2005 to 2009 | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Rio di Janeiro Carnival

October 8, 2013 by David Herd

The greatest show on Earth.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Each school takes about 90 minutes to pass.

This fabulous parade simply takes your breath away.

Carnival worlds sexiest show

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

Happy face at the end of the parade.

Another happy face at Carnival.

Meanwhile out of the street.

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.

Blue sky and beautiful ladies.

Rehearsal the day before.

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

Rio di Janeiro Carnival worlds sexiest show

Can you hear the drums Fernando?

I hope he is friendly.

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.

Here’s looking at you kid. 🙂

My friend Mary Rocha.

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

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Here is a webcam focused on Copacabana.

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Sexy Brazilian blond dancing the Samba

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Ipanema Carnival street party.

October 7, 2013 by David Herd

Ipanema-Carnival-party-Garotta-Rio-Brazil,

Ipanema Carnival madness.

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.

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

Watch this video on YouTube

He should have shaved his legs.

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.

So many funny sights at Ipanema.

Talking about characters.

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.

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.

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

My friend Sudzi

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

Princesses & pirates.

Huge smiles everywhere.

Another Brazilian Princess.

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

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Partying gives you an appetite.

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.

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.

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.

Anything goes at Carnival time.

Street kids in Ipanema

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

Christ the Redeemer

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

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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Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

September 30, 2013 by David Herd

Buzios-Cabo-Freo-Brazil-brigitte-Bardot-beaches-

João Fernandinho Beach Buzios

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil, are resort towns located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2012, the Buzios population consisted of 23,463 inhabitants and its area of 69 km². Today, Búzios is a popular getaway from the city and a worldwide tourist site, especially among Brazilians and Argentinians. In the early 1900s Búzios was popular with the Carioca’s high society, who wanted to escape from the chaotic city life of Rio de Janeiro and enjoy over 23 beaches that the peninsula offers. But it wasn’t until 1964, when the famous French Actress Brigitte Bardot visited Búzios, that it grew to be a popular tourist destination. (From Wikipedia)

One of 23 beautiful beaches.

During the 16th century, the Tupinanbás Indians occupied the area, which is now known as Búzios. During the 17th century, the Europeans invaded what was then a small village and as a result, the Tupinanbás developed strict relationships with the French pirates and smugglers, who were interested in smuggling pau-brasil (famous Brazilian reddish wood) and selling African Slaves. Eventually the French were expelled by the Portuguese due to their bloody disputes with the Tupinambás, which resulted in a significant decrease in the Indian population in that region. (From Wikipedia)

Taxi

An interesting taxi in Buzios.

Peaceful setting

Half the beaches are quite and peaceful and half a good for surfing.

Buzios

Búzios is located at 105 miles NE from the city of Rio de Janeiro, about a 2 hour drive from that city. You come to a fork in the road, straight ahead for Cabo Frio and left for Buzios.

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Buzios was made famous by Brigitte Bardot.

Brigitte Bardot was a famous French Actress in the 1960s that decided to go to Rio with her Brazilian boyfriend, Bob Zagury. However due to the intense amount of paparazzi following them, Bob took his girlfriend to Búzios in order to enjoy the rest of their trip in a quieter and more exclusive site. At the time, the small town had no electricity and life there was quite bucolic yet it was the simplicity of the place, in conjunction with the peninsula’s natural beauty, that made Brigitte Bardot fall in love and declare her admiration for the small fishing village. Inevitably, Búzios became a global spotlight and although other famous stars like Mick Jagger and Madonna followed her path, none left such an impression as Bardot did.

One of the many restaurants in Buzios.

I must say I have never been a fan of Mexican food.

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Cabo Frio.

Cabo Frio is a popular beach destination which draws a lot of beach goers and surfers from around the state, as well as the neighboring landlocked state of Minas Gerais. It was founded in the 16th Century, after the Portuguese chased the French away from the area, and remained small for most of its history. In recent years, with the income from the growing tourism industry and the influx of retired folks from Rio de Janeiro, it has grown to a city of over 185,000, with a wide range of amenities for the traveller.

Cabo Frio restaurant.

A beautiful sunny day in Cabo Frio.

Cabo Frio cruise boats.

Cruise boats waiting for customers.

My friend Renilda.

