I have heard great things about Porto Alegre, Brazil, but can't find much information on it--
any opinions or suggestions? I'm going to
S. America in May.

I haven't been to Porto Alegre, but I also have heard it's beautiful. I spent 18 months in Rio de Janeiro, and everyone talked a lot about it. Some people I know from Brazil say it's not the best place for tourists simply because there's really not a lot to do there. As far as safety, I don't think that's an issue. While you're there, definitely eat a steak in a churrascaria. Take a trip up to Curitiba in the state of Parana. I've heard it's great and that it kind of has a European feel to it.

Good luck

Hi Aimee <BR>I live in Porto Alegre and I can tell you that's a great city to live but not very touristic. <BR>It's a little different than the rest of Brazil because of the climate and the european influence (mostly Italian and German). <BR> <BR>Beautiful tours can be made near Porto Alegre <BR>

I am Italian and I visited POA various <BR>times <BR>I feel at home in that town, it is a good mixing of Brazil and Italy and Germany as well <BR>Maybe just because I come from europe, but i feel better than any ohter city in brazil

Aimee: Take a look at this website: it has good resources about Porto Alegre. <BR> <BR>http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~sergiok...rtoalegre.html <BR> <BR>I am from Porto Alegre and living in Arizona right now (I saw your email is from ASU). If you wish,send me an email and I can further tell you about it.