2-black cockatoos, supposed to be good luck
3-Cape Hillsborough beach, typical of beaches all along the east coast, there are hundreds of beautiful beaches like this, many are empty
Saturday, February 11, 2012
some Aussie pictures
2-black cockatoos, supposed to be good luck
3-Cape Hillsborough beach, typical of beaches all along the east coast, there are hundreds of beautiful beaches like this, many are empty
Ouro Preto
Greetings
Another day, another beautiful city. Today we left Tiradentes and travelled with our wonderful guide, Celia, to Ouro Preto. Along the way we made several stops, the first in a small town famous for their dessert, a "jelly roll" filled with milk pudding-dolce leche (not as sweet as what we get in Canada-creamier and more milky). It was very good, we also picked up some lovely coconut sweets, one with dark sugar and peanuts and the other just plain. The Brazilians love their sweets, today was a sugar rush day!
We then stopped in Cogonhas, as small mining town which is famous for its carvings and church (yes, believe it or not, a church!). It is famous because Aleijadinho (the little cripple) did all the carvings for the church and the Via Sacra ( the story of Christ, with sculptures housed in separate little buildings).
Aleijadinho was a gifted sculptor who made many sculptures for the churches in Minas Gervais (the state where most of the mines are-gold mines in the 17 and 18th centuries). His carvings are so lifelike, it is amazing, every little detail down to the veins in Christ's hands. He is even more famous because many of the carvings were done after he lost his fingers and legs (below the knee). It is believed that he suffered from leprosy. He did many of his carvings with the tools tied to his arms! I am not a religious person, but I was truly moved by the beautiful lifelike carvings that he did. Every detail including buttons and designs on clothing were included. He carved the story of Christ in several vignettes which are trulying amazing. You can see other carvings (of the less important figures like the soldiers) done by others (as he was getting old and more infirm by then) which are good, but nothing like the carvings done by him. He carved the twelve prophets which stand on guard outside the church. My favorite is Daniel with the lion. There is also Jonas and the whale.
He carved the alter for the church, Bom Jesus Matosinho which is amazing. The angels faces are so lovely, with every little detail is amazing. He was gifted.
We then travelled to Ouro Preto which means black gold (the gold was covered with a black oxidized layer). It is a well preserved colonial town from the gold rush days. The old town is nicely kept with beautiful buildings and lots of churches, I know its hard to believe. I do not think that it is possible for a view not to include a church. They had them for important rich whites, not important rich whites, middle class whites, poor whites, mulattos, and slaves (the slave churches are very beautiful and the alter and artwork was done by famous artists of the time). In Sao Francisco de Assiz , Aleijdainho carved the alter, he was amazingly prolific. He dedicated his life to his work after he became ill.
There are many neat little shops and museums. They have a couple of chocolate factories which make amazing chocolate. We stopped for ice cream and chocolate, it was very good. They make a chocolate with cloves and cinnamon, a very tasty combination.
We watched the sunset from the top of our hotel with a church in the background.
A typical colonial church in Ouro Preto
The interior of the church painted in the rococco style (illegal picture, Dan is going straight to hell_
Street in Ouro Preto, notice the cobble stones which make walking and driving a real challenge.
Ciao
Kim and Dan
Another day, another beautiful city. Today we left Tiradentes and travelled with our wonderful guide, Celia, to Ouro Preto. Along the way we made several stops, the first in a small town famous for their dessert, a "jelly roll" filled with milk pudding-dolce leche (not as sweet as what we get in Canada-creamier and more milky). It was very good, we also picked up some lovely coconut sweets, one with dark sugar and peanuts and the other just plain. The Brazilians love their sweets, today was a sugar rush day!
We then stopped in Cogonhas, as small mining town which is famous for its carvings and church (yes, believe it or not, a church!). It is famous because Aleijadinho (the little cripple) did all the carvings for the church and the Via Sacra ( the story of Christ, with sculptures housed in separate little buildings).