Here is my friend Renilda, she lives at Cabo Frio with her son and lots of pet dogs. We met in 1999 on Copacabana beach and have had a lot of fun together. I have not seen her since I took this photo in 2006 but I hope we meet again one day.

Armacao dos Buzios.

These famous Buzios statues are to honour the fishermen.

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

There are beaches all around the peninsular.

Finally one last study of beautiful Brigitte Bardot.

Here is another nice blog on this wonderful Brazilian destination.

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Hua Hin popular resort

September 25, 2013 by David Herd

Nice town south of Bangkok

Hua Hin popular resort

Hua Hin popular resort combines the attractions of a modern holiday destination with the charm and fascination of a still active fishing port. While most other Thai holiday destinations cater mainly to foreign tourists, Hua Hin Thai resort is a holiday destination for foreigners and Thais.

Besides it’s great 5 mile long beach Hua Hin provides the highest density of world class golf courses anywhere in Thailand while it’s yet virtually undiscovered as an international Golf destination. Green-fees and other costs are currently among the lowest in the world while course maintenance and services are superb.

Fishing boats

Hilton Hua Hin Thai resort

In 1928, the late King Rama VII built Klai Kangwon Palace which remains until this today an official royal residence. It is still frequently used by members of the royal family and is open to the public for visits.

Hua Hin Thai resort continued to develop in its own leisurely way, with the added attraction of an 18-hole golf course, and as a fishing port. The Railway Hotel, today’s Sofitel Central Hua Hin, was built by the State Railways of Thailand in 1923 in the architectural style of old Siam.

Many of Bangkok’s rich and famous built their own beachfront summer homes to the north and south along the curving sandy bay, enjoying leisurely family weekends in a resort which has maintained its unique identity.

Packing up the tiny shrimps.

The guys here are preparing the tiny shrimps for the market.

David Herd shovelling shrimps.

Well known for my generosity, here I am pitching in and shoveling shrimps. 😆

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Hua Hin popular resort Master & apprentice.

Father & son prepare the nets.

The quintessential night market.

As in 100,000 other Thai villages here is your quintessential night market, the goods on sales rarely vary too much. However everything is cheap and the food is fresh and authentic Thai.

Fresh seafood at the market.

Fresh seafood is always a good choice.

My brother Warren with a monster shrimp.

Barbecue shrimp does not get much better than this in Thailand.

Hua Hin popular resort

My brother Warren & I waiting patiently for the seafood feast to arrive.

Once again we ordered too much. 😳

As usual we ordered way too much, I’m a big eater however Warren has the appetite of an ant so we could only get through about half of the food on the table.

Hilton Hotel Hua Hin Thai resort.

Hua Hin Thai resort is located 190 km south west of Bangkok on the gulf of Thailand, about a two hour 15 minute drive.

Hilton Hotel

A great location but above my pay grade.

Seafood restaurant on the beach

Where are all the people? It si now 2016 and many of these buildings have encroached on public land and may be removed.

Here comes the sheriff

On patrol. 🙂

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Medieval village San Gimignano

September 24, 2013 by David Herd

Beautiful San Gimignano

Medieval village San Gimignano

Medieval village San Gimignano Tuscany, I first went there in 2001 and again 5 years later in 2006. You may notice the difference in quality of my photos. Obviously by 2006 digital cameras had improved out of sight.

San Gimignano, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town also is known for the white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, produced from the ancient variety of Vernaccia grape which is grown on the sandstone hillsides of the area. This is really a wonderful Medieval village.

Drinking wine in San Gimignano.

Here are my two lovely Italian friends Francesca & Barbara a.k.a. Gypsy. We met 6 months ago in 1999 at Koh Samui in Thailand. I’m still in contact with Francesca who lives in Florence also however I’m sad to say Barbara married had a child and lost touch with me. 🙁

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Medieval village San Gimignano

In the Middle Ages and Renaissance era, it was a stopping point for Catholic pilgrims on their way to Rome and the Vatican, as it sits on the medieval Via Francigena. The city’s development was also improved by the trade of agricultural products from the fertile neighbouring hills, in particular saffron, used in both cooking and dyeing cloth and Vernaccia wine, said to inspire popes and poets.

Making music in San Gimignano

Making music in San Gimignano, there is a surprise around every corner.

