Brazil: Life & Culture

Arcos de Lapa

One of the few surviving landmarks from the colonial era, this aqueduct was finished in 1750. At one time it carried water down from the Rio Carioca, it now serves as a viaduct to the wonderful Bondinho de Santa Teresa (tram) that connects the downtown area to the Santa Teresa area. With 42 arcs and at 800-feet long, it is also known as Aqueduto da Carioca. A wonderfully stark example of the old and new architecture that defines this area.

Unfortunately Rio has a crime rate that is 10 higher than New York City. Though there is consistent police presence, visitors should be mindful  of their surroundings at all times.

There is a significant disply of talent and support of urban art.  Beautiful murals cover public surfaces.  This particular one is on the side of a buidling and is 3-stories in height. 

Soccer is a national pastime.  Almost every night of the week, there is a game playing somewhere! 

Breathtaking Views

Black and white of the Corcovado

 Unedited view as we descended from the Corcovado during the blue hour. Breathtaking!

Homelessness

Title:  A Mile in My Life

We live in such an abundant world, it still shocks and disheartens me when I see levels of extreme poverty. It was 2pm-broad daylight and he slept on a sliver of cardboard as the city bustled around him. We walked past him on the way to a historic library...

Sunrise Over Rio

Woke up to this amazing sunrise on my first full day in Rio.

Amour & Besos

Every where we went there were couples holding hands, kissing, being affectionate, and sharing intimate moments. You can feel the love and enery of genuine kindness as you explore Brazil.

Corcovado

Our first tour took us to Corcovado which is 710 meters high in to the mountains and gave a sweeping panoramic view.  The statue of Christ the Redeemer is the crowning jewel of Rio.   

Those who really know me understand this photo.

 ....and those who saw the pic from Halloween 2009, know why I have that grin on my face. 

There's No Place Like Home: Lafayette, Louisiana

The Catherdral of Saint John The Evangelist.  The first church in Lafayette Parish was "l'Eligise St. Jean du Vermillion" built on a gift of land donated by Jean Mouton in 1821. In 1824 he donated land for a court house and founded Vermillionville, which is now Lafayette.

See where the sign says "Crawfish & Spinich Boat" ....maaaaaaan! It was so good. Imagine the flavors of a cream based crawfish ettoufee (blanc sauce) with spinich served over a bread bowl.  It was an instant 10 pounds and at least 3 hours of extra cardio, but very much worth it. Yummy!

I was stalking her shrimp po-boy, but had no room left after "The Boat" mentioned above. :(

Artists from around the world come to Lafayette and exhibit their creations.  This exhibit was stunning and life-like.  Crowds of people stood at the booth and looked on in astonishment and appreciation.

Atraversiarmo: Let's Cross Over

Atraversiarmo means "Let's Cross Over" in Italian. Each time I travel from Houston to Louisiana, I cross over several bridges.  This one is over the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge.  I am inspired by sunsets so it was a great capture. Funny thing, I wasn't trying too hard or overthinking it. I was actually driving..so I just held the camera in one and snapped without even looking.