Foto: The church in the historic center of Paraty (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Brazil - Back in the city, Philippe takes us directly to the old town. The tide reaches its maximum height around three o’clock, and it’s already half past three. We walk briskly to the historic center. Although the water is already receding, I still see several streets flooded. The historic houses reflect beautifully in the seawater. Even near the old church, the ocean water reaches right up to the church door. I stroll through the town to soak up the atmosphere. The streets are busy, mostly with tourists. I pass the bridge to the northern part and the fort. Boys jump from the bridge into the water. The road to the fort slopes steeply upward. It’s also much quieter here. I decide I have walked enough today and return to the center. I settle at one of the cafés. The terraces outside are still in the bright sun. I go inside. When paying, besides the service charge, there is also an extra nine Real per person for the live music, explains the waitress. Strange that a twelve Real beer almost doubles with all these surcharges. Do they want us to pay for the music for only one person? We had a nice day and pay the requested amount.
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro
Brazil - Traffic is backed up in several places, but eventually, it starts to crawl forward. After leaving the main road, the driver heads into the mountains. With each bend, we climb higher. Eventually, I'm dropped off at the parking lot by the information center. ...
Iguazú Falls
Brazil - I get off the bus at the luxurious Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, right in the middle of the National Park. Why aren’t we staying here? I can already hear the river and waterfalls behind the trees. As I walk along the path toward the water, I see the ...
Paradiselike Ilha Grande
Brazil - On the east side of Abraão Beach, a hiking trail begins to one of the most beautiful beaches on Ilha Grande. Praia Lopes Mendes lies on the other side of the island, on the ocean side. Because of the surf, the beach is difficult to reach by water taxi. ...
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil - In the afternoon, we go with the group to Pão de Açúcar, the Sugarloaf Mountain. From this characteristic rocky peak at the entrance of the bay, you have a beautiful view over Rio de Janeiro. We take five taxis to the cable car entrance. A cabin takes ...
The