Nestled between the green hills of the Santa Catarina mid-west, Treze Tílias offers a true visit to the Austrian Alps. A city of 4,000 inhabitants, it is marked by pointy roofs, flowers in the windows and pleasant blue eyes. A Tyrolean cultural heritage which is also evident in the dances and music of the traditional bands and in the wood carving shops, one of the city's best attractions. Many of the residents have dual nationality and vote in the Austrian elections through the consulate of that nation in the city. A small piece of Europe in tropical lands, where illiteracy and unemployment practically do not exist.

Fraiburgo was settled by Germans and Italians. With 40,000 inhabitants it is considered the National Apple Capital, and is responsible for 45% of domestic production. Everything in the region revolves around the "forbidden" fruit, from the green orchards that climb the hillsides to the most typical dish in the region: apple pie.

In addition to the Europeans, Santa Catarina's mid-west also has Asians. Near Curitibanos, in Frei Rogério, an intriguing Japanese community works the land, cultivating vegetables, fruits, and colorful flowers. Through proverbial perseverance, they cover the fields in this region with carnations and chrysanthemums. Many residents do not even speak Portuguese. They live well among themselves, silently tilling the earth and the traditions of their ancestors.