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Towers in San Gimignano.

San Gimignano is famous for its Medieval village architecture, unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses, which, with its hilltop setting and encircling walls form “an unforgettable skyline”

Another photo of the square from a different angle.

In 1199, the city made itself independent from the bishops of Volterra and established a podestà, and set about enriching the commune, with churches and public buildings. However, the peace of the town was disturbed for the next two centuries by conflict between Guelphs and Ghibellines, and family rivalries. This resulted in families building tower houses of increasing height. Towards the end of the Medieval period they were 72 in number and up to 70 metres (230 feet) tall. The rivalry was finally restrained when it was ordained by the council that no tower was to be taller than that adjacent to the Palazzo Comunale.

Surrounding countryside

Beautiful Tuscan countryside.

Medieval village San Gimignano

Beautiful Italian countryside.

Blue sky in Tuscany.

This is my 3rd visit to this wonderful medieval village.

Magic village

Next time you visit Italy put this village on your bucket list.

Fabulous shops

Of Chianti comes from this area in Italy.

Medieval village San Gimignano

What an incredible display.

Lunch & people watching

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I really love this wonderful village.

You could easily spend a relaxing 3 or 4 days exploring this beautiful village.

Medieval village San Gimignano Tuscany

Has not changed in centuries.

Amazing shot

Found this on the internet, not sure who to credit.

Rather extroadinary when viewd from the air

Another great shot I found on the net.

2000 was a very good year.

I have know quite a few women in my life, none more beautiful and exciting than Barbara.

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Fortaleza Canoa Quebrada Brazil

September 17, 2013 by David Herd

Canoa Quebrada

Fortaleza Canoa Quebrada Brazil

Fortaleza Canoa Quebrada Brazil, we were in a beach buggy to ride along the beautiful long beaches and wander through the amazing coloured sands. Canoa Quebrada is 164 kilometers from Fortaleza.

Canoa Quebrada

The terrain really looks like red rock however it is in fact sand.

Beach buggy and a long deserted stretch of sand.

Getting ready for a trip along the beautiful beach.

Speeding along the sand

This was a terrific experience.

Fortaleza Canoa Quebrada Brazil

Canoa Quebrada (meaning broken canoe in Portuguese), known as the pearl of the east coast of Ceará, Brazil, is an international tourist beach resort 164 km from Fortaleza, in the municipality of Aracati. This small fishing village, among dunes and cliffs, has good views and is becoming popular with tourists.

Magnificent sand dunes

One of my favourite photos from this mini tour of the coast.

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Fascinating foamy water.

Coming from Australia I grew up around some of the best beaches in the world, I have always been interested in the sand & the surf. So you can probably understand why I was keen to photograph the foamy Canoa Quebrada surf. 😎

If you are more interested in bikinis than foam this link is for you.

Canoa Quebrada Church.

This city is certainly worth having on your bucket list.

Fortaleza high rise.

Fortaleza (Portuguese pronunciation: [foʁtaˈlezɐ], Fortress) is the state capital of Ceará, located in Northeastern Brazil. With a population close to 2.3 million (metropolitan region over 3.4 million), Fortaleza is the 5th largest city in Brazil. Fortaleza is one of the three leading cities in the Northeast region together with Recife and Salvador. The city will be one of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, for which Brazil is the host nation.

Fortaleza Canoa Quebrada Brazil

Fortaleza is a good place for single guys, in 2010, the city had 433,942 opposite-sex couples and 1,559 same-sex couples. The population of Fortaleza was 53.2% female and 46.8% male.

Fortaleza main street.

I enjoyed visiting Fortaleza however it is not a city I will rush back to.

Lovely Brazilian family in Teresina.

One the way to Fortaleza I stopped for a few days in Teresina, the hottest city in Brazil, to visit a friend I met online, Sueli Oliveira Mesquita and her lovely family.

Sueli Oliveira Mesquita

Enen now in 2016 we still stay in touch on Facebook.

Sueli’s lovely sister Silmarinha

Both sisters were very sweet ladies.

David Herd in Teresina Brazil.

