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Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

September 13, 2014 by David Herd

Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

Copacabana Ipanema bikini babes and much more can be seen at both these great beaches in Rio de Janeiro. No beach on Earth offers the exciting panorama of these playgrounds of the rich & poor.

It was October 2009, the weather was magnificent & I caught up with many of my old & new friends in this wonderful city.

Stick around I’m going to take you on a tour from Copacabana to Ipanema via Arpoador.

Copacabana bars & cafes

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

Every 50 meters along Copacabana there is a fabulous cafe bar where you can eat, drink & watch the beach volleyball, or if you are that way inclined just gaze longingly at the beautiful bikini clad Cariocas. 🙂

The cafe above is one of the newer versions replacing the older one like you see below.

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

A great place to sit and watch the world go by.

Here is a webcam focused on Copacabana.

Did I mention bikini clad Cariocas?

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

Carioca is a Brazilian adjective or demonym that is used to refer to the native inhabitants of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

This guy is punching way above his weight

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

One of the many fabulous brown skin bikini babes on Copacabana.

Copacabana with Sugarloaf in the background

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

A trip to Sugarloaf mountain is a must do.

A typical New Years Eve

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

In Copacabana the crowds build up from mid afternoon, at night there are around 2 million people on the beach dressed in white.

For great hotel room rates just book through THIS LINK.

David Young sadly passed away March 2 2013

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

He suffered for years with a very bad painful back then underwent a couple of operations where metal screws were inserted into his spine. Infection set in and they had to be replaced & finally it all became too much and this nice friend of mine passed away in the city he loved.

Happier times with David & friends

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

David worked with Jonathan Kendall on the left, the couple on the right are Les & Robin Scheffer who lived near me on the Gold Coast in Australia.

Sadly Les passed away in March 2020.

Bobby Frishman from “Blame it on Rio” travel

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

Bobby has been in Rio for many years running a well known travel agency in Copacabana.

Don Camillo Copacabana

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

  One of the many restaurants on Avenue Atlantica in Copacabana.  

Dinner with Simone

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

Simone & I have been great friends for a number of years, in fact in 2005 we travelled around north east Brazil from Natal to Recife via the beautiful Praia de Pipa. For the last few years Simone has been working in a bank in Sao Paulo. Simone & I in fact traveled 300 kms by taxi from Ponte Negra to Recife stopping in Pipa on the way.

Lets leave Copacabana & walk to Arpoador

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

 

    If we are going to walk we may as well follow these two gorgeous girls. 🙂  

For a great hotel room rate in RIO just book through THIS LINK.

Fort Copacabana

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

Fort Copacabana was inaugurated in 1914 with a mission to protect the coast of Rio de Janeiro and the entrance to the harbour. Today the fort provides visitors educational and cultural activities. Coordinates: 22.988117°S 43.191678°W  

  The Arpoador Rock

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

In the past, at very end of Arpoador Promontory – The Arpoador Rock– fishermen used to harpoon the whales that came to reproduce in this warm waters. The harpoon used by those fishermen gave the park its name and also has been used to identify the rock (in Portuguese Arpoador means fishermen who uses harpoon). The Arpoador Rock is preserved by the Municipal Historic Heritage. Also within the APA limits there is a public square called Girl of Ipanema Park after the world famous song composed by Vinicius de Moraes and Antônio Carlos Jobim.  

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

A great view of Copacabana beach from here.

Arpoador Park

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

Not known worldwide as the beaches either side but a much more peaceful scene than Ipanema and Copacabana.

 Arpoador, between Ipanema & Copacabana.

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

White sand, sunshine and a beautiful blue sky, what more could you want?

Arpoador beach

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

More peaceful than Copacabana.

Looking down on all this beauty from Cocovada

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

Corcovado, meaning “hunchback” in Portuguese, is a mountain in central Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The 710-metre granite peak is located in the Tijuca Forest, a national park.

Frank Sinatra sings and Tony Motolla plays the guitar. The tune is “Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)”, written by Antonio Carlos Jobim.  

frank sinatra corcovado
 

Beautiful Ipanema

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

  One of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.  

Garota de Ipanema restaurant

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

You guessed it, here is where they wrote the song which was inspired by Heloísa Eneida Menezes Paes Pinto (now Helô Pinheiro), a nineteen-year-old girl living on Montenegro Street in the fashionable Ipanema district in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Daily, she would stroll past the popular Veloso bar-café, not just to the beach (“each day when she walks to the sea”), but in the everyday course of her life. She would sometimes enter the bar to buy cigarettes for her mother and leave to the sound of wolf-whistles. In the winter of 1962, the composers watched the girl pass by the bar, and it is easy to imagine why they noticed her—Helô was a 173-cm (five-foot eight-inch) brunette, and she attracted the attention of many of the bar patrons. Since the song became popular, she has become a celebrity.

On the wall is the music as well

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

How many times have you heard this beautiful song? Each time I hear it I’m transported back to Ipanema.

Les & Robyn Shcheffer from the Gold Coast in Australia.

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

This couple lived quite close to me on the Gold Coast in Australia, we used to be good friends however 4 years ago in 2013 they placed me on their “black list”, I must admit I’m quite comfortable there. 🙂 Sadly Les passed away in March 2019.

As you can see from the photo the food is rather excellent.

Garota de Ipanema restaurant

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

I have been here many times, on of my greatest memories of Rio was here on New Years Eve 2007 with my friend Dave Wylie. We had a window seat and all around us was one of Rio’s famous blocos. Street Carnival Bands, called “Blocos de Rua”, have become an expressive feature of Rio’s Carnival. Today, they number more than 440 (considering 2012 Rio Carnival only) and the groups increase each year. Blocos can be formed by small or large groups of revelers with a distinct title with an often funny pun. (Os blocos RJ, para os solteiros, são um lugar para conhecer e até beijar pessoas, or “The blocos in Rio de Janeiro, for the singles, are places to meet and even kiss people.”) They may also note their neighborhood or social status. Before the show, they gather in a square, then parade in sections of the city, often near the beach. Some blocos never leave one street and have a particular place, such as a bar, to attract viewers. Block parades start in January, and may last until the Sunday after Carnival.

