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2013-05-23 10:37:41 (28 comments, 2 reshares, 151 +1s)

Central Park Bridge - Manhattan Island - New York City

The night was falling and it the temperature drop down, defintelly freezing.

We´ve seen this park so many times in so many movies and tv shows, its like we know every corner of it, but the feeling of being there and exploring its bridges, alleys and paths is something totally different, very exciting.

The park was designed by landscape architect and writer Frederick Law Olmsted and the English architect Calvert Vaux in 1858 after winning a design competition.

The construction began that same year, continued during civil war and was finished in 1873, so, 15 years!

Today is the most visited park in the world and receives aproximately thirty-five million visitors annually, even at this freezing night there were some fellows walking around and freezing their ... like us :)

Those small... more »

2013-05-22 10:26:53 (33 comments, 4 reshares, 148 +1s)

Beresford Building at Sunset - Manhattan Island - New York City

The sun was setting down and we were walking in freezing Central Park.

The west side has some of the finest and more expensive buildings of New York.

The Beresford apartments with its three copper roof towers has apartments that worth more than US$ 30 million!

The architect was Emery Roth also knows for other buildings of the are like the San Remo and El Dorado.

One of the reasons why some apartments worth so much is that New York 1916 zoning resolution ask for stepbacks for high buildings which form terraces, that means an open area in your apartment where you can breathe some air and, of course, to have a party!

Now one of the best things about NYC is that you dont need to be a millionaire to walk in Central Park and watch those wonderful buildings, in fact, its totally... more »

2013-05-21 11:50:12 (38 comments, 6 reshares, 141 +1s)

Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia - Turkey

I just heard the most terrible news!

A hot air balloon falled in Cappadocia, three brazilian tourists died  and 23 people are injured.

Cappadocia is one of the most amazing places in the world, I am so sad that this tragic accident happened.


My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the three people who lost their lifes in what was supposed to be a life time experience.

Me and my wife did that ride in 2010, and used the same company. We felt so safe at the time, so much peace feeling lighter than the air.

Its really a tragedy, I feel deeply sad about it.

2013-05-20 10:32:11 (13 comments, 3 reshares, 107 +1s)

Trump Tower - 5th Avenue - New York City

We woke up on this frozen morning (christmas has passed just a few days before) and started walking on the streets of Manhattan.

This is a city where you iconic images every corner, just need to keep your eyes open.

The elegant doorkeeper in front of the golden entrance of the Trump Tower is one of those images that shout, "Hey, I am in New York!"

The 58 storey tower was finished in 1983 and Donald Trump had to pull some tricks in order to get the permission to construct a skyscraper of that height in such a small area, Trump was able to assemble a bonus package that enabled a taller tower by using mixes uses (residential, retail and office), constructing a through-block arcade (connecting to the IBM building to the east), using the air rights from Tiffany’s flagship store next door, and including theatr... more »

2013-05-19 11:23:33 (43 comments, 7 reshares, 168 +1s)

Sunset in New York City and some Reflections

Still enjoying the amazing light of the sunset in the World Financial Center I decided to explore the rythmic repetition of the street light poles and that made me wonder.

Repetition is the way we learn as a child. When we grow we forget how it was and get impatient, what was a game for us as kids become boring and we constantly are driven to look for new stimulus.

As a kid, anything is a toy, and you have hours of exploration, we are happy with the minimum.

As adults, nothing is ever enough, we need always something more, its a bit sad to realize that.

So, maybe its time to stop a little bit, realize that what we have might be enough and start enjoying it, there is no problem with that.

See the same movies again, repeat the same restaurant, use the same clothes, go to the same old places,... more »

2013-05-18 13:23:52 (31 comments, 5 reshares, 169 +1s)

Sunset in New York City

The day was ending and we were blessed with the most amazing yellow light the sun can bring to a sunset.

We were just outside the World Financial Center where there is this marina with light poles and I decided to explore this trick I learned in a video from Art Wolfe from his series Travels to the Edge.

Anyway, New Jersey is on the other side of the river, yes, the Hudson,

Have a warm saturday and enjoy your weekend!

