Tag Archives: Statue

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

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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 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 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.

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

Belem

Great colours on this old building.

Number 11 is Canoa Quebrada

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

Canoa Quebrada

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

Fabulous sandhills in Canoa Quebrada

Put this on your bucket list. 🙂

Number 10 is Balneário Camboriú

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

What time can I start having fun?

Number 9 is Recife & Olinda

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.

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

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Number 8 is Porto de Galinhas

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

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.

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

Opened in December 8 of 1873.

Salvador Fort de Santa Maria

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

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

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.

Number 5 is Florianopolis

Joaquina beach.

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

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.

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

Number 4, Iguazu falls, magnificent.

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

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

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Number 3 is Paraty

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”.

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?

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

Number 2 is Praia De Pipa

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

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

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

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.

Standing room only in Copacabana, what a view.

Copacabana, say no more….

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.

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

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Curitiba nice Brazilian city

December 29, 2013 by David Herd

Curitiba-Sao-Paulo-Paraná-Brazil-Sao Paulo

Metropolitan Cathedral

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

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

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

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

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Sudzi

My friend Craig aka Sudzi from Australia.

Colourful local characters

Lots of photo opportunities on every street corner.

Three clowns in Curitiba

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Curitiba wine cellar

I found Brazilian wine to be excellent.

Curitiba restaurant

I think this is quite a popular tourist bus stop.

Modern bus stop.

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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Natal to Recife via Pipa

Carnival street party

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Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf

December 15, 2013 by David Herd

The city of San Francisco

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf are synonymous with San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate strait, the mile-wide, three-mile-long channel between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The structure links the U.S. city of San Francisco, on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, to Marin County. It is one of the most internationally recognised symbols of San Francisco, California, and the United States. It has been declared one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Trans America Pyramid

The Transamerica Pyramid is the tallest skyscraper in the San Francisco skyline. The building no longer houses the headquarters of the Transamerica Corporation, who moved their U.S. headquarters to Baltimore, MD, but it is still associated with the company and is depicted in the company’s logo. Designed by architect William Pereira and built by Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company, at 260 m (850 ft), on completion in 1972 it was the eighth tallest building in the world.

San Francisco Ferry Building.

The San Francisco Ferry Building is a terminal for ferries that travel across the San Francisco Bay, a marketplace, and also has offices, located on The Embarcadero in San Francisco.

Spear Street

It was 2005 when I visited SFC on my way to Rio de Janeiro for Carnival.

St Francis of Assisi church

Situated in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Italian neighbourhood, the Norman Gothic Church of Saint Francis of Assisi was dedicated as a parish church on 17 March 1860. The twin towers and walls survived the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, but the interior was gutted. The parish built a new church within the surviving walls and rededicated it on 2 March 1919.

Aquarium of the Bay.

Aquarium of the Bay is a public aquarium located at Embarcadero and Beach Street, at the edge of Pier 39 in San Francisco, California. The Aquarium is focused on local aquatic animals from the San Francisco Bay and neighbouring waters.

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Alcatraz.

Alcatraz Island is located in the San Francisco Bay, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) offshore from San Francisco, California, United States. Often referred to as “The Rock”, the small island was developed with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison (1868), and a federal prison from 1933 until 1963. Beginning in November 1969, the island was occupied for more than 19 months by a group of Aboriginal peoples from San Francisco who were part of a wave of Native activism across the nation with public protests through the 1970s. In 1972, Alcatraz became a national recreation area and received designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf Pier 39 Sea Lions

A few California sea lions began “hauling out” on PIER 39′s K-Dock shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake hit San Francisco in October 1989. By January 1990, the boisterous barking pinnipeds started to arrive in droves and completely took over K-Dock, much to the exasperation of PIER 39′s Marina tenants. The Marina Staff turned to The Marine Mammal Center, an organization devoted to the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals, for advice about their new slippery tenants. After much debate and research, the experts from The Marine Mammal Center recommended that the sea lions stay in their new found home.

With a plentiful supply of food from the Bay and an environment protected from predators, the PIER 39 Marina proved to be an ideal living situation for the sea lions. Within a few short months, the number of sea lions grew to more than 300 and hit an all-time record of 1,701 in November 2009.

While the number of sea lions at K-Dock rise and fall with the seasons, available food supply and natural migration patterns, the world famous sea lions always have a home at PIER 39.

Ferry Plaza Seafood

Ferry Plaza Seafood is one of the original tenants from the initial revitalization project of the San Francisco Ferry Building. People ask us all the time if we are a family owned restaurant, the answer is that we are not a family owned restaurant, but we all feel like family. Our story is pretty simple, our owner was a frequent guest of Swan’s Oyster Depot.

She was inspired by their menu and wanted to open a restaurant that served the kind of fresh seafood she always wanted to eat with a spectacular view. She found it really difficult to find affordable seafood that wasn’t blackened, fried, covered in bread crumbs or sauced up in some mysterious way. You will often see her at the restaurant and she is likely to sit down and have a cup of tea or a glass of wine with you. Probably she will ask you if you “watched the game on Sunday? Or if you liked your fish?”

He is doing a shucking good job.

The mussels were OK but I do prefer oysters.

Mussels, fresh bread & a cold beer.

Golden Gate Fisherman’s Wharf and fresh seafood, what more could you want?

David Herd at Fisherman’s wharf

Thanks for visiting my San Francisco post & apologies for the silly little beard. The one I have now is much better. 😳

Flashback to 1982

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because my air conditioned car was just a few meters away. 🙂

I remember driving from Las Vegas to San Francisco in 1982 through Death Valley then down the coast to L.A.

It was sad to see the number of homeless begging on street corners, in fact on many corners in the city there were four each taking up one corner of the intersection. This song could be about any of them. Take it away Otis.

Golden Gate Fishermans wharf

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South Beach Miami

November 22, 2013 by David Herd

Art Deco South Beach

South Beach Miami was the attraction for me, and the Clay Hotel 1438 Washington Ave, Miami Beach was the perfect location. Far less expensive being 3 or 4 blocks back from the beach.

Hotel Shelley South Beach

One of the many iconic hotels on South Beach Miami.

South Beach Miami

South Beach Miami is one of my favourite people watching locations in the world. The cars, the gorgeous women, the bikinis on the beach, its got it all, throw in lots of great bars & restaurants and what else do you need?

How many movies has this deli been in?

The Architectural District (also known as Old Miami Beach Historic District, and the more popular term, Miami Art Deco District) is a U.S. historic district (designated as such on May 14, 1979) located in the South Beach neighbourhood of Miami Beach, Florida. The district is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Sixth Street to the south, Alton Road to the west, the Collins Canal and Dade Boulevard to the north. It contains 960 historic buildings. In 1989, it was listed in A Guide to Florida’s Historic Architecture, published by the University of Florida Press.

The famous life guard towers

The fabulous art deco towers are unique examples of this form of architecture, they along the eight and a half mile stretch of Beach. All told there are twenty five towers guarding those who use the beach. At once functional and decorative, they contribute beautifully to the overall aesthetic of this Floridian resort city. A great example of Art Deco South Beach Miami.

Quintessential South Beach Miami

Such well known landmarks that is quintessential South Beach Miami.

The local sheriff

He is exercising his 2nd amendment rights. 🙂

Beautiful white sand on South beach.

Certainly one of the world’s best beach scenes.

Lots of bars & cafes opposite the beach.

Lots of cafes and restaurants along the strip.

Finnegans Way.

Finnegans Way 1344 Ocean Dr, was a good lay back Irish bar, as it was on the way to my hotel I could never walk past without calling in for a drink.

Drinking JD on South Beach Miami

Drinks with the manager of Finnegans Way on South Beach.

South Beach Miami, river cruise.

A good way to see the sights including some beautiful homes is to jump on a boat and cruise around the harbour.

Open the bridge, we are coming through.

A boat cruise is a great way to see the city and surrounds.

Huge condo block.

Luxury hotels and condos are everywhere in Miami.

South Beach Miami, condos on the beach.

Living on South Beach Miami can’t be all that bad. 🙂

Nice little runabout.

Beautiful classic timber runabout.

Nice big runabout.

No matter how big your boat is there is always somebody with a bigger one.

Very nice little shack.

Obviously there is lots of money in Miami.

Nice big shack

It seems like a small boat for such a huge home. 🙂

The Versace home

Gianni Versace was shot dead here on the steps of his home in 1997.

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Pattaya Hilton

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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 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 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.

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

Garbage waiting for collection.

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. 😳

Rochinha favela is the largest in Rio.

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Master electrician on the job.

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.

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

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

Life in the favela is fascinating.

Houskeeping

He sweeps while madame supervises.

A typical walkway

Rather depressing don’t you think?

Kids will always find somewhere to play.

Happy children playing on the roof top.

Happy kids are everywhere.

Kid’s are happy no matter where they live.

Beautiful faces in the slums.

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

Life in a Favela

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

Tasty pastries in the local bakery.

Lucy is checking out the goodies.

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

Rocinha favela Brazil’s largest

Hard to have any privacy in this environment.

What’s the plan today Boys?

Some serious business going down here.

25 killed in city’s deadliest police raid on favela

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.

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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.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

Watch this video on YouTube

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Holiday Inn

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

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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.

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

Pattaya Beach live webcam

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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.

Watch this video on YouTube