For a great hotel room rate in RIO just book through THIS LINK.

Dave Wylie & I Carnival in Ipanema in 2008.

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

After living in Rio for 10 years my good friend Dave spent 18 months as my neighbour in Pattaya Thailand before returning to Crescent City California.

Ipanema bloco Carnival 2008

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

  Dave Wylie took this wonderful photo which captures the essence of a Carnival bloco in Ipanema in 2008  

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes

Brown skin, bikinis & blue sky, what more could you want?

Sing the song Francis

The Girl From Ipanema - Frank Sinatra & Antônio Carlos Jobim | Concert Collection

 

      Thanks for visiting my Copacabana Ipanema Bikini Babes photo blog.
 

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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Click here for Rio street parties.

 

Three hours from Rio is wonderful Paraty

 

Rio de Janeiro, no it is Vietnam

 

 

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Niteroi Rio de Janeiro

September 12, 2014 by David Herd

Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum

Niteroi  Rio de Janeiro

Niteroi Rio de Janeiro

Niteroi Rio de Janeiro, the cities are connected by the Rio-Niteroi Bridge which is currently the longest pre-stressed concrete bridge in the southern hemisphere, and the sixth longest in the world.

The museum is situated in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is one of the city’s main landmarks. It was completed in 1996.

Designed by Oscar Niemeyer with the assistance of structural engineer Bruno Contarini, who had worked with Niemeyer on earlier projects, the MAC-Niterói is 16 meters high; its cupola has a diameter of 50 meters with three floors. The museum projects itself over Boa Viagem(“Bon Voyage,” “Good Journey”), the 817 square metres (8,790 sq ft) reflecting pool that surrounds the cylindrical base “like a flower,” in the words of Niemeyer.

Spectacular design

Niteroi Rio de Janeiro

I think the museum is one of the most spectacular buildings I have ever seen.

Niteroi Rio de Janeiro

Niteroi Rio de Janeiro

As I mentioned earlier the Rio-Niteroi Bridge which is currently the longest pre-stressed concrete bridge in the southern hemisphere, and the sixth longest in the world. Downtown Rio is in the foreground.

President Costa e Silva Bridge, commonly known as the Rio-Niteroi Bridge

Niteroi Rio de Janeiro

Niteroi lies across Guanabara Bay facing the city of Rio de Janeiro and forms part of the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Area.


 

Niteroi  Rio de Janeiro 

Niteroi Rio de Janeiro

Niteroi has a population of 487,327.

You can see Niteroi from Sugarloaf

Niteroi located Opposite Rio de Janeiro

The view from Sugarloaf mountain.

 A beautiful resident of Niteroi

0b4ecd47-57a9-4dce-8f74-5cc86d784112

    Her name is Mel & we met on Copacabana beach & enjoyed some time together.  

Icaraí beach Niteroi

Niteroi Rio de Janeiro

The city is located 25 minutes away from Rio de Janeiro’s downtown region. Niterói boasts the title of fourth richest city in the state, and the third in Rio de Janeiro City Metropolitan Area.

Icaraí beach Niteroi

Niteroi located Opposite Rio de Janeiro

Certainly a more peaceful environment than Rio. 🙂

Oil rig off Niteroi

Niteroi located Opposite Rio de Janeiro

Huge oil rig on the job.

Niteroi museum contemporary art

Niteroi Rio de Janeiro

Simply a beautiful design.

 Copacabana

Niteroi located Opposite Rio de Janeiro

On the far right opposite Sugarloaf mountain is the city of Niteroi across bridge from Rio de Janeiro, the city was founded on 22 November 1573. These days the the Brazilian leg of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series takes place in Niterói.  

                   

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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

August 19, 2014 by David Herd

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil are the most spectacular falls I have ever seen. Sadly I have not been to Niagara or Victoria falls to make a comparison .

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

It was 1999 and my first digital camera took rather poor photos.

Dalia from Bolivia at Foz.

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

This is my lovely friend Dalia from Santa Cruz in Bolivia, we traveled by the “Death Train” from Santa Cruz to the Brazilian border & crossed at Corumba, then by bus through the Pantanal to Foz do Iguazu.

Dalia sleeping on the “Death Train”.

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

There are several theories as to how this name came to be. One theory is that the mosquitoes are so bad during the rainy season, you’ll get “eaten alive” throughout the entire long trip, or contract malaria and die later. Another theory is that people riding on top of the train (not uncommon) fall asleep and fall to their deaths (quite uncommon). Actually, it is called the Death Train because many workers died while building this railroad.

Quijarro on the border.

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

We walked across the border and caught a taxi to the customs office, it reminded me of the last frontier in the wild west. My suspicions were aroused when the border guard asked for a credit card to prove I had money.  When he disappeared with the card & my passport I knew I was in trouble. Sure enough 2 weeks later when I was in Salvador my credit card was cancelled by the bank. $13,000 had been charged all over Brazil, luckily Visa were very quick to advance me $3000 to get me through the trip. On returning to Australia I just signed a few forms & everything was fixed.


Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

When she saw Iguazu Falls, the United States First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly exclaimed “Poor Niagara!” (which, at 50 m or 165 feet, are a third shorter). Often Iguazu Falls also is compared with Victoria Falls in Southern Africa, which separates. Iguazu is wider, but because it is split into approximately 275 discrete falls and large islands, Victoria has the largest curtain of water in the world, at more than 1,600 m (5,249 ft) wide and over 100 m (328 ft) in height (in low flow Victoria is split into five by islands; in high flow it may uninterrupted). The only wider falls are extremely large rapid-like falls, such as the Boyoma Falls.