I did a collection of New York City if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/collections_item.php?collectionid=20779

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-05-17 07:28:19 (12 comments, 1 reshares, 104 +1s)

New York Stock Exchange

New York Stock Exchange is the largest in the world by market capitalization of its listed companies at US$16.613 trillion as of May 2013. Average daily trading value was approximately US$153 billion in 2008.

The building itself is quite compressed in wall street, 11, but is quite wonderful with its corinthian columns and pediment, looks a bit like a temple, a capitalist temple if you will.

This building is from 1903, but the stock exchange itself is from 1792, it started in a rented room at 40 Wall street. In 1922 an adjacent building and another trading floor were added to the original building.

Have a great friday!

I did a collection of New York City if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/collections_item.php?collectionid=20779

My Portfolio:... more »

2013-05-16 09:41:47 (21 comments, 6 reshares, 118 +1s)

Pier 17 - Manhattan Island - New York City

The South Street Seaport is a group of historical buildings and restored ships. Pier 17 is a mall with several restaurants and shops.

Its a popular destination for tourists and locals, so we went there after our morning walk along the bridge. 

The place is vivid with artists, shows and a lot of things to do, definitelly a hot spot to go in New York City.

It all started in 1967 when the South Street Seaport museum was inaugurated. After that, some stores and a market started to develop during the 70´s. 
Along the 80´s a lot of money was invested in restoration of the historical buildings.

Cheers!

I did a collection of New York City if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/collections_item.php?collectionid=20779

My Portfolio:htt... more »

2013-05-15 10:05:35 (31 comments, 8 reshares, 171 +1s)

Brooklyn Bridge - Manhattan Island - New York City

Even though it was freezing cold (this picture was taken in winter) we decided to cross the Brooklyn Bridge, an experience not to be missed by who is visiting the Big Apple.

The bridge was the longest suspension bridge when it was opened in 1883, it was 50% longer than any other suspension bridge in the world at the time.

Construction has a strange history, the german engineer who designed it, Mr John Augustus Roebling was injured in his foot and died of tetanus placing his 32 year old son in charge, Mr Washington Roebling.
He got paralyzed as a result of decompression disease short after the begining of the construction, so his wife stepped in, Emily Roebling providing the critical link between her´s husband and the engineers on the site.
She spent the next 11 years helping her husband to supervise the... more »

2013-05-14 10:22:36 (38 comments, 2 reshares, 139 +1s)

Flatiron Building and Fifth Avenue Building Clock

Two landmarks of New York City, in one image,

The Flatiron building (originally Fuller building) when inaugurated in 1902 was one of the tallest building in the world and was constructed in Beaux-arts style.

The building has a distinct triangular shape and sits on a triangular island formed by Broadway, 22nd and 23rd street (Manhattan Island), the neighbourhood surrounding it now has its name, Flatiron District. 

The site was originally owned by Amos Eno and was used to advertising, for a while there was a magic lantern projecting images on a canvas wall and people would gather in the Madison Square to see the news, specially on election nights. After he passed way the property was sold by $690.000 (Amos bought it 40 years earlier by $30.000), three weeks later it was resold by $801.000 and two years later... more »

2013-05-13 07:16:43 (14 comments, 2 reshares, 120 +1s)

Empire State Building

One of the best known landmarks of the city that never sleeps, the Empire Stated rises soberan over the sky in Manhattan Island.

The building was completed during the Great Depression in 1931 and took several years to be fully ocupied.

It was the tallest building in the world for 40 years. The 102-story building (443.2 meters) was part of several Hollywood movies, King Kong, Godzila and other monsters have climbed it, couples falled in love on its roof, etc.

The rooftop view is one of the major attractions in New York

BTW you know if somebody is a local or a tourist in the city, because tourists are always looking up...

Have a great week!

I did a collection of New York City if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/collections_item.php?collectionid=20779

My... more »

2013-05-12 13:13:34 (16 comments, 2 reshares, 99 +1s)

Temple of Consumption

Lots of people go to New York City for shopping. The city hosts large department stores and speciallized stores of everything you want (I particularly like the photo superstores, B&H and Adorama).

One of the most famous is Macy´s which is a more than 150 years old chain.

Its store at the corner of 34th and Broadway was immortalized by the movies Miracle at 34th street where a hired Santa Claus tries to convince a little girl that he really is Santa.