Teresina is the capital and most populous municipality in the Brazilian state of Piauí. Being located in North-central Piauí 366 km from the coast, it is the only capital in the Brazilian Northeast that is not located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. With 814,439 inhabitants, Teresina is the 19th largest city in Brazil, and the 15th largest state capital in the country. Teresina is the hottest city in the country and the third city with the major incidence of lightning in the world.

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That’s all for Fortaleza Canoa Quebrada Brazil

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Samba dancers in Paraty

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Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil

September 17, 2013 by David Herd

Fresh fish in Belem.

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil 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 Portugal, Belém 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.

Discussing the day’s catch.

Waiting for customers to buy their fresh fish.

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Ancient fishing boats.

All the fishing boats at the docks make it a fascinating area to wander around and soak up the atmosphere, you get the feeling nothing has changed here for centuries.

Old man of the sea.

Can you imagine how many years this old man has been standing here on the wharf casting his net into the river?

The banks of the mighty Amazon.

Naturally I took an interesting river tour along the mighty river to add to my river bucket list which includes the Nile, The Mississippi, the Mekong and the Murray. Most of the city seemed old and ancient with many old rusting boats of all shapes and sizes lining the waterfront. However according to Wikipedia Belem has it witnessed a skyscraper boom, which is a shame. Here is a video clip of two Brazilian dancers on the cruise.

Belem waterfront

One of the passenger boats that will take you as far as Manaus.

Downtown Belem.

In the heart of this fascinating city.

Belem Street market.

As you can see the market was not very organised. 🙂

Friendly little Brazilian guy in Belem.

This little guy was staying at my hotel with his parents, he liked to come and visit me.

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Does my bum look big in this?

The question women all over the world ask their husbands, well in this case the answer is a resounding YES. 🙂

Great faces in Belem

Thanks for visiting my Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil photo blog.

The slideshow has lots of photos from Belem, Canoa Quebrada, Fortaleza & Teresina.

Beautiful sexy dancer in Belem on an Amazon river boat.

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Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

August 29, 2013 by David Herd

Paraty-Brazil-Rio-colonial-cobblestones-boats-islands-

Paraty is only 3 hours from Rio.

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil is a small town backed by mountains on Brazil’s Costa Verde, between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Without any doubt this wonderful village is one of my favorite locations in Brazil.

Once a year, when the great Rio De Janeiro carnival takes place, the coastal town Paraty which is located 250 km south west to Rio, holds a unique carnival called the Mud Carnival.

The carnival preserves the ancient local tradition when the Indians smeared their bodies with black mud for medical reasons, and held ritual ceremonies in order to bring cure to the ill. It differs to Rio carnival where the participants wear beautiful coloured costumes, in Paraty the carnival is based on the simplicity between men and nature.

Relax on the beach

Brazilians love the beach and in Paraty they relax by the sea.

Great view in Paraty

So many wonderful sights in Brazil.

Peaceful paradise Paraty short drive to Rio

A peaceful setting opposite our hotel.

Off to the beach we go.

A happy family heads for the beach.

Paraty was founded in 1667

Distinctive Portuguese architecture & Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil.

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

Paraty is one of my favourite places in Brazil.

Earning a buck in Paraty

Paraty is located on the Costa Verde (Green Coast), a lush, green corridor that runs along the coastline of the state of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, it has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, renowned for the historic town and the coast and mountains in the region.

Where are all the customers?

It must be siesta time.

Lots of boat trips in Paraty

OK, let the party begin.

Beautiful sailing boat

What a classical shape this beautiful craft is.

Boats at the jetty

All the boats line up along the wharf waiting for customers.

Waiting for customers

Pick me, pick me he cries.

How do you reach the top shelf?

There must be a ladder here somewhere.

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

Red wine, graffiti and guitars.

Beautiful Brazilian girl.

Check out this wonderful Brazilian girl doing the Samba in Paraty.

You sexy thing.

How sweet she is. 🙂

My favourite photo

It’s Probably not hard to guess why this is my favourite photo, a rose between two thorns, I don’t think so. 🙂 Paraty grew in the 18th century as a strategically important port for exporting the gold mined in Minas Gerais. When shipments in nearby Rio began to attract the attention and ambition of pirates and privateers from rival European powers, the Portuguese began using Paraty as their safe port for getting their gold to Lisbon.

Beautiful old colonial buildings.

This church is one of the most photographed buildings in Pataty, it features among the towns architectural landmarks, the waterfront Capela de Santa Rita, a whitewashed church

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Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

Every time there is a high tide the water flows in and all the Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil turn into rivers. 😀

Dinner & vino in Paraty

Sudzi & I enjoying dinner in Paraty, I can’t wait to visit this wonderful Brazilian gem once again.

One of Sudzi’s photos

Sudzi is actually a professional photographer back in Australia.

Let the games begin.

I decided to be colour coordinated with the wall.

The good ship Lolipop 🙂

Ok time to explore the surrounding islands.

Waiting for the bus to Rio

Although the Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil is only a short drive to Rio there are so many people I know who have never made the trip, they have certainly missed out on a wonderful experience. As I said earlier Paraty is only 3 hours from Rio so do yourself a huge favour and put it on your itinerary.

Magnificent Brazilian girls dancing Samba in Parity.

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Holiday Inn

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

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Florianopolis Brazilian Island

August 28, 2013 by David Herd

Welcome to Paradise

Florianopolis Brazilian Island.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island, the photo above is Joaquina beach which is famous throughout the world for surfing. Florianopolis is a wonderful Brazilian city, on January 11, 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.

Barra da Lagoa Florianopolis.

This was a great place to stay, close to lots of good beaches.

Barra da Lagoa beach.

Barra da Lagoais a fishing village, surrounded by nature and a small town with services like restaurants, pharmacies, supermarkets, public transportation. Barra da Lagoa Beach has good waves, clear water and a tropical rain-forest, this makes Barra da Lagoa the kind of place you can easily loose track of time!

Barra da Lagoa

You can spend the afternoon fishing with the locals or explore trails that lead to natural pools and stunning sightseeing spots, simply relax and enjoy the sunset from Prainha, an almost private beach just two minutes away.

Barra da Lagoa

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Having fun with the friendly locals.

My friend Antonio in the blue cap is an extraordinary guy who I met in Florianopolis, in 1999 he rode a bicycle around the world representing UNICEF. His unbelievable journey resulted in meeting Pope Paul at the Vatican and Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan.

Jägermeister shots

When in Brazil do as the locals do. 🙂

No dog so he walks his bird.

Reminds me of the song “Come Fly With Me”.

Florianopolis wonderful Brazilian Island

These buildings remind me very much of Lisbon.

Let the games begin

Everywhere in Brazil the beach is everyone’s favorite place.

David Herd living like a king in Paradise.

Recently, Florianopolis has become one of the most popular destinations in Brazil for people who are looking for superb beaches, beautiful scenery, interesting culture and friendly people. It has also experienced a real estate boom, with Brazilians looking for a better quality of life away from the chaos of the big cities, especially from the states of São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul.

Beautiful beaches everywhere in Flori.

The city proper currently has an estimated population of 420,000 people. The Greater Florianopolis Metro area is home to about 1 million people. Florianopolis is a wonderful Brazilian city which should go on the bucket list for anyone intending to visit this wonderful country.

Joaquina beach

A little slice of paradise.

Does my bum look big in this?

My apologies folks but this is a question women have been asking their husbands for years. 😆

Our apartment in Barra da Lagoa.

Only a short 10 minute stroll to the beach.

You don’t mess with these guys.

From what I have heard they are as mean as they look.

I would like to inspect the end of that tattoo.

This lovely lady worked on the beach at Barra da Lagoa.

Tall & tanned & young & lovely

Now that’s a girl worth following. 🙂

Joaquina beach

Absolutely stunning.

Farewell from Flori.

What a fabulous part of the world.

Thanks for visiting my Florianopolis Brazilian Island photo blog.

That’s all folks

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I remember hearing this great Brazilian band for the first time 1n 1999 walking down the main street of Foz where the borders of three countries meet, Brazil, Paraguay & Argentina.

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Drove St Moritz Salzburg

August 26, 2013 by David Herd

Beautiful scenery

Drove St Moritz Salzburg

Drove St Moritz Salzburg rates up there with my favourite European memories. Breathtaking scenery, snow capped mountains and wonderful food in Salzburg.

Drove St Moritz Salzburg

I was staying in the Italian Alps and used it as a base to visit the neighbouring countries, a great starting point for my Road trip St Moritz Salzburg.

Somewhere in southern Germany. 😳

Such a breathtaking view, what a wonderful part of the world.

Somewhere between St Moritz & Salzburg

How lucky I was to have these beautiful blue skies.

Drove St Moritz Salzburg breathtaking scenery

The most direct route from St Moritz to Salzburg goes through Innsbruck, however I really wanted to see the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle, so I headed a little more north toward Munich where I was able to see this wonderful whimsical palace, perched on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria. The 19th century palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as an homage to Richard Wagner the famous German composer. The palace was intended as a personal refuge for the reclusive king, but it was opened to the paying public immediately after his death in 1886. Since then over 60 million people have visited Neuschwanstein Castle. More than 1.3 million people visit annually, with up to 6,000 per day in the summer. The palace has appeared prominently in several movies and was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

Press the play button to listen to the song that will instantly remind you of when Disneyland was on TV

When You Wish Upon A Star - Linda Ronstadt,1986 on tv

Watch this video on YouTube

Watch this video on YouTube

St Moritz

Playground of the rich and famous, what was I doing here you may well ask. 🙂

St Moritz

A perfect summer day in St Moritz, check out some great hotel deals HERE.

St Moritz

The streets were very quiet.

St Moritz in summer.

The whole city has an expensive feel about it.

St Moritz

Those mountains would be an amazing sight in the winter.

Fast asleep in St Moritz

Get a suntan on a beautiful summers day in St Moritz.

St Moritz

A family picnic by Lake St Moritz.

Picnic at Saint Moritz

Every January or early February, Polo matches are held on the lake.

Beautiful St Moritz

If you book a hotel using THIS LINK you will receive an excellent discounted rate.

from St Moritz to Salzburg.

After a pleasant couple of hours in St Moritz I’m back on the road again heading for Germany.

On the way to Salzburg.

A little road work slows down my progress.

Breathtaking

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Driving from St Moritz to Salzburg via Germany.

Looks like it could be a little difficult to haul the groceries home.

Another church 🙂

The country side is so green and lush.

Hohensalzburg Castle

This fortress is over 900 years old and was originally built to guarantee the safety of the archbishops, while also serving as barracks and a prison.

Great food in Salzburg.

I’m guessing there may be 2000 calories in this desert.

Seafood in Salzburg.

We are a long way from the ocean but the seafood looks fantastic.

Too much seafood is never enough

What a fabulous display.

High fashion in Salzburg

I’m rushing straight to the shops to buy a pair.

Salzburg wedding

The bride looks very happy indeed.

Busy Salzburg Street

It’s always a pleasure to wander around parts of the city where there are no vehicles.

Nice square in Salzburg

Everybody is enjoying this perfect summer day.

Salzburg

Salzburg has has three universities and a large population of students.

It’s nice to walk around clean city streets with no traffic.

Salzburg is on the banks of the Salzach River, at the northern boundary of the Alps.….. The city acts as a hub for south-bound trains through the Alps into Italy.

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Hotel Bristol Salzburg

I stayed at this very nice hotel a few kms out of the city. Nice room and very good food in the restaurant. Agoda rate the hotel Bristol at 9.2, this is very high indeed.

Dinner at my hotel

A schnitzel is compulsory in Austria. 🙂

Hotel Bristol

My hotel was quite upmarket and in a great location, use THIS LINK for a very good discount.

Transportation in Salzburg.

The Segway is very popular in Salzburg.

Sensational Salzburg

I really enjoyed my couple of days in this beautiful city.

Salzburg is the home of Mozart.

Born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a musician capable of playing multiple instruments who started playing in public at the age of 6. Over the years, Mozart aligned himself with a variety of European venues and patrons, composing hundreds of works that included sonatas, symphonies, masses, concertos and operas, marked by vivid emotion and sophisticated textures. Mozart showed prodigious ability from his earliest childhood. Already competent on keyboard and violin, he composed from the age of five and performed before European royalty. At 17, he was engaged as a court musician in Salzburg.

Drove St Moritz Salzburg

Thanks for visiting my Road trip St Moritz Salzburg photo blog. This was certainly my best ever European trip which started in Lake Como then on to the French Riviera, a few days in the Cinque Terre before heading for Milan, Verona and Lake Garda.

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