Pay attention to opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 9:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:00. Saturday and Sunday: 9:00-17:00 pm. Free entrance.


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DOC - champamnharia and risoteria

We tried this restaurant last week with our friends AP&P. This charming, lighted by candles place is a bit hidden on a side street in the Bela Vista neighborhood. We thought it was different because they have few tables on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. It's something that we don't usually find in Porto Alegre. The decoration is rustic and on the walls hanging old windows and doors. On another wall hangs a blackboard with today's special risotto and champaign. They offer 5-6 types of risotto, in a big portion (2 servings) or an individual one. The risottos we tried were delicious - prawns with orange aroma and another one with cheese. And of course it's recommended to drink champagne. The waiter was very welcoming and patient too, having to recite the list of desserts 4 times for us, Portuguese strugglers. Don't miss the strawberries in sugar and pepper for dessert!
It's recommended to arrive early because the place is small and becomes packed pretty early.
Address: Rua Jaime Telles 325, Bela Vista. Mon.-Sat. 19:00-00:00.

Air force base "open day"

The Brazilian air base in Canoas is having its annual open day tomorrow, Oct. 12th with lots of attractions like music shows, churrasco, exposition of civil and military aircrafts, F-5M, Mirage 2000 and of course an aerobatic show. The main aerobatic show usually starts at around 16:00. It's recommended to arrive 2 hours earlier to avoid the traffic jam.

Base Aérea de Canoas map - Tagzania

Essa POA e boa

Essa POA e boa is a contemporary art exposition, taking place in an indoor space by the Dado brewery in DC Navegantes. All artists participating are from Porto Alegre, showing 12 projects that include paintings, sculptures,video and music. Personally I liked this exposition much better than the Bienal. The works are more creative, colorful and interesting. The kids also liked it a lot.
Opening hours: Tue.-Sat. 12:00-22:00, Sun. and holidays 10:00-20:00. Free entrance and free parking at the DC Navegantes shopping center.