The city really blooms close to christmas, but gets too crowded (and sometimes its very cold) because of the large sales.

Anyway, New York City is intense, whenever you go, plan to stay a few days, but not too much, its too overwhelming.

Nice shopping!

I did a collection of New York City if you want to explore it a bit further:more »

2013-05-11 08:41:41 (23 comments, 1 reshares, 153 +1s)

Welcome to New York City!

Yes, we will start a trip to the big Apple!

This is the view of the skyline of Manhattan Island from the airplane early in the foggy morning when landing in JFK airport.

The tallest building is Empire State Building.

So, buckle up, we are about to start our journey!

I did a collection of New York City if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/collections_item.php?collectionid=20779

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-05-10 09:55:16 (28 comments, 8 reshares, 155 +1s)

Steam Engine Train - Immigrant Memorial - São Paulo - Brazil

Kind of a travel to the past, the Immigrant Memorial is a house that hosted a lot of the immigrants who came to Brazil in their first night when they arrived by train from the coast to go to their final destination in the cities of Sao Paulo.

More than 2,5 million people passed throught this building from 1887 to 1978. The cool thing is that you can find the archives of the names of the people, so you can find your old relatives here, they will tell you when they arrived and in which ship they came, normally one that came from Rio de Janeiro to Santos and another where they came from Europe.

The house holds a lot of articles from the past and you can also take a round trip in this steam engine train.

Have a nice friday!

I did a collection of Sao Paulo if you want to explore it a bit... more »

2013-05-09 09:14:22 (30 comments, 10 reshares, 169 +1s)

Pair of Tigers - São Paulo Zoo - Brazil

The zoo of Sao Paulo is a pleasant surprise. Even though its from 1958, its being constantly renovated and managed to have a nice environment for several different species of animals.

Just out of curiosity, when it was inaugurated, some of the 400 animals came from a local circus, including "Cacareco", the famous rhino that was elected as a city congressman that same year...

Today, the zoo has 3200 animals.

Those siberian tigers are the largest tigers (big cats!), severly endangered in the wild, the low genetic diversity is now one of the major threats to their survival as a species.

Have a great day!


I did a collection of Sao Paulo if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/sao-paulo-colldet18893

My Portfolio:... more »

2013-05-08 09:36:26 (8 comments, 2 reshares, 103 +1s)

Some Come and Some Go

One of the busiest airports in the world, Congonhas in São Paulo, Brazil.

Almost every large city in the world has this situation, airports were built far away from the city, than people start building and moving next to the airport and when you see, they are surrounded by buildings and houses.

Congonhas is exactly this case, it was inaugurated in 1936 and the city has surrounded it today. Its considered to be convenient due to the fact you don´t need to travel hours by car to get to downtown, it is already in the middle of the city!

There has been two major flight accidents in Congonhas during the last years, both times airplanes crashed to local houses and buildings with many casualties.

Anyway, even though the title of this post induce you to think there is an airplane landing and another taking off, this is nota... more »

2013-05-07 10:06:08 (16 comments, 5 reshares, 146 +1s)

Botanical Gardens - São Paulo - Brazil

One of the hidden gems of the city, its the place to breathe some fresh air.

Enjoy your day!

I did a collection of Sao Paulo if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/sao-paulo-colldet18893

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-05-06 08:10:15 (31 comments, 5 reshares, 132 +1s)

Saint Anthony Sanctuary - Vitória - Espírito Santo - Brazil

Kind of a surprise to me to find a sanctuary like this in Vitoria.

To me it deffinitelly looks like a ukrainian church, but its not.

The sanctuary was built between 1956 and 1971 by the Pavonian priests and is supposed to follow the architecture lines of the italian renaissance, in fact, they used the Temple of Our Lady of Consolation in Tito, Italy as a model.

Anyway, this freelly renoavted "renaissance style" with its long curves gave the sanctuary a pleasant look and large interior space bathed with light and is one of the most famous religious places in Vitoria.

Have a great week,

I did a collection of Vitoria if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/vitoria-colldet20702

My Portfolio:h... more »

2013-05-05 11:03:52 (28 comments, 6 reshares, 172 +1s)

Vitória Bay - Espírito Santo - Brazil

I crossed the bridge and went to Convento da Penha where you have an astonishing view of Vitoria Bay.