 Wonderful view from Brazilian side

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

I certainly want to visit this amazing place again. Next time I will have a far better camera. 🙂

Itaipu Dam

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

hydroelectric dam on the Paraná River located on the border between Brazil and Paraguay. The name “Itaipu” was taken from an isle that existed near the construction site. In the Guaraní languageItaipu means “the sounding stone”.

Dalia at the Falls

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

After a few days at the falls Dalia & I parted ways, she went back to Bolivia & I went to meet friends in Brazil.

Iguazu falls from the Brazilian side.

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

Next trip I will also see the Argentinian side of the falls.

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil The Devils throat

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

Without a doubt this visit was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Churrascaria

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

In modern restaurants rodízio service is typically offered. Passadores (meat waiters) come to the table with knives and a skewer, on which are speared various kinds of meat, In most parts of Brazil, the churrasco is roasted with charcoal. In the south of Brazil, however, mostly close to the borders of Argentina and Uruguay, embers of wood are also used.


Beautiful Dalia, 23 years old.

Amazing Iguazu Falls Brazil

Such a beautiful young girl, I often wonder about her and hope she is well and happy.

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That’s all folks

1g Duck

                                                     

 
 
 
 
 

After you see Iguazu falls head across to the coast for a Brazilian surprise.

 

 
 
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Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

May 25, 2014 by David Herd

Copacabana beach

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

 Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio dominates many photos taken on Copacabana beach. Ride the cable car to the top & see the breathtaking view of Rio.

The name Sugarloaf was coined in the 16th century by the Portuguese during the heyday of sugar cane trade in Brazil. According to historian Vieira Fazenda, blocks of sugar were placed in conical molds made of clay to be transported on ships. The shape given by these molds was similar to the peak, hence the name.

holds 65 passengers

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

 A glass-walled cable car (in popular Portuguesebondinho – more properly called teleférico), capable of holding 65 passengers, runs along a 1400-metre route between the peaks of Pão de Açúcar and Morro da Urca every 20 minutes. The original cable car line was built in 1912 and rebuilt around 1972/1973 and in 2008. 

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio from the cable car

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

 The cable car leaves a ground station located at the base of the Babilônia hill, to the Urca hill and then to the Pão de Açúcar.

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

You don’t have to take the cable car, if you can afford it grab a helicopter.

Copacabana in the background.

Sugarloaf Mountain Rio De Janeirio

What a view from the top, from here Copacabana looks like standing room only.

Wedged between the mountains & sea.

Sugarloaf Mountain Rio De Janeirio

160,000 people live in Copacabana and 44,000 or 27.5% of them are 60 years old or older. Many friends now tell me in 2017 Rio does not have the same appeal as 10 years ago, perhaps this is true however it will always remain as one of the most spectacular cities in the world.

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

 Copacabana covers an area of 7.84 km² which gives the borough a population density of 20,400 people per km².   Residential buildings eleven to thirteen stories high built right next to each other dominate the borough. Houses and two-story buildings are rare.  

Vermelha Beach

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

 Praia Vermelha is the smallest city beach in Rio de Janeiro, and it lies in a sheltered cove between the 688 ft Morro da Urca and the 754 ft Morro da Babilonia. It’s here where you catch the 2 stage cable car up to Morra da Urca and then on to the 1300 ft Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) out in the bay.

Vidigal favela

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

You can also see Vidigal favela at the north end of Ipanema.  Vidigal overlooks Ipanema Beach  and Ilhas Cagarras. It is located in the South Zone of Rio, between Leblon and São Conrado neighborhoods.   The neighborhood is a place of hardship for the residents. They have the problem of drug wars, and when fighting occurs, sometimes they must stay in their homes for days.   In November 2011, Vidigal and its neighboring community, Rocinha were pacified by the Pacifying Police Unit. 

 Downtown Rio from Sugarloaf mountain

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

 Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere and is known for its natural settings, carnival celebrationssambaBossa Novabalneario beaches such as Barra da TijucaCopacabanaIpanema, and Leblon. Some of the most famous landmarks in addition to the beaches include the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer (“Cristo Redentor”) atop Corcovado mountain, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; Sugarloaf mountain (Pão de Açúcar) with its cable car; the Sambódromo, a permanent grandstand-lined parade avenue which is used during Carnival; and Maracanã Stadium, one of the world’s largest football stadiums.

Botafogo

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

Botafogo is a beachfront neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is a mostly upper middle class and small commerce community, and is located between the hills of Mundo Novo, Dona Marta and São João.

Cagarras Islands

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

Uninhabited archipelago lying just 5km (3 miles) off legendary Ipanema Beach. The Cagarras Islands (Ilhas Cagarras in Portuguese) are a wildlife refuge for sea gulls and other marine birds, and you can frequently spot — or swim among — dolphins in the waters offshore.

Relax with a cool drink

Sugarloaf Mountain Rio De Janeirio

A great place to relax and take in one of the world’s great panoramas. Sugarloaf Mountain Rio De Janeirio certainly ranks in the top 6 most spectacular vies I have ever seen.

Cristo Redentor from Sugarloaf mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain Rio De Janeirio

 Cristo Redentor in the distance. Christ the Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and was considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world from 1931 until 2010 when it was topped by the Christ the King statue in Poland.

I met two lovely Scandinavians on Sugarloaf mountain

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

 I met two lovely Scandinavians on the mountain, & being such a nice guy naturally I invited them to dinner that night.

New Years Eve 2007

Sugarloaf Rio De Janeirio

The crowd is building on Copacabana beach up to celebrate New Years Eve with Sugarloaf Mountain dominating the skyline.

Thanks for visiting my Sugarloaf mountain photo blog, you gotta love Rio. 🙂

It has been about 7 years sine I was in Rio de Janeiro, hopefully I will visit again in 2018.

For a great room rate in Rio just book through THIS LINK.