Aleijadinho was a gifted sculptor who made many sculptures for the churches in Minas Gervais (the state where most of the mines are-gold mines in the 17 and 18th centuries). His carvings are so lifelike, it is amazing, every little detail down to the veins in Christ's hands. He is even more famous because many of the carvings were done after he lost his fingers and legs (below the knee). It is believed that he suffered from leprosy. He did many of his carvings with the tools tied to his arms! I am not a religious person, but I was truly moved by the beautiful lifelike carvings that he did. Every detail including buttons and designs on clothing were included. He carved the story of Christ in several vignettes which are trulying amazing. You can see other carvings (of the less important figures like the soldiers) done by others (as he was getting old and more infirm by then) which are good, but nothing like the carvings done by him. He carved the twelve prophets which stand on guard outside the church. My favorite is Daniel with the lion. There is also Jonas and the whale.
He carved the alter for the church, Bom Jesus Matosinho which is amazing. The angels faces are so lovely, with every little detail is amazing. He was gifted.
We then travelled to Ouro Preto which means black gold (the gold was covered with a black oxidized layer). It is a well preserved colonial town from the gold rush days. The old town is nicely kept with beautiful buildings and lots of churches, I know its hard to believe. I do not think that it is possible for a view not to include a church. They had them for important rich whites, not important rich whites, middle class whites, poor whites, mulattos, and slaves (the slave churches are very beautiful and the alter and artwork was done by famous artists of the time). In Sao Francisco de Assiz , Aleijdainho carved the alter, he was amazingly prolific. He dedicated his life to his work after he became ill.
There are many neat little shops and museums. They have a couple of chocolate factories which make amazing chocolate. We stopped for ice cream and chocolate, it was very good. They make a chocolate with cloves and cinnamon, a very tasty combination.
We watched the sunset from the top of our hotel with a church in the background.
Ciao
Kim and Dan
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Tiradentes
Buenos dias
We are now in Tiradentes (tooth puller), one of the towns which became rich in the gold rush in Brazil. After the gold was gone, the town was pretty well forgotten and then rediscovered 20 years ago so it is well preserved. It is a lovely small colonial town that is quite quiet right now as it is mid week. It has an old town with a main square surrounded by well kept and preserved colonial whitewashed buildings with colourful trim. There are many churches, yes, believe it or not!
The area is Minas Gerais (general mines). The area is rich with minerals (gold, pretty well gone, Iron, and gems).
The most impressive church, Matriz de Santo Antonio, is at the top of the hill and was built in many stages. Its interior is full of gold leaf covered carvings. The front of the church is very baroque and the back half of the church is roccoco (sp?) which is very colourful and whimsical. The church was built before there was a Bishop who had to approve of the plans, so it has many carvings which you would not usually see in a Catholic church.
Unfortunately, no pictures. There were many more churches, for the rich and famous and the not so famous rich, the poor, the slaves, and the non catholics. I think there are 10 churches for 5000 people!
The streets are cobblestone, which makes for interesting walking. I think that I will invest in a garage that handles shock absorbers and suspensions for cars. The delivery trucks bounce along, which is quite disconcerting since they carry Coke and beer! Dan opened a beer today that erupted like a volcano, I wonder why?
The whole area is quite beautiful with rolling hills and little towns full of artisans making the neatest carvings and metalwork. An artist from Sao Paulo moved here many years ago and started making colourful carvings, which everyone copies. He then moves on to something else, which everyone copies again. They are very colourful and big, Hew, you would love it.
We are staying at a lovely Inn which dates back to the colonial days, Solar de Ponte. It has lovely gardens and a swimming pool, the only problem is the cars bumping along the cobblestones coming up the hill make a horrible racket at 7 in the morning. An Englishman owns it, he came to Tiradentes (named after a hero in the revolution to free the area from the Portuguese rule) 30 years ago and fell in love with the area, so he started this Inn, it is a truly lovely place. Beautiful gardens, painted ceilings, great caiparinhas and wonderful staff.
We had a great hike (yes, Dan hiked) up to the top of the hill for beautiful views of the area. Rolling hills dotted with towns and farms with red tiled roofs. Off to Ouro Preto (black gold) tomorrow, we have an early start , so good night.