Just in front of us are the army barracks and third bridge connecting to Vitoria.

The Convent is one of the oldests in Brazil, from 1558 and sits on top of a 154 meters high hill. I wonder how much work was to bring all the pieces to the top of a hill like that to construct those buildings at the time.

The original chapel was transformed into a church in 1644 and later to a convent in 1750 passing through several remodelations during this period.

Vila Velha is the oldest city in Espirito Santo state (founded in 1535) and has several historical buildings to visit.

Enjoy your sunday.


I did a collection of Vitoria if you want to explore it a bit further:... more »

2013-05-04 11:18:16 (14 comments, 6 reshares, 165 +1s)

Onion Stone Park - Vitória - Espírito Santo - Brazil

Quite an unusual natural monument, the erosion scalped this stone in the shape of an onion.

This place used to be a stone mine, quite degradaded area,

The city changed it into a pleasant park in 1997, today it is one of the highlights of the city of Vitoria.

Besides the curiosity of the onion shaped stone barely equilibrated on top of a large basalt rock, you can wonder around the park paths and admire its gardens.

Consider this an invitation for you to go enjoy a park in your city during this weekend!

Cheers,

I did a collection of Vitoria if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/vitoria-colldet20702

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-05-03 09:39:57 (20 comments, 15 reshares, 156 +1s)

Anchieta Palace - Vitória - Espírito Santo - Brazil

Before I start with the palace itself I would like to thank all the people who decided I am worth following, I have more than 15.000 followers now! That is very rewarding and make it all worthwhile, thank you very much!

After the sunset I went downtown to visit this wonderful palace with a staircase in a mini version of Bom Jesus de Braga in Portugal.

The Palace which hosts the state government of Espirito Santo is from the XVIth century, the oldest government state building in Brazil.
Originally it was a jesuit school, Saint Thiago. The original wood building was built in 1551, it burnt and was rebuilt in stone later on. It remained a school until 1761.

For many years, the remains of Anchieta Priest were held inside it, they tried to transfer them to Portugal, but the ship sank. Today, there is as... more »

2013-05-02 11:10:28 (11 comments, 6 reshares, 119 +1s)

Pope Plaza - Vitória - Espírito Santo - Brazil

The monument was inaugurated in 2008 to celebrate the visit of Joao Paulo II to Espirito Santo in 1991 and is a place with fantastic views of Vila Velha and Vitoria Bay so a place you shouldnt miss if you go to Vitoria.

This reminds me of Joao Paulo II first visit to Brazil in 1980, at the time he was considered the most popular person in the world and was the first pope to visit Brazil which was the country with the largest catholic group in the world at the time (today I don´t know if it still is).

I remember me as a child thought how awckward that none of them have ever been to Brazil, so this was kind of a way to say the world that we were growing importantly as a nation, at the time it was the military government and there was a lot of "civic messages" in the schools, if you know what I mean.
... more »

2013-05-01 12:12:52 (13 comments, 6 reshares, 154 +1s)

Curva da Jurema Beach - Vitória - Espírito Santo

We left Ilha do Boi and went to Curva da Jurema beach where I had a wonderful fresh fish for lunch.

The water is  so appealing in this beach with large rocks surrounded by islands, Ilha do Boi, Ilha dos Indios, the continent and Ilha das Andorinhas.

Today is a holiday in Brazil, our labor´s day, so I will enjoy the rest of the day taking some rest, I hope you are having a great day as well.

Cheers,

I did a collection of Vitoria if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/vitoria-colldet20702

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-04-30 08:01:45 (16 comments, 3 reshares, 151 +1s)

Ilha do Boi and Third Bridge - Vitória - Espírito Santo - Brazil

We continue to walk around the Ox Island (Ilha do Boi) and reached this rocky beach looking at Vila Velha, the city at the other side of the channel, linked by the Third Bridge.

This impressive bridge took 11 years to be concluded (from 1978 to 1989) and is one of the biggest in Brazil, 3.33 km long.

