Day 7 in Rivera: A Cross-Border Cultural Journey to Santana do Livramento

Livramento train station, Brazil.

Our Sunday day in Rivera began with an early start for another cultural activity with our host teacher, Celeste. Our van picked us up promptly at 7:30 AM, ensuring we arrived at our destination by 8:00 AM. Today's adventure took us across the border to Santana do Livramento, a city nestled in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and directly contiguous with Rivera, Uruguay. The highlight of our day was a scenic train ride aboard the "Trem da Serra" (also known as the "Trem do Vinho" or Wine Train), which promised to unveil the beauty of this Brazilian city.

Before we boarded the "Trem da Serra," our van took us on a detour into the surrounding mountains, leading us to the picturesque Almaden winery. This beautiful vineyard, nestled in the scenic hills, offered an introduction to the region's growing wine industry.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the lush, rows of grapevines stretching across the rolling landscape. It was just like a picture out of a postcard. The vistas were breathtaking, which made the air feel crisper. We took a guided tour through their museum where they shared the origin of Almaden, and through the big tanks where the wine are stored.

The highlight of our time at Almaden winery would undoubtedly have been the wine tasting session. We had the opportunity to sample a selection of their wines, including reds, whites, and sparkling. My favorite was the Terranova wine which was. white wine that had a sweet, tropical note. This experience not only allowed us to savor the local produce but also provided insights into the cultural and economic significance of winemaking in this part of Brazil.

After our wine tasting at Almaden, we boarded the "Trem da Serra" for the return journey to the station. The train ride itself was part of the experience, lasting a relaxing hour and a half. We continued to sip on more of that wonderful local wine, letting the flavors linger as we gazed out the window. The views were a constant delight with a beautiful blend of the region's natural splendor, like rolling hills and lush greenery, gradually transitioning into the urban charm of Livramento. What really made the journey special, though, was the live music on board. It just brought such a lively energy to the train, making the time fly by.

This was a great activity because it perfectly blended so many wonderful elements: the relaxed luxury of a scenic train ride, the indulgence of local wine, the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, and the unexpected joy of live entertainment. It wasn't just a way to get from point A to point B; it was an experience in itself, offering a deeper appreciation for the culture and beauty of the border region between Uruguay and Brazil. Plus, sharing those moments with our host teacher and fellow travelers, with the music playing and the scenery passing by, just made for some truly unforgettable memories.