 What a wonderful World
David Attenborough - Wonderful World - BBC - Full HD 1080p

Brazilians don’t need a visa to visit Thailand. Please check out my webcam.      

Pattaya Beach live webcam

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 

  Click here for another great Rio post  

 

Is this Rio? No it is Vietnam

 

The coast of Portugal

 

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Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

January 21, 2014 by David Herd

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

to my top 12 places.

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

Number 12 is Belem

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

 Five Star Vagabond Brazil travel guide is a list of 12 of my favourite places in this great country. Lets start with number 12  Belem. The city is at the mouth of the Mighty Amazon river which represents more than half the planet’s remaining rain-forests and comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rain-forest in the world. Founded in 1616 by the Kingdom of PortugalBelém was the first European colony on the Amazon but did not become part of Brazil until 1775. The newer part of the city has modern buildings and skyscrapers. The colonial portion retains the charm of tree-filled squares, churches and traditional blue tiles. The city has a rich history and architecture from colonial times. Recently it witnessed a skyscraper boom.

I really enjoyed this old colonial city, I wish I had more time to sail down the river to Manaus. 

Belem

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

Great colours on this old building.

Number 11 is Canoa Quebrada

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

 Canoa Quebrada is on the north coast of Brazil, I took a beach buggy along the beautiful long beaches. 

Canoa Quebrada

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

Wandering through the amazing coloured sands.  Canoa Quebrada is 164 kilometers from Fortaleza.

Fabulous sandhills in Canoa Quebrada

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

Put this on your bucket list. 🙂

Number 10 is Balneário Camboriú

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

 Balneário Camboriú (Portuguese pronunciation: [bawneˈaɾju kɐ̃boɾiˈu] is a major beach resort in the Brazilian southern state of Santa Catarina. The town, with its steep hills dropping down to the sea.

Balneário Camboriú 

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

What time can I start having fun?

Number 9 is Recife & Olinda

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

Recife makes my number 9 in my guide only because of Olinda across the river. Olinda is a historic city in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco, located on the country’s northeastern Atlantic Ocean coast, just north of Recife and south of Paulista. It has a population of 397,268 people  and is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Brazil.

Olinda is only 7 Kms from the center of Recife.

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

 During Carnival  there are  thousands of people  in the old historic town centre.

For a great hotel room rate in Brazil just book through THIS LINK.

Number 8 is Porto de Galinhas

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

The origin of the name is well known. Porto de Galinhas means “Port of Chickens” in Portuguese. In the second half of the 19th century, the Brazilian government imposed restrictions to the commerce of slaves, which were widely used as manpower in the sugarcane farms around Recife to circumvent the prohibition, the “black ships” (which transported slaves from Africa to Brazil) looked for other places to harbor, far from Recife.One such place was in the bays around Suape and Ipojuca, about 60 km to the South of Recife. When a ship arrived in town, as it was prohibited to mention slavery, the word spread as “there are new chickens in the port”; hence, the place gained its name Porto de Galinhas.

My friends in Porto de Galinhas

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

This is my lovely friend Simone, her Auntie & cousin Pedro. Simone & I traveled 300 kms from Natal to Recife by taxi.

Number 7 is Salvador in Bahia.

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

 The Lacerda Elevator is the first lift of the urban world. It was December 8 of 1873  when it opened it was the highest in the world, around 20 meters tall.  In Salvador it is public transport between Cairu Square , in Lower Town , and Thome Square de Souza , in the Upper Town .

Lacerda Elevator

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

Opened in December 8 of 1873.

Salvador Fort de Santa Maria

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

Forte de Santa Maria is on Salvador’s south coastline, built with stone and lime between 1627 to 1635. It served as a fortification during the Dutch invasion. It Contained lots of  bronze and iron cannons, it is certainly worth visiting this impressive Italian style fort.

Number 6 is Buzios

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

Búzios is a popular getaway from the city and a worldwide tourist resort  for Brazilians and Argentinians. Only 3 hours drive from Rio.

Early in the 1900s Búzios was popular with the Carioca’s high society  looking to escape from the chaotic city life of Rio de Janeiro. there are more than 23 beaches on the peninsula. However it was 1964 when the famous French actress Brigitte Bardot visited Búzios, she made it famous throughout the world as a popular tourist destination.

Here is a guide to Buzios, a great town

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

Lots of beaches, restaurants and bars, Buzios is definitely one of Brazil’s HOT destinations. Only 3 hours drive from Rio make sure you add this great town to your Brazilian bucket list. There are many good pousadas to choose from here.

Without a doubt AGODA is the best online Hotel booking site.

Number 5 is Florianopolis

Joaquina beach.

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel

Florianopolis is a wonderful Brazilian city,  in 2009. Newsweek placed Florianópolis in the “Ten most dynamic cities of the world” list in 2006. Veja magazine, a Brazilian publication, named the city as “the best place to live in Brazil The New York Times also reported that Florianopolis was the Party Destination of the Year in 2009.”

There are 42 beaches in Florianopolis

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

Flori is a must for those of you who love beautiful beaches with clean white sand. If I rated it as high as number two on my list it would not be an exaggeration.

Oysters at Barra da Lagoa.

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

 Florianopolis was the “Party Destination of the Year in 2009.”

Number 4, Iguazu falls, magnificent.

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

Sadly when I was at the falls in 1999, digital cameras were in the early stages and the quality of photos was 2nd rate. Consequently I have no shots that do justice to this wonderful location. Without a doubt Iguazu falls is the most breathtaking & spectacular sight I have ever seen.

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

Forgive me for using a 3rd party photo but the falls are so spectacular I thought I could break one of my rules.  😳

For a great hotel room rate in Brazil just book through THIS LINK.

Number 3 is Paraty

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

Paraty is only 3 hours from Rio and is known for the cobblestone paved streets throughout the Historic Center District. No cars or trucks are allowed in this part of town. Without any doubt this wonderful village is one of my favourite locations in Brazil.