We invite you to relax and enjoy the serenity of this place meanwhile 58 thousand cars are crossing the bridge a day, let them have all the stress of the rush hour and we stay here in our rocky beach enjoying the contact with mother nature.

Have a great day!

I did a collection of Vitoria if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/vitoria-colldet20702

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-04-29 10:59:20 (20 comments, 7 reshares, 140 +1s)

Ilha do Boi- Vitória - Espírito Santo - Brazil

Ilha do Boi (or Island of the Ox) is the larger island next to Vitória, its connected by a bridge and is highly residential (high quality expensive housing).

Surrounding the islands are small beaches and many with large rocks like this one.

The ocean is green, deep green and the geography makes the beaches quite tranquil.

I wondered around the island enjoying many photographic opportunities that show up in every corner, its a very beautiful place to visit if you ever go to Vitória I highly recommend.

Have a wonderful and productive week!

I did a collection of Vitoria if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/vitoria-colldet20702

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-04-28 11:09:47 (26 comments, 8 reshares, 174 +1s)

Praia do Canto - Vitoria - Espirito Santo - Brazil

The tranquil Camburi channel with fishing boats and the buildings of the city of Vitoria.

Vitoria is the capital of Espirito Santo, its an island and many people say its what was Rio de Janeiro in the 50´s, the geography kind of remember Rio indeed, mountains, water everywhere, islands (there are 34, so bridges abound in the city), its a tropical beauty.

With this image I wish you a tranquil sunday, full of joy sharing with yours, family, friends, wife, children, have a great day!

I did a collection of Vitoria if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/vitoria-colldet20702

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-04-27 10:21:17 (9 comments, 4 reshares, 82 +1s)

Stock Car Race - Interlagos - São Paulo - Brazil

We will start this weekend in a fast pace!

Stock Car is a category that exists since 1979 in Brazil, it passed through many variations and is now one of the most popular categories.

We managed to have fantastic seats, right next to the most important curve of Interlagos and this rendered a lot of great images.

The circuit of Interlagos is quite traditional, it dates from 1940, Interlagos meaning "between lakes" in portuguese, sits at the south of the city.

Have a great weekend!

I did a collection of Sao Paulo if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/sao-paulo-colldet18893

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887 

2013-04-26 08:46:38 (35 comments, 12 reshares, 166 +1s)

Good Morning!

Today is Friday! One day to be a weekend!

Even though I live in São Paulo, a concrete jungle, somedays the sky resereve amazing surprises for who is looking.

Be sure to enjoy all that mother nature is bringing to us, just look up, its another beautiful day!

Have a great friday!

I did a collection of Sao Paulo if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/sao-paulo-colldet18893

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887 

2013-04-25 10:37:58 (20 comments, 18 reshares, 167 +1s)

Luz Train Station - São Paulo - Brazil

Luz Train Station or, Light Train Station got its name because it was closed to the first gas street light pole in São Paulo, so people were instructed to hop on the train and hop off as soon as they see the "light" pole.

Its a magnificent train station with a long clock tower in downtown.

The train station has a sentimental value to many of us brazilians, because a lot of our immigrant ancestors came to Brazil through this station. 

The station was built and expanded during the XIX century replacing the old 1867 station that was in its place.

Today, besides the station itself that is still running, its connected to the subway system of Sao Paulo and hosts the Portuguese Language interactive museum which is an amazing museum.

Just across the street is Pinacoteca, one of the finest artmu... more »

2013-04-24 11:07:21 (31 comments, 13 reshares, 200 +1s)

Ipiranga Museum - São Paulo - Brazil

This amazing european like palace sits in São Paulo, Brazil.

The palace was inaugurated in november 15th 1890 in the same place where brazilian independence was proclamated. 

The small "House of the Shout" that is depicted in the famous painting where emperor Dom Pedro I is shouting "Independence or Death" (the painting is inside the museum, its quite impressive) is in the park just in front of the palace.

The fountain is quite impressive as well.

The museum is now called Paulista Museum and hosts several pieces of the history of the city of São Paulo.

Many events are host in the park in front of the palace, including shows and fashion week.

Enjoy your day!