A snake we saw on our hike
the most famous church in Tiradentes -Matriz de Santo Antonio
One of the typical streets in Tiradentes
We would love to hear from you
Kim and Dan
We are now in Tiradentes (tooth puller), one of the towns which became rich in the gold rush in Brazil. After the gold was gone, the town was pretty well forgotten and then rediscovered 20 years ago so it is well preserved. It is a lovely small colonial town that is quite quiet right now as it is mid week. It has an old town with a main square surrounded by well kept and preserved colonial whitewashed buildings with colourful trim. There are many churches, yes, believe it or not!
The area is Minas Gerais (general mines). The area is rich with minerals (gold, pretty well gone, Iron, and gems).
The most impressive church, Matriz de Santo Antonio, is at the top of the hill and was built in many stages. Its interior is full of gold leaf covered carvings. The front of the church is very baroque and the back half of the church is roccoco (sp?) which is very colourful and whimsical. The church was built before there was a Bishop who had to approve of the plans, so it has many carvings which you would not usually see in a Catholic church.
Unfortunately, no pictures. There were many more churches, for the rich and famous and the not so famous rich, the poor, the slaves, and the non catholics. I think there are 10 churches for 5000 people!
The streets are cobblestone, which makes for interesting walking. I think that I will invest in a garage that handles shock absorbers and suspensions for cars. The delivery trucks bounce along, which is quite disconcerting since they carry Coke and beer! Dan opened a beer today that erupted like a volcano, I wonder why?
The whole area is quite beautiful with rolling hills and little towns full of artisans making the neatest carvings and metalwork. An artist from Sao Paulo moved here many years ago and started making colourful carvings, which everyone copies. He then moves on to something else, which everyone copies again. They are very colourful and big, Hew, you would love it.
We are staying at a lovely Inn which dates back to the colonial days, Solar de Ponte. It has lovely gardens and a swimming pool, the only problem is the cars bumping along the cobblestones coming up the hill make a horrible racket at 7 in the morning. An Englishman owns it, he came to Tiradentes (named after a hero in the revolution to free the area from the Portuguese rule) 30 years ago and fell in love with the area, so he started this Inn, it is a truly lovely place. Beautiful gardens, painted ceilings, great caiparinhas and wonderful staff.
We had a great hike (yes, Dan hiked) up to the top of the hill for beautiful views of the area. Rolling hills dotted with towns and farms with red tiled roofs. Off to Ouro Preto (black gold) tomorrow, we have an early start , so good night.
We would love to hear from you
Kim and Dan
Rio beach life
Hi
Back to Rio, such an amazing city! We spent our second day visiting the Centro or downtown area. Fortunately, it was Sunday, so it was not very busy. Good planning on my part or just dumb luck!
Beach vendors selling coverups and bathing suits, where do you try them on?
Sunset, the mountain (can't remember the name) at the end of Leblon beach
Rio has the most Art Deco buildings in the world, they love rounded corners. It is amazing how many buildings have round corners, balconies and interesting deco details. There are many buildings dating back to colonial times. Lots of churches, this is an ABC tour (another bloody church!). The Portuguese are Catholic and loved to build churches-mostly big and ornate. The smaller ones were for the poor and the slaves.
Rio is a huge city made up of many smaller areas which are quite distinct. Saint Teresa is very old and hilly with some very nice older homes with amazing views. The beach areas are more modern and "hip", Leblon is the place to be now surpassing Ipanema which surpassed Copacabana. Copa is now a little more tired, but some awesome deco buildings. The Copacabana Palace (hotel) is a very grand building across from the beach. Most of the hotels are not on the beach, there are only 4 in Leblon and Ipanema.
The beach, we spent some time there. The hotel supplied beach chairs and umbrellas (a must, as the temperature was in the mid 30's to 40C). You can spend the day on the beach and never leave your chair, except to pee and go in the water, which is cool and very green due to an algae bloom. You can buy anything! They have people who will fetch you a drink, a beer delivered in a coolie is 4 Real, a coke, 4 real. You can buy a bathing suit, hat, coverup, empanada, ice cream, sunblock and the list goes on.
There is a real beach culture, the beach from Copacabana to Ipanema then Leblon, has different areas which attract different people. The area where we were was more family oriented, further down by the Caesar hotel are the more hip people, then the not so nice area next to the canal, and then another hip area, then the gay area, and so on. It was neat to walk along the beach and see the different groups of people congregating in each area.
