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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.      

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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

 

  • Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

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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.

Please click on Google + to help my page ranking. 

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

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

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Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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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.
 

Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.

     

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Zagreb Croatia bars restaurants        a7ff7566-9628-434d-a2b1-8c6e8b9a9021       IMG_0100

       

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             Chiang Mai                      Pattaya                      Chao Phraya river

Chiang Mai with Tone        9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)   191de3bb-38fc-45cd-bce7-ef24081c554b

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

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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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That’s all folks

1g Duck

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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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.

Thanks for visiting my Ipanema Carnival photo blog. For lots more Ipanema photos please follow THIS LINK.

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

João Fernandinho Beach Buzios

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

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.

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

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

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

An interesting taxi in Buzios.

Peaceful setting

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

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

Buzios

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

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.

Buzios was made famous by Brigitte Bardot.

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

 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.

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

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

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Cabo Frio.

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

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.

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

A beautiful sunny day in Cabo Frio.

Cabo Frio cruise boats.

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

Cruise boats waiting for customers.

My friend Renilda.

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

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.

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

These famous Buzios statues are to honour the fishermen.

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

There are beaches all around the peninsular.

Finally one last study of  beautiful Brigitte Bardot.

Beautiful beaches Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil

Here is another nice blog on this wonderful Brazilian destination.

Thanks for visiting my Beautiful beaches Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil photo blog.

 

Many thanks for visiting my  Buzios Cabo Frio Brazil photo blog.

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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

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.

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil

Waiting for customers to buy their fresh fish.

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Ancient fishing boats.

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil

 

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.

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil

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.

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil 

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

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil

 

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

Downtown Belem.

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil

In the heart of this fascinating city.

Belem Street market.

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil

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

Friendly little Brazilian guy in Belem.

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil

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

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

Does my bum look big in this?

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil

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

Great faces in Belem

Belem Amazon Gateway Brazil

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.

 Click on the photo below for another Brazilian post.

 

 


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Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

August 29, 2013 by David Herd

Paraty is only 3 hours from Rio.

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

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

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

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

Great view in Paraty

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

So many wonderful sights in Brazil.

Peaceful paradise Paraty short drive to Rio

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

A peaceful setting opposite our hotel.

Off to the beach we go.

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

A happy family heads for the beach.

Paraty was founded in 1667

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Distinctive Portuguese architecture & Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil.

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

  Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Paraty is one of my favourite places in Brazil.

Earning a buck in Paraty

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

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?

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

It must be siesta time.

Lots of boat trips in Paraty

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

OK, let the party begin.

Beautiful sailing boat

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

What a classical shape this beautiful craft is.

Boats at the jetty

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

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

Waiting for customers

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Pick me, pick me he cries.

How do you reach the top shelf?

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

There must be a ladder here somewhere.

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Red wine, graffiti and guitars.

Beautiful Brazilian girl.

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

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

  You sexy thing.

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

  How sweet she is. 🙂 

My favourite photo

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

  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.

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

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

Cobblestone Streets of 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

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

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

One of Sudzi’s photos

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

 Sudzi is actually a professional photographer back in Australia.

Let the games begin.

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

I decided to be colour coordinated with the wall.


 

The good ship Lolipop 🙂

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Ok time to explore the surrounding islands.

Waiting for the bus to Rio

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

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

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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

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.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

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

Barra da Lagoa beach.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

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

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

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

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

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Having fun with the friendly locals.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

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

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

When in Brazil do as the locals do. 🙂

No dog so he walks his bird.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

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

Florianopolis wonderful Brazilian Island

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

These buildings remind me very much of Lisbon.

Let the games begin

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

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

David Herd living like a king in Paradise.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

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.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

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

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

A little slice of paradise.

Does my bum look big in this?

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

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

Our apartment in Barra da Lagoa.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

Only a short 10 minute stroll to the beach.

You don’t mess with these guys.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

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

I would like to inspect the end of that tattoo.

 

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

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

Tall & tanned & young & lovely

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

Now that’s a girl worth following. 🙂

Joaquina beach

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

Absolutely stunning.

Farewell from Flori.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

What a fabulous part of the world. 

Thanks for visiting my Florianopolis Brazilian Island photo blog.

That’s all folks

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

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                 

More photo blogs here;

   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.

Click on the photo below for another post on Brazil.

 

 
Counter only started June 16 2020.

 

This gallery contains 5 photos

Brazil Beautiful Exciting Exotic

July 5, 2013 by David Herd

 

Brazil Beautiful Exciting

Brazil Beautiful Exciting

Brazil Beautiful Exciting destination with far too many places of interest to describe in a few paragraphs. Everyone’s favorite including myself is Rio Di Janeiro, one of the most colorful cities on on the planet, however there are many other lessor known cities & towns worth visiting. Paraty is a favorite of mine, the town is located on the Bay of Ilha Grande, 3 hours drive from Rio, which is dotted with many tropical islands. Paraty is known for the  cobblestone paved streets throughout the Historic Center District. No cars or trucks are allowed in this part of town. Check out the video of two very sexy ladies doing the Samba, please click here

Three hours in the opposite direction from Rio is Búzios,  a popular getaway from the city and a worldwide tourist site, especially among wealthy Brazilians and Argentinians. The peninsula is surrounded by 17 beautiful beaches and there are many fabulous restaurants and bars to choose from. It was in 1964, when Brigitte Bardot visited the small town, that Búzios actually became well known.

Paraty

Brazil Beautiful Exciting

Clad in swimwear and rags, slathered in mud, adorned with branches and bones and crying “ooga ooga ha ha”, over 3,000 people parade in Paraty every Carnival Saturday afternoon. Bloco da Lama started a few days before Carnival in 1986 when two friends were catching crabs in the mud mangroves of Jabaquara Beach, about one mile from central Paraty, and completely covered themselves with mud to stave off the area’s voracious mosquitoes and dark giant horseflies.

Apart from well known destinations like Salvador & the Iguazu Falls there are 3 places at opposite ends of the country I would like to recommend,  in the south Florianopolis which boasts of 42 beaches, in 2009 Newsweek  placed Florianópolis in the “Ten most dynamic cities of the world”. An hour north is Balneário Camboriú, with its steep hills dropping down to the sea, is very popular among South Americans but not well known to people from other countries.  The beach is twice as long as Copacabana in Rio and far safer for tourists.

Copacabana.

Brazil Beautiful Exciting

Way up in the north east corner of Brazil is Praia do Pipa, one of the most famous beaches in Brazil, 84 kilometres from the city of Natal. With its crystal-clear waters, fine, white sand it is popular with surfers and backpackers. Rio Di Janeiro however should always be your first choice, the beaches, the people, the food, the music, Carnival, New Years Eve, I could go on forever. At the end of the post  is a video of the amazing NYE crowd all dressed in white along with the nine cruise ships that were moored in the bay.  There is no gathering of people in the world to compare with Carnival in Rio Di Janeiro, do it once before you die. I have been twice to Sambadrome, once way up in the bleachers, and once right at the front, both were great but the front is the best. Sitting opposite me was the beautiful Gisele Bündchen.

I was also at Garota  de Ipanema restaurant for one Carnival with my friend Dave Wylie, there was a huge street party all around us and we had a fantastic night.

Carnival

Brazil Beautiful Exciting

It really is the greatest show on Earth.

Future Super models.

Brazil Beautiful Exciting

This photo in my mind captures the essence of Rio, when these gorgeous kids saw me lift my camera they struck this pose instantly without being asked to do so. Future super models for sure.
 
Thanks for visiting my Brazil Beautiful Exciting photo blog.
 
 
 

New Years Eve in Copacabana, unbelievable! Click here to see all the action.  

One of the best ways to travel around this huge country is to buy an airpass. For more information just click here.

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That’s all folks

1g Duck

This gallery contains 2 photos