I did a collection of Sao Paulo if you want to explore it a bit further:h... more »

2013-04-23 10:23:11 (12 comments, 6 reshares, 113 +1s)

Pedro Alvares Cabral Monument - Ibirapuera - São Paulo - Brazil

This is part of a series of monuments built when we were celebrating 500 years of the discovery of Brazil.

Pedro Alvares Cabral allegedly was the portuguese who discovered Brazil.

Historians still debate on this, Portugal and Spain did a treaty, the treaty of Tordesilhas that shared the world through a meridian, it seems unlikely they didnt already know there were some lands in the south.

Anyway, if there was somebody here before Pedro Alvares Cabral, for sure he just passed by, unlike him who made contact with the indians and found out this was not an island, but a continent.

Its important to mention how complicated it was to calculate a meridian, unlike a paralel who could be measured by instruments like the astrolabe, look at this... more »

2013-04-22 10:38:55 (19 comments, 10 reshares, 125 +1s)

Ibirapuera Park - São Paulo - Brazil

The fountain on the lake framing the obelisk.

Ibirapuera is the point to go on a weekend. You will meet every bread of dog there is, tons of runners, rollers ,skaters, bikers, unusual transportations and kids.

Its really pleasant, specially in a nice sunny autumn day. If you ever come to Sao Paulo, I strongly suggest to place it a visit. 

Have a wonderful week!

I did a collection of Sao Paulo if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/sao-paulo-colldet18893

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-04-21 12:43:04 (31 comments, 12 reshares, 154 +1s)

Matriz de Santo Antonio Church - Tiradentes - Minas Gerais - Brazil

Today is a holiday in Brazil, is the day when Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier, knicknamed Tiradentes, was hanged for leading the revolutionary group who wanted the independence of Brazil in 1792.

Tiradentes was a dentist and the knickname actually mean, "Pull the teeth out", so you can wonder what his activity at the time really was...

The idea was to revolt in Vila Rica (the old name of Ouro Preto) in the day of the derrama (the day to pay the taxes to Portugal), but Joaquim Silverio Reis, a member of the group, betrayed them and told the governor about it, in exchange he didnt need to pay the taxes (convenient, huh?). Derrama was cancelled and the rebels were ordered to be imprisioned.

Tiradentes fled to Rio and visited his "friend" Joaquim Silverio Reis to help him out,... more »

2013-04-20 11:23:02 (14 comments, 9 reshares, 126 +1s)

Campos do Jordão - São Paulo - Brazil

Also known as the brazilian switzerland, this is a last picture of Campos I took of its european architecture.

Vila Capivari is the touristic neighbourhood, the other neighbhourhoods of the city, honestly, are kind of disapointing, so you should stick here.

Those buildings might look old, but they are from the XXth century, after Campos started to be a touristic destination.

Enjoy your weekend!

I did a collection of Campos do Jordao if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/campos-do-jordao-colldet19163

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-04-19 10:36:49 (9 comments, 14 reshares, 144 +1s)

Campos do Jordão at night - São Paulo - Brazil

The night is quite exciting in the city, plenty of bars and restaurants.

All night long the young and beautifulthe young and beautiful gather to drink and meet new people among the half timber european like buildings.

Campos has its own brewery, Baden Baden, which is quite good and you should try it if you go there.

Well, its morning now, so, enjoy your day!

I did a collection of Campos do Jordao if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/campos-do-jordao-colldet19163

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-04-18 11:02:51 (10 comments, 5 reshares, 107 +1s)

Campos do Jordão, Brazil

Campos look a bit like a small europe in Brazil.

The only problem is the amount of advertising, promotion, etc. But still a nice place to visit.

The cold weather, nice food and music festivals are an invitation to spend a different weekend.

Enjoy your day

I did a collection of Campos do Jordao if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/campos-do-jordao-colldet19163

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-04-17 08:50:57 (12 comments, 12 reshares, 115 +1s)

Autumn Leaves - Campos do Jordão - São Paulo - Brazil

Continuing our walk at the park, the leaves were falling from the trees next to this small bow bridge.

Not really much to say about it, just sit and relax, tt was such a bucolic view.

I hope your doing great and enjoying your wednesday!