We spent a morning visiting the Botanical Gardens. It was very large and beautiful. A real deal at 6 Real ($4). They had the most amazing orchid display, along with many other gardens.
Kim and Dan
Back to Rio, such an amazing city! We spent our second day visiting the Centro or downtown area. Fortunately, it was Sunday, so it was not very busy. Good planning on my part or just dumb luck!
Cristos from the Botanical Gardens in Rio
Rio is a huge city made up of many smaller areas which are quite distinct. Saint Teresa is very old and hilly with some very nice older homes with amazing views. The beach areas are more modern and "hip", Leblon is the place to be now surpassing Ipanema which surpassed Copacabana. Copa is now a little more tired, but some awesome deco buildings. The Copacabana Palace (hotel) is a very grand building across from the beach. Most of the hotels are not on the beach, there are only 4 in Leblon and Ipanema.
The beach, we spent some time there. The hotel supplied beach chairs and umbrellas (a must, as the temperature was in the mid 30's to 40C). You can spend the day on the beach and never leave your chair, except to pee and go in the water, which is cool and very green due to an algae bloom. You can buy anything! They have people who will fetch you a drink, a beer delivered in a coolie is 4 Real, a coke, 4 real. You can buy a bathing suit, hat, coverup, empanada, ice cream, sunblock and the list goes on.
There is a real beach culture, the beach from Copacabana to Ipanema then Leblon, has different areas which attract different people. The area where we were was more family oriented, further down by the Caesar hotel are the more hip people, then the not so nice area next to the canal, and then another hip area, then the gay area, and so on. It was neat to walk along the beach and see the different groups of people congregating in each area.
We spent a morning visiting the Botanical Gardens. It was very large and beautiful. A real deal at 6 Real ($4). They had the most amazing orchid display, along with many other gardens.
Kim and Dan
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Rio
Hello from Rio
Wow, what a city! We are staying right on Leblon beach, which is right next to Ipenema (yes, where the girl is from), which is next to Copacabana. We arrived Saturday aftenoon and the beach and roads leading to the beaches were packed. It seems everyone in Rio goes to the beach on their days off. Quite a variety people. You can rent a beach chair, umbrella, buy beer, Smirnoff Ice or any other beverage that you can think of.
The Ipanema band had a practice parade on Saturday night, a warm up for Carnival. It was great, but lots of people drinking and dancing. There are over 400 samba schools that participate and they each get about 7 minutes of fame! We had a chance to peak into the area where they are building the floats for the parade, it looks like a Hollywood movie studio. The floats were hidden, so they could not be seen from the outside, we got to sneak a look with our guide, Saint Clair (Sinclair), who belongs to one of the samba schools. The floats are amazing, so much work for one parade! Dozens of people working on one float, and the decorations are very elaborate. Each has a theme and is decorated. We saw a couple of African ones, ones from the sea, many with spirits and ghouls. They are made of fibreglass and then covered with material, mirrors, sequins, foam, whatever! They are huge, they carry dozens of people. Then the participants all wear costumes. We were not allowed to take pictures, unfortunately, its very secretive. We saw the area where they were making the costumes for a British themed float, horse costumes, little "Mini" cars that people wear.
The people who work on the floats make 400 Real ($225) every 2 weeks, they often work double shifts and sleep at the sight. It is hard, hot work, welding fibreglassing, sanding, gluing, sewing. In the middle of the work area is a large food court with all kinds of kiosks selling food and drinks for the workers. The Brazilians are not much for taking their own lunches, which is surprising as Brazil is very expensive! Even the British and French are taken aback by the prices. The people are very friendly.
We also visited one of the favelas, which is like a shanty town. It is where to poor live, there is some crime, but for the most part, it is the working poor. Brazil and Rio are very expensive places to live.
The view of the favela from the cable car, which was built by the government
The one we visited has a cable car to the top as it climbs a very steep hill. The views are amazing. There are armed army officers at every stop (I mean armed, big guns). We had the chance to talk to one of the locals, as she was riding in the car with us. You would never guess that she came from such a poor neighbourhood. Not what we imagine.
We are at a little cafe having lunch at 1600! The chairs are getting hard, more on Rio next time.