David Herd on the good ship “Lolypop”.

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

There are lots of great boats in Paraty that you can hire to explore the waterways.

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Could this be my favourite photo?

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

You better believe it, I’ll remember Paraty forever. 🙂

Number 2 is Praia De Pipa

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

Praia De Pipa is one of those rare gems you tend to talk about all your life. Pipa Beach is one of the most famous beaches of Brazil. Located 84 kms from Natal, the capital city of state of Rio Grande do Norte. Do yourself a favor and put it on you Brazilian bucket list.

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide Pippa beach

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

 I remember sitting in a bar in Rio Di Janeiro with two friends Dave Wylie & Doug Roarke, (RIP) and when I asked what was their favorite place in Brazil, Doug briefly considered the question before saying “Praia de Pipa”. Until that moment I had never heard of the place, but on Doug’s recommendation I planned my trip.

The catch of the day at Pippa

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

Pipa was a small fishing village until the 1970s. Then it was discovered by surfers and backpackers, attracted by a set of natural attributes rarely found even in other Brazilian beaches, crystal-clear waters, fine white sand, areas of preserved Atlantic Forest, 10-meter-high vertical cliffs, and friendly locals.

Number 1 is not hard to guess,

Rio Di Janeiro

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

Rio is an exciting destination, wonderful beaches great weather and colourful happy people. I normally rent an apartment near the beach rather than stay in a hotel. It usually costs me $50 per night however my last trip was 2009 and I believe the city is far more expensive now.

I mentioned earlier in my Brazil travel guide Iguazu Falls was the most spectacular natural spectacle I have seen on this planet, well the Rio Carnival is the most spectacular human event I have ever witnessed. As they say in the classics, “you gotta love Rio.” 😆

David Herd at Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio.

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

Standing room only in Copacabana, what a view.

Copacabana, say no more….

Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide

On the left is beautiful Carla with her gorgeous friend, I doubt very much that I’ll ever forget her. 🙂

Also there is no doubt in my mind theirs is the most beautiful colour in the world.

Thanks for visiting my Five Star Vagabond Brazil Travel Guide photo blog.

The Girl From Ipanema - Frank Sinatra & Antônio Carlos Jobim | Concert Collection

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Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

January 12, 2014 by David Herd

Copacabana

Brazilian beach babes

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Beautiful Brazilian beach babes are a major reason us guys absolutely love this country. If you appreciate beautiful women there is no place on earth like Copacabana or Ipanema in Rio De Janeiro.

Beautiful girls on Copacabana

CopacabanabeachNov2003-117

I could publish a whole post on these two beautiful girls, the most magnificent skin colour I have ever seen.

Her name is Carla

CopacabanabeachNov2003-124

I first met beautiful Carla at Copacabana in November 2003 then again in 2005, a beautiful lady with a sparkling personality.

Happy faces at Copacabana

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In Rio De Janeiro 20% of the people live in the favelas where there is no luxury and no room to play. So naturally they come to the beach and worship the sun.

For a great hotel room rate in RIO just book through THIS LINK.

Covered in coconut oil.

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Most of the Beautiful Brazilian beach babes  are Covered in coconut oil to accelerate their suntan. You will get no complaints from me.  😆

Busy day at Copacabana

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Some days it is hard to find a free spot on the sand and the beach is 4 km long.

  • On December 31, 1994, the New Year’s Eve celebrations featured a Rod Stewart concert with an attendance of 3.5 million, making it the largest concert crowd ever.  More recently, the beach has been a site for huge free concerts unrelated to the year-end festivities. On March 21, 2005, Lenny Kravitz performed there in front of 300,000 people, on a Monday night. On February 18, 2006, a Saturday, The Rolling Stones surpassed that mark by far, attracting over 1.5 million people to the beach.

Beautiful Mel from Nitoroi.

 

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Mel is another beautiful girl I met on Copacabana, almost 6 feet tall with green eyes.

Another shot of Mel.

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Six feet tall with green eyes, such a beautiful girl.

Orange may now be my favourite colour.

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Such beautiful colour skin.

For a great hotel room rate in RIO just book through THIS LINK.

Hey! Are you taking our photo?

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I was caught in the act of taking their photo, my reward was this wonderful smile.  😳

My good friend Simone

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We originally met on the internet, then in person in 2000. In 2005 we traveled together to Praia Da Pipa & Recife in north east Brazil. Simone now works in a bank in Sao Paulo and we stay in touch through Facebook.

Simone in Ponte Negra in 2005.

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The last time I saw Simone was in Rio in October 2009.

Without a doubt AGODA is the best online Hotel booking site.

Look closely & you may see some fish.

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Fish, what fish? I don’t see any fish.  😆

Ipanema beach in Rio.

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Ipanema is absolutely breathtaking.

Brazilian beach babes & Silicone city

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A little silicone never hurt anybody.

Rio Orthon a perfect location.

 

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK, book now & pay later, includes free cancellation.

Beautiful bodies everywhere

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

I wish I could shoot the other side.

Does my bum look big in this?

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

 Are you kidding, it’s perfect.

 Strolling along Avenue Atlantica.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

This is certainly one of the world’s great streets.

Pretty face on Copacabana

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Great smile on Copacabana.

Can I help you with that oil?

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Preparing for a day in the sun.

No way Jose, & put that camera away.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

The Beautiful Brazilian beach babes really do like to have there photo taken. 🙂

Do you know any good diets?

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Is coconut milk good for losing weight? I am a couple of kilos overweight.

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Blue bikini goes well with brown skin.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

There is always something to see on Copacabana.

Look closely you may see a tattoo.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Tattoo, what tattoo? I don’t see a tattoo.

Brazilian beach babes, Ah! Say no more.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Those orange bikinis are very popular indeed.