I did a collection of Campos do Jordao if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/campos-do-jordao-colldet19163

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-04-16 09:40:46 (14 comments, 10 reshares, 143 +1s)

Lake with Araucaria Trees - Campos do Jordao - Brazil

Before we arrived in Campos do Jordao downtown, we stopped by in this park in a windless day which has this superb reflections of the Araucaria pine trees.

Campos do Jordao is the highest city in Brazil, it sits at 1628 meters, that means its always cool, sometimes even chilli.

The city was famous because its weather was considered healthy for people with tuberculosis and other lung diseases, so, many people moved here specially after the XIXth century to heal themselves.

After the 50´s, medicine advances made tuberculosis less hazardous and the main economy of the city shifted to tourism.

Enjoy your day!

I did a collection of Campos do Jordao if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/campos-do-jordao-colldet19163

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2013-04-15 10:25:00 (18 comments, 9 reshares, 125 +1s)

Procuradoria Geral da República - Brasilia - Brazil

This amazingly reflective twin cylinders building hosts the Procuradoria Geral da República.

Its another project of Mr Oscar Niemeyer even though for me this is completely different than the other works of him.

Its one of the newest buildings of Brasilia being inaugurated in 2002, even though the original project is from 1960, so around the foundation of the city.

Urban legend says that it was so reflective, plenty of birds got lost after its inauguration and killed themselves thinking the glass was the sky. Eventually they had to remove a bit of the reflective coating.

I couldn´t confirm this as true, but it still seem very reflective to me.

It looks specially beautiful in a day like this with clouds and blue sky.

This is our last from Brasilia, at least from this trip,en... more »

2013-04-14 11:34:04 (52 comments, 30 reshares, 190 +1s)

JK Bridge - Brasilia - Brazil

Another landmark of Brasilia, this building was finished in 2002 and is suspended by those three assymetric arches.

The bridge was nicknamed bridge of the medicine for a while due to the fact that it costed 4 times the origina budget (around US$80Million insted of US$20Million) and the government was cutting costs on health insurance exactly at that time.

The first project had some "minor" mistakes like the bridge was calculated 144 meters short so it wouldnt reach the south border. They had to demolish it and build it again...

There was some critics that said the bridge has disrupted the modernist design of the city, can you believe that?

Well, despite all the pricey construction at least is something beautiful to admire.

Enjoy your sunday!

I did a collection of Brasilia if you want... more »

2013-04-13 21:12:25 (24 comments, 11 reshares, 152 +1s)

Stairway to Shopping Heaven

Shopping Vila Olímpia, in São Paulo Brazil

Took this on my iphone

Enjoy your saturday

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2013-04-13 10:29:11 (26 comments, 12 reshares, 146 +1s)

Metropolitan Cathedral Our Lady of Aparecida at night - Brasilia - Brazil

We continue our night walk through Brasilia, this time to the cathedral with its campanary.

At night with the lights, the lines and curves seems even more impressive and you can see the stained glass windows better.

Enjoy your weekend!

I did a collection of Brasilia if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/brasilia-colldet11521

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-04-12 08:20:06 (20 comments, 13 reshares, 78 +1s)

Planalto Palace at Night - Brasilia - Brazil

The last building of the Three Powers Plaza is the Planalto Palace where the president works during the day (Alvorada Palace is where she lives).

The lines are a different version of the Supreme Court that we have already seen and the building is even more impressive at night so I decided to post this version instead. Of course its Niemeyer´s...

Well, its friday and the weekend is almost there, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy this day as well, so, have a great friday!


Cheers,

I did a collection of Brasilia if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/brasilia-colldet11521

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2013-04-12 00:49:49 (26 comments, 17 reshares, 141 +1s)

Monumental Axis, Brasilia, Brazil

Brasilia was planned in the shape of an airplane. Mr Niemeyer did it with two strokes on a napkin in a bar and that's how it all started.

The napkin was preserved and you can see it in JK memorial.

The Monumental Axis is the body of the airplane and the best place to see it is from above the creepy "oh my god its going to fall!" TV tower. Last time I checked it was still standing, but I dont know for how long.

Anyway I have my photos now...

Congress building would be the nose of the airplane.

Cheers!