We would love to hear from you.
Kim and Dan
Wow, what a city! We are staying right on Leblon beach, which is right next to Ipenema (yes, where the girl is from), which is next to Copacabana. We arrived Saturday aftenoon and the beach and roads leading to the beaches were packed. It seems everyone in Rio goes to the beach on their days off. Quite a variety people. You can rent a beach chair, umbrella, buy beer, Smirnoff Ice or any other beverage that you can think of.
The Ipanema band had a practice parade on Saturday night, a warm up for Carnival. It was great, but lots of people drinking and dancing. There are over 400 samba schools that participate and they each get about 7 minutes of fame! We had a chance to peak into the area where they are building the floats for the parade, it looks like a Hollywood movie studio. The floats were hidden, so they could not be seen from the outside, we got to sneak a look with our guide, Saint Clair (Sinclair), who belongs to one of the samba schools. The floats are amazing, so much work for one parade! Dozens of people working on one float, and the decorations are very elaborate. Each has a theme and is decorated. We saw a couple of African ones, ones from the sea, many with spirits and ghouls. They are made of fibreglass and then covered with material, mirrors, sequins, foam, whatever! They are huge, they carry dozens of people. Then the participants all wear costumes. We were not allowed to take pictures, unfortunately, its very secretive. We saw the area where they were making the costumes for a British themed float, horse costumes, little "Mini" cars that people wear.
The people who work on the floats make 400 Real ($225) every 2 weeks, they often work double shifts and sleep at the sight. It is hard, hot work, welding fibreglassing, sanding, gluing, sewing. In the middle of the work area is a large food court with all kinds of kiosks selling food and drinks for the workers. The Brazilians are not much for taking their own lunches, which is surprising as Brazil is very expensive! Even the British and French are taken aback by the prices. The people are very friendly.
We also visited one of the favelas, which is like a shanty town. It is where to poor live, there is some crime, but for the most part, it is the working poor. Brazil and Rio are very expensive places to live.
Ipanema and Leblon beach from our hotel room
We are at a little cafe having lunch at 1600! The chairs are getting hard, more on Rio next time.
We would love to hear from you.
Kim and Dan
Friday, February 3, 2012
South America
Buenos dias
That's Spanish, but the Brazilians use it even though they speak Portuguese, what a language! Part French, part Spanish and part something else all on its own! T's are pronouced as CH, ZZZ is a prominent sound in the language. Written, it looks like French, but spoken, its anybody's guess.
We arrived in Sao Paulo 3 hours late, of course we have to leave in the middle of a snowstorm. We we delayed waiting for other flights to arrive and then when we de-iced and taxied to Montreal (or so it seemed), they revved up the engines but did not take off. Guess what, back to the terminal for replacement of an "air conditioning unit". Thank goodness we were in executive class, as they would not let us move around and the flight took an extra 3 hours.
Sao Paulo is a huge city, over 20 million (they figure its more as people are continually moving there due to the economy). We spent one night there in a safe district, although its not advisable to walk around at night, but is safe during the day.
We then traveled to Parity, a lovely colonial seaside town. It prospered during the gold rush in Brazil in the 1600's. After the gold rush it was left, pretty much untouched. As a result, it is a beautifully preserved historic town with lots of colonial churches, streets and buildings. The streets are cobble stoned, a bugger to walk on, especially after a few drinks. It is well kept and much the same as it was hundreds of years ago. It is also a port town, the original one the Portuguese used to ship gold to Europe. It is in a very protected bay full of gorgeous beaches, coves and islands. We spent the day motoring around the waters, swimming and snorkeling. We stopped in little cove and saw golden lion tamarins and black ones (not sure what the are called) and a couple of lizards. We fed them bread and fruit. It was cool floating in the water and watching them on shore (Dan dutifully stayed in the boat to take pictures for all of you!)
We are staying in a small hotel in the old town that dates back to the 1600's. They put rubber boots in the closet as the streets flood during high tide. Seems the Portuguese did not account for high tides when they built the town!
It is hot 30+ and sunny. Tomorrow we are off to Rio! Should be an interesting drive, all the Brazilians drive like they are racing drivers. Hang on!
This is the restaurant we ate in when traveling from Sao Paulo to Parity, yes everything was covered in plastic. Food was good and it was the cleanest place I have ever been in.
One of the many churches in Parity, everything is well preserved.
Parity from the water, the most famous view
Golden lion tamarin
Kim and Dan
That's Spanish, but the Brazilians use it even though they speak Portuguese, what a language! Part French, part Spanish and part something else all on its own! T's are pronouced as CH, ZZZ is a prominent sound in the language. Written, it looks like French, but spoken, its anybody's guess.
We arrived in Sao Paulo 3 hours late, of course we have to leave in the middle of a snowstorm. We we delayed waiting for other flights to arrive and then when we de-iced and taxied to Montreal (or so it seemed), they revved up the engines but did not take off. Guess what, back to the terminal for replacement of an "air conditioning unit". Thank goodness we were in executive class, as they would not let us move around and the flight took an extra 3 hours.
Sao Paulo is a huge city, over 20 million (they figure its more as people are continually moving there due to the economy). We spent one night there in a safe district, although its not advisable to walk around at night, but is safe during the day.
We then traveled to Parity, a lovely colonial seaside town. It prospered during the gold rush in Brazil in the 1600's. After the gold rush it was left, pretty much untouched. As a result, it is a beautifully preserved historic town with lots of colonial churches, streets and buildings. The streets are cobble stoned, a bugger to walk on, especially after a few drinks. It is well kept and much the same as it was hundreds of years ago. It is also a port town, the original one the Portuguese used to ship gold to Europe. It is in a very protected bay full of gorgeous beaches, coves and islands. We spent the day motoring around the waters, swimming and snorkeling. We stopped in little cove and saw golden lion tamarins and black ones (not sure what the are called) and a couple of lizards. We fed them bread and fruit. It was cool floating in the water and watching them on shore (Dan dutifully stayed in the boat to take pictures for all of you!)
We are staying in a small hotel in the old town that dates back to the 1600's. They put rubber boots in the closet as the streets flood during high tide. Seems the Portuguese did not account for high tides when they built the town!
It is hot 30+ and sunny. Tomorrow we are off to Rio! Should be an interesting drive, all the Brazilians drive like they are racing drivers. Hang on!
Kim and Dan
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Hong Kong
Hello
Well we are on the final leg of our journey. I am sitting in "the Wing", Cathay's First class lounge sipping Krug ( won't ever be able to go back!)
Hong Kong was a very pleasant surprise. A very clean and orderly city. I expected it to be more overwhelming. There are lots of people and noise, but they are very orderly and polite. The streets are neat, and people line up and wait politely, what a change. There are back to back shops with neon signs everywhere. I would hate to see this place if the power failed. It is a shopper's paradise, all the designer brands, real and fake. Lots of shops, malls and markets. There is a guy (east Indian, not chinese, selling tailor service and fake watches). The people work ridiculous hours, 10-13 hrs per day 5-7 days a week.
The city never sleeps. We had a wonderful room at the Sheraton with a view of the harbour. It is quite a sight at night all lit up. They have the symphony of lights where the buildings co-ordinate their lights to make a light show to music. We watched it from the sky lounge, very nice.
Sorry have to go catch our flight. Picture to follow
Kim and Dan
Well we are on the final leg of our journey. I am sitting in "the Wing", Cathay's First class lounge sipping Krug ( won't ever be able to go back!)
Hong Kong was a very pleasant surprise. A very clean and orderly city. I expected it to be more overwhelming. There are lots of people and noise, but they are very orderly and polite. The streets are neat, and people line up and wait politely, what a change. There are back to back shops with neon signs everywhere. I would hate to see this place if the power failed. It is a shopper's paradise, all the designer brands, real and fake. Lots of shops, malls and markets. There is a guy (east Indian, not chinese, selling tailor service and fake watches). The people work ridiculous hours, 10-13 hrs per day 5-7 days a week.
The city never sleeps. We had a wonderful room at the Sheraton with a view of the harbour. It is quite a sight at night all lit up. They have the symphony of lights where the buildings co-ordinate their lights to make a light show to music. We watched it from the sky lounge, very nice.
Sorry have to go catch our flight. Picture to follow
Kim and Dan
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