Lookout! here they come

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

More beautiful Brazilian beach babes.

1999 in Copacabana

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

This is the lovely beach babe in the posts header.

Copacabana at 2pm on New Years Eve.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

The crowd is building up for NYE, tonight there will be 2 million people on the beach all wearing white.

A selfie at Balneario Camboriu

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Belneario Camboriu is between Florianopolis and Curitiba.

A lonely nudist near Balneario Camboriu

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Back to nature.  

Tall & tanned & young & lovely at Florianopolis

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Now that’s a girl worth following. 🙂

Does my bum look big in this?

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Most women have asked this question at some stage in their life.  😳

I would like to inspect the end of that tattoo.

 Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

This lovely lady worked on the beach at Barra da Lagoa in Florianopolis

Next generation beach babes.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

As I pointed my camera without being asked  they all struck this pose. For me it captured the essence of Rio Di Janeiro. 

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Beckington Trowbridge

Rio Orthon a perfect location.

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Curitiba nice Brazilian city

December 29, 2013 by David Herd

Metropolitan Cathedral

Curitiba nice Brazilian city

Curitiba nice Brazilian city

Curitiba nice Brazilian city is south of Sao Paulo & is the capital and largest city of the Brazilian state of Paraná. The city’s population numbered approximately 1,760,500 people as of 2010, making it the eighth most populous city in the country, and the largest in Brazil’s South Region.

Oscar Niemeyer Museum

Curitiba nice Brazilian city

The museum focuses on the visual arts, architecture and design. For its magnificence, beauty and for the importance of the collection, it represents a cultural institution of international significance. The complex of two buildings, installed in an area of 35 thousand square meters (of which 19 thousand are dedicated to exhibition space).

Ukranian Memorial

Curitiba nice Brazilian city

Opened in 1995, the Ukrainian Memorial is located in Tingüi Park in Curitiba, Paraná , and was erected in tribute to the immigrant Ukrainians who came to this region of Brazil in the nineteenth century.


Palace Avenue

Curitiba nice Brazilian city

The Palace Avenue is one of the most important historical buildings in Curitiba. The building, dated 1929, was built by immigrants and Syrian-Lebanese businessman Feres Merhy with original architectural design Valentine Freitas Oliveira Bernardino Assumption and Bortolo Bergonse.

Throughout its history, the imposing complex of about 18 thousand square meters housed coffees (as folk Guairacá Bar) and Cine Avenue, one of the first theatres in the state capital.

Palace Avenue at night

Curitiba nice Brazilian city

Without a doubt AGODA is the best online Hotel booking site.

Sudzi

Curitiba nice Brazilian city

My friend Craig aka Sudzi from Australia.

Colourful local characters

Curitiba nice Brazilian city

Lots of photo opportunities on every street corner.

 Three clowns in Curitiba

Curitiba nice Brazilian city

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Curitiba wine cellar

Curitiba nice Brazilian city

I found Brazilian wine to be excellent.

Curitiba restaurant

Curitiba nice Brazilian city

I think this is quite a popular tourist bus stop.

Modern bus stop.

Curitiba nice Brazilian city

I feel Curitiba a nice Brazilian city is certainly wort a visit if you are in Florianopolis or the Iguazu Falls as it is on the way the Sao Paulo or Rio De Janeiro.
 

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Rocinha favela Brazil’s largest

October 16, 2013 by David Herd

 Vidigal favela just behind the Rio Sheraton

Rocinha favela Brazil’s largest

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Rocinha favela Brazil’s largest is about a mile past the Sheraton, Vidigal favela in Rio is just behind the five star Sheraton hotel, it really is a clash of cultures.

Just a little further along is  Rocinha favela (little farm) it is the largest favela in Brazil, and is located in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone between the districts of São Conrado and Gávea. Rocinha is built on a steep hillside overlooking Rio de Janeiro, and is located about one kilometre from a nearby beach. Most of the favela is on a very steep hill, with many trees surrounding it. 69,161 (census 2010)  people live in Rocinha, making it the most populous favela in Brazil.

Although Rocinha is technically classified as a neighbourhood, many still refer to it as a favela. It developed from a shanty town into an urbanized slum. Today, almost all the houses in Rocinha favela are made from concrete and brick. Some buildings are three and four stories tall and almost all houses have basic sanitation, plumbing, and electricity. Compared to simple shanty towns or slums, Rocinha has a better developed infrastructure and hundreds of businesses such as banks, medicine stores, bus lines, cable television, including locally based channel TV ROC (TV Rocinha), and, at one time, a McDonalds franchise. These factors help classify Rocinha as a favela bairro, or favela neighbourhood.

I guess Monday is washing day.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Rocinha favela Brazil’s largest and one of the most developed.  Rocinha’s population was estimated at between 150,000 and 300,000 inhabitants in 2000s (decade)  but the IBGE Census of 2010 counted only 69,161 people. In November 2011, a security operation was executed where hundreds of police and military patrolled the streets of Rocinha to crackdown on rampant drug dealers and bring government control to the neighborhood.

The smell here was rather unpleasant.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

I’ll say this, the smell was hard to cope with and it was not a hot day.

Garbage waiting for collection.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

No one knows where and when the name Rocinha favela emerged, but the most likely theory is that in the 1920s there was a famous open air market in what is today the Santos Dumont Plaza in Gávea. The middle class and elite who bought their fresh produce there would ask the vendors where the produce came from and they would answer that they came from their ‘little farm’ or Rocinha.

No council approval here.  😳

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Rochinha favela is the largest in Rio.

Master electrician on the job.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

This incredible mish mash of electrical wiring reminds me very much of Thailand. In Rocinha it is an illegal system, in Thailand however a mess like this is legal. Take a look at my Thai photo blog here.

Exploring Rocinha is an incredible experience.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

200,000 people live here in Rocinha, in fact 20% of Rio’s population live in Favelas. Personally I found seeing this close up was a very humbling experience.