I did a collection of Brasilia if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/brasilia-colldet11521

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-04-10 11:12:02 (28 comments, 9 reshares, 105 +1s)

Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida, Brasilia, Brazil

We have visited it already and seen its amazing stained glass roof, but the outside of the cathedral is also remarkable with its hyperbolical lines.

Its lines resemble to me a group of people raising their hands to heaven, what do you think?

The campanary is quite interesting too.

For sure its one of the prettiest buildings by Oscar Niemeyer.

Enjoy your day.

I did a collection of Brasilia if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/brasilia-colldet11521

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-04-09 08:28:33 (8 comments, 13 reshares, 129 +1s)

Justice Palace - Brasilia - Brazil

Probably the most unusual building of Oscar Niemeyer in Brasilia, the Justice Palace has waterfalls on its facade.

In his words, was the first facade with fountains that he ever did and it surprised and pleased everybody as he thought it would.

The line of glass windows buildings you see in the back are the Ministeries buildings which contrast as boring squared box like buildings... compared to the Justice Palace, the Itamaraty and the Congress, all masterpieces.

Either he wasn´t inspired or he really wanted to pull the attention to the most important buildings by creating this line of boring boxes, I don´t know.

One last information, even though it was designed in 1957 it was inaugurated only in 1972, so, 17 years later, I couldnt find the reason why.

Anyway, enjoy your day!


I dida... more »

2013-04-08 09:54:34 (7 comments, 11 reshares, 105 +1s)

Supreme Court - Brasilia - Brazil

The Supreme Court is one of the most famous buildings of Mr Oscar Niemeyer in Brasilia, not only because of its modern curved lines, but also because of the statue that sits in front of it, a blind justice.

Tha statue named "The Justice" is a sitting woman with blinded eyes holding a sword, depicting the strength of Justice (the sword) and how impartial it is (the blinded eyes). Its big, she is some 30% larger than a normal person, and you wouldnt believe the size of hers feet... So, if the sword doesn´t work, she might kick your...

All those buildings have underground systems since they are too small to withhold all the offices they would need.

The Supreme Court of Brazil started when Dom João VI fleed from Napoleon troops to Brazil in 1808 in Rio and was transferred to Brasilia in April 21st, 1960.
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2013-04-07 12:52:30 (10 comments, 6 reshares, 94 +1s)

Pantheon- Brasília - Brazil

This building in the shape of a pigeon (another project of Oscar Niemeyer architect) sits on Praça dos Três Poderes (plaza of the three powers) in Brasilia.

Its concept started as a hommage to Tancredo Neves, the first democratic elected president (even though indirectly elected by the congressmen) after the military regime, who died of diverticulitis before assuming the presidency.

Of course there are many conspiracy theories about it...

Truth be told this is not a Pantheon since nobody is buried inside it, but really a memorial.

Today it hosts a steel book with names of the heroes of Brazil.

Enjoy your sunday!

I did a collection of Brasilia if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/brasilia-colldet11521

My Portfolio:ht... more »

2013-04-06 11:08:15 (15 comments, 8 reshares, 128 +1s)

Candangos Monument and National Congress - Brasilia - Brazil

This is part of the Three Powers Plaza in Brasilia, the back of the National Congress Building and the Candangos Monument.

Candangos is the nickname given to the people who built Brasilia, many of them stayed after being constructing the city and were the foundation of people who are now the brasilienses.

Still today, its an immigrant city, only 50% of the people who live here are from here.

The bronze monument is from Bruno Giorgi, was built in 1959 and its name is actualy Two Candangos representing the workers who built the city.

Enjoy your weekend!

I did a collection of Brasilia if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/brasilia-colldet11521

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887

2013-04-05 10:42:47 (20 comments, 14 reshares, 141 +1s)

National Congress of Brazil - Brasilia

The mos famous building of Brasilia is where the congressmen gather to create the laws of Brazil.

The two chambers sit below the plate like structures and the two towers were supposed to be where the congressmen offices would sit, but was too small, so they built a large underground structure where most of them work today.

The pool is there to cool down the whole structure and add moisture since Brasilia is well known to be very dry.

Enjoy your friday!

I did a collection of Brasilia if you want to explore it a bit further:
http://www.dreamstime.com/brasilia-colldet11521

My Portfolio: http://www.dreamstime.com/Afagundes_info-resi35887