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Brazil - The Colonial

Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais
Ouro Preto is an old gold mining town in the highlands north
of Rio. In the 18th Century it was the biggest city in the New
World. The city is on a series of hills, with great old churches
crowning each one. The place was preserved when, a hundred years
ago, the capital of the Minas Gerais state was moved to nearby
Belo Horizonte (which now has 5 million residents).
Ouro Preto - Vista

Street at Night

Church of Sao Francisco

Steps on Steep Street

Twelve Prophets by Aleijadinho

Located in Congonhas, close to Ouro Preto, are the statues
of the twelve prophets by baroque sculptor Aleijadinho.

Salvador, Bahia
Brazil's colonial capital and most important city for three
hundred years. Much of the gold that was mined in Ouro Preto
winded up in the spectacular churches here.
The Pelorinho

Once the site of slave auctions, the pelorinho is now the
center of the historic part of the upper city. You might
recognize it from the Paul Simon video for "Obvious Child".

The Cathedral

Molding

Church Door

Peeling Paint

Lavagem do Bomfim
I was fortunate to be in Bahia in early January for the second
biggest party of the year, the Lavagem do Bomfim. There's an
eight mile parade and many local woman dress up in the traditional
bahiana dress.
As Bahianas

I had to wear blue the day everyone else wore white.

Filhos de Gandy

The Filhos de Gandy or Sons of Ghandi are one of the schools
that marches in Carnaval. They also had a big contingent dancing
their way to the Bomfim church.

Spectators in Upper City

Bracelets

Someone tied one of these bracelets on my wrist and told me never
to take it off. It would eventually fall off on it's own and when
it did I would be granted one wish. I cut mine off the next day.

Sao Luis
Sao Luis, along the northern coast, has one of Brazil's best
preserved and restored historic districts. I suppose being the
home state of Brazil's former president (and very powerful politician,
Jose Sarney, has helped with the funding. The historic district is
covered with great tilework.
Streets of Sao Luis

Recife

The suburb of Olinda has an historic core of colonial churches
and buildings. It's got a great view out over the Atlantic.