Rocinha (little farm) is the largest Favela in Brazil

Rocinha favela Rio de Janeiro

Life in the Favela is very much like any other Brazilian community.

Life in the favela is fascinating.

Houskeeping

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

He sweeps while madame supervises.

A typical walkway

Rocinha favela Brazil's largestRather depressing don’t you think?

Kids will always find somewhere to play.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Happy children playing on the roof top.

Happy kids are everywhere.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Kid’s are happy no matter where they live.

Beautiful faces in the slums.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

No matter where in the world you travel one of the most wonderful sights are the children’s beautiful faces.

Life in a Favela

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest These children don’t know any different, they are just happy being kids. 🙂

At carnival time most of the favela population celebrate in the streets of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Rocinha favela bakery

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Tasty pastries in the local bakery.

Lucy is checking out the goodies.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

                       The bakery is no different to what you would find down-town
 

Rocinha favela Brazil’s largest

Rocinha favela Brazil's largestHard to have any privacy in this environment.

What’s the plan today Boys?

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Some serious business going down here.

25 killed in city’s deadliest police raid on favela

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

On May 7 2021 at least 25 people have been killed after heavily armed police stormed one of Rio de Janeiro’s largest favelas in pursuit of drug traffickers, in what was the deadliest raid in the city’s history.

About 200 members of Rio’s civil police launched their incursion into Jacarezinho in the early hours of Thursday, sprinting into the vast redbrick community as a bullet-proof helicopter circled overhead with snipers poised on each side. By lunchtime at least 25 people were reported dead, among them André Frias, a drug squad officer who was shot in the head. Police and local media described the other victims as “suspects” but offered no immediate evidence for that claim.

 
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The tour through Rocinha favela in Rio de Janeiro was one of the highlights of my trip.

Here is my post on Sugarloaf Mountain

 

Here is one of my favourite posts on Rio

 


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Rio di Janeiro Carnival

October 8, 2013 by David Herd

The greatest show on Earth.

Rio di Janeiro Carnival 

Rio di Janeiro Carnival

Rio di Janeiro Carnival worlds sexiest show,  it is really the greatest show on Earth. I was at the Sambadrome in 1999 and 2005, then I celebrated Carnival at a Bloco in Ipanema in 2008. I was way up in the bleachers in 1999 so in 2005 I paid about $500 to have a front row seat. Therefore I have been fortunate enough to have experienced Carnival from 3 different aspects.

Happy dragon at Sambadrome.

Carnival worlds sexiest show

The Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí is center stage of Rio Carnival, the host venue of the annual parade of Samba Schools. It is important to note that Rio Carnival, popularized around the world as the greatest party on the planet,is about much more than drinking and partying. At its heart, Carnival is an exhilarating combination of competition and camaraderie as organizations called Samba Schools battle for the title of Rio Carnival Samba Parade Champions. For Cariocas, the local residents of Rio de Janeiro, is a time to show the world the product of a year’s worth of hard work and dedication. All the magic of Rio Carnival — the beats, songs, dances, floats and costumes — are the product of well-orchestrated machines called Samba Schools.

Rio Carnival floats are spectacular.

Rio di Janeiro Carnival

A samba school (Portuguese: Escola de samba) is a club or dancing school. They practice and often perform in huge square-compounds (“quadras de samba”) devoted to practicing and exhibiting samba, an African-Brazilian dance. The schools are traditionally associated with a particular neighbourhood, often shanty towns (“favela”). Throughout the year the samba schools have various happenings and events, most important of which are rehearsals for the main event which is the yearly carnival.

Another beautiful float.

Rio di Janeiro Carnival

The parades during carnival are a showcase of each “escola” enhanced by the participation of celebrities, fans and guests who often pay large sums of money for their costumes.  Each school displays glamour in colorful costumes and floats with special effects and is organized into different segments or “alas”. The “alas” represent different components of the school’s theme, or “enredo”, as they act out a homage to a myth, historic event or figure, or express their view on a social, environmental or international issue. The “alas” display distinct costumes or “fantasias” and also reflect traditional samba school roles developed years ago.

Thus, each samba school parade has the “comissao de frente“; individuals who open the parade by walking in social attires, saluting the crowds; the “ala das Baianas”, or the traditional segment of Bahian African-Brazilian ladies with impressive round dresses spinning through the avenue; the “puxadores” (lead singers) singing the “samba-enredo” or theme-song while they play the “cavaquinho” or other string instruments; the “velha guarda,” or veterans who made history in the school; the “bateria”, or samba band with drums, “cuicas” and other instruments, preceded by the “madrinha da bateria”, or band godmother who is often a sexy female celebrity. The “porta-bandeira”, or the female flag holder, and the “meste-sala”, or male cortsy, display and salute the school’s flag, as they dance and strive to show harmony and samba expertise, as their performance is carefully observed and scored by the judges.

Rio di Janeiro Carnival , a wonderful paint job.

Rio di Janeiro Carnival

I would have loved to have been the lucky guy to get the job painting this gorgeous girl.


 

Giselle Bundchen was opposite from my spot.

Giselle Bundchen, the Brazilian super model was right opposite where I was sitting. She was a guest in the Brahma beer hospitality box.

Carnival worlds sexiest show

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Each school takes about 90 minutes to pass.

Rio di Janeiro Carnival

This fabulous parade simply takes your breath away.

Carnival worlds sexiest show

Rio di Janeiro Carnival

I’m guessing they take many months to build these wonderful floats.

Happy face at the end of the parade.

Rio di Janeiro Carnival

Another happy face at Carnival.

Meanwhile out of the street.

Carnival worlds sexiest show

Outside the Sambadrome the parties go all night, not everyone can afford a ticket to the parade so they boogie all night at the Blocos.

Day & night the party goes on.

Rio di Janeiro Carnival

Blue sky and beautiful ladies.

Rehearsal the day before.

Rio di Janeiro Carnival

Here I am taking a photo of the Sambadrome the day before the awesome parade.

Rio di Janeiro Carnival worlds sexiest show

Rio di Janeiro Carnival

Can you hear the drums Fernando?

I hope he is friendly.

Rio di Janeiro Carnival worlds sexiest show

I’m at a big warehouse where they store many of the Carnival characters and floats.

David Herd with the bird.

A great thrill to be so close to the Carnival props.

Please keep an eye out for me.

Carnival worlds sexiest show

Here’s looking at you kid. 🙂

My friend Mary Rocha.

Rio di Janeiro Carnival

This is my friend Mary, she has now married and living in Miami.

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Here is a webcam focused on Copacabana.

Thanks for visiting my Carnival worlds sexiest show photo blog.

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Ipanema Carnival street party.

October 7, 2013 by David Herd

Ipanema Carnival madness.

Ipanema Carnival street party

Ipanema Carnival street party

Ipanema Carnival street party was one of the best nights in my life with my friend Dave Wylie. There was a “bloco” going on in front of the restaurant.  A “bloco” is a block party during carnival.  There are hundreds of them just in Rio. They are organized by local Carnival groups and the best ones move up the food chain of blocks to become the big samba schools that put on the big Carnival parades each year that Rio is famous for. We had a window table at “Garota de Ipanema” with of course means “The Girl from Ipanema”, and this is the exact spot the song was written in 1962, with music by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Portuguese lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes. English lyrics were written later by Norman Gimbel.

Here is a great version of the classic song.

Garota de Ipanema.

Ipanema Carnival street party

During a recording session in New York with João Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Stan Getz, the idea of cutting an English-language version came up. João’s wife, Astrud Gilberto, was the only one of the Brazilians who could speak English well and was chosen to sing. Her voice, without trained singer mannerisms, proved a perfect fit for the song.

The song was inspired by Heloísa Eneida Menezes Paes Pinto (now Helô Pinheiro), a seventeen-year-old girl living on Montenegro Street in the fashionable Ipanema district in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Daily, she would stroll past the popular Veloso bar-café, not just to the beach (“each day when she walks to the sea”), but in the everyday course of her life. She would sometimes enter the bar to buy cigarettes for her mother and leave to the sound of wolf-whistles.

In the winter of 1962, the composers watched the girl pass by the bar, and it is easy to imagine why they noticed her—Helô was a 173-cm (five-foot eight-inch) brunette, and she attracted the attention of many of the bar patrons. Since the song became popular, she has become a celebrity.

The Girl From Ipanema - Frank Sinatra & Antônio Carlos Jobim | Concert Collection

He should have shaved his legs.

Ipanema Carnival street party

The is nothing wrong with the frock but surely he should have shaved his legs? There are so many characters and weird outfits to photograph, as you can see.


Smile, you are on candid camera.

Ipanema Carnival street party

So many funny sights at Ipanema.

Talking about characters.

Ipanema Carnival street party

This crazy guy was so funny, he was absolutely smashed and spoke to Dave Wylie who is fluent in Portuguese, he said “Voce sabe quem eu sou?” (do you know who I am?”) “Eu sou o deus de dor da cabesa”) (I am the God of Headaches”).

So many happy faces.

Ipanema Carnival street party

The joy and happiness Brazilians feel at Ipanema Carnival time is an experience not to be missed. Just check out the smiling faces, these people really know how to party. I saw two Carnivals at the famous Sambadrome, however I had the most fun at the street party at Ipanema.

Everyone is your friend at Carnival.

Ipanema Carnival street party

No one parties like a Brazilian, and when it is Carnival time they take it to an art form.

My friend Sudzi

Ipanema Carnival street party

Sudzi went to the Samadrome and had his camera stolen in the crowd, he cheered up when he joined us at Ipanema.

Princesses & pirates.

Ipanema Carnival street party

Huge smiles everywhere.

Another Brazilian Princess.

Ipanema Carnival street party

Talking about smiles, this one is a knock-out. 🙂

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Partying gives you an appetite.

Ipanema Carnival street party

One of the restaurants specialities is rare roast beef, absolutely delicious when washed down with a nice red wine.

David Herd & Dave Wylie in Ipanema.

Ipanema Carnival street party

Here I am with my good friend Dave Wylie at our window table at Garota de Ipanema. All night the action was all around us as you can see from the photos. As I said earlier Ipanema Carnival it was one of the best and most memorable nights of my life. Another equally memorable night was 4 weeks earlier, New Years Eve on Copacabana, simply awesome.

This is the best photo.

Ipanema Carnival street party

I took a number of shots of this great scene, but the photo of the night is this taken by Dave Wylie, it just captures the mood beautifully.

Pretty little outfit.

Ipanema Carnival street party

Anything goes at Carnival time.

Street kids in Ipanema

Ipanema Carnival street party

So many wonderful smiling faces in Rio, especially at Carnival time.

Christ the Redeemer

Ipanema Carnival street party

Any post on Rio should include this wonderful iconic statue.  Christ the Redeemer, Portuguese Cristo Redentor, 

Ipanema Carnival street party 

colossal statue of Jesus Christ at the summit of  Mount Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. It was completed in 1931 and stands 98 feet (30 metres) tall, its horizontally outstretched arms spanning 92 feet (28 meters). The statue, made of reinforced concrete clad in a mosaic of thousands of triangular soapstone tiles, sits on a square stone pedestal base about 26 feet (8 metres) high, which itself is situated on a deck atop the mountain’s summit. The statue is the largest Art Deco-style sculpture in the world. Listen to corcovado by Joao Gilberto.

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Well folks, many thanks for visiting my blog on the fabulous Ipanema Carnival street party photo blog, I hope you enjoyed the post as much as I enjoyed being there. Please send the link to your friends https://fivestarvagabond.com/

 

 

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