Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Welcome to 700 travel blogs, to access a full index on your mobile please scroll to the bottom & choose from 700 locations. Email is [email protected]

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.

I hope my Brazil Travel Guide helps you plan your trip. To receive my latest posts please follow me on Twitter 

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

                                Please check out these fabulous posts
 
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

Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4          60e7d26d-1039-4dde-863d-62b66656ccbf          1bea4a99-cb07-4161-83ba-75c0ef2b63cc
Bangkok Bars                         TokyoCape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)
 

 

 
Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

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

Please click on Google + to help my page ranking. 

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.

     

greb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

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

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

32780a6c-baf6-428a-bd71-68b1bed30b4c         Changdeokgung Palace (2)        IMG_7042

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)       Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy 

                                     

             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
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

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.

 
                    Here are some more posts to check out       

greb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

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

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

32780a6c-baf6-428a-bd71-68b1bed30b4c         Changdeokgung Palace (2)        IMG_7042

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)       Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy 

                                     

             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
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
Pattaya live webcam
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

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

 


Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

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.

Please click on Google + to help my ranking. 


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.

                           Please check out these fabulous posts 

    Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

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

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

32780a6c-baf6-428a-bd71-68b1bed30b4c         Changdeokgung Palace (2)        IMG_7042

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)       Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy 

                                     

             Chiang Mai                      Pattaya                      Chao Phraya river

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

 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

  • Lyme R
  • egis Jurassic coast

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

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.

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

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.

 

 


                       Please check out these fabulous posts 

   greb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

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

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

32780a6c-baf6-428a-bd71-68b1bed30b4c         Changdeokgung Palace (2)        IMG_7042

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)       Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy                                     

             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
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

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 

Please click on Google + to help my ranking.   

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.


 
                          Please check out these fabulous posts

 Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets EuropeHungarian Parliament Building (2)The Walkie Talkie (5)   

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

                     43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837IMG_7425Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                    

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South VietnamMain Square (3)Vung Tau statue (6)

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
 
Pattaya live webcam
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

bbc35e6d-80db-4e1c-8f51-83dd84f16520

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.

 

 

Check out these great posts


Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 6 photos

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

Please click on Google + to help my page ranking.

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.

                   Here are some more posts to check out 

           Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

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

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

32780a6c-baf6-428a-bd71-68b1bed30b4c         Changdeokgung Palace (2)        IMG_7042

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)       Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy 

                                     

             Chiang Mai                      Pattaya                      Chao Phraya river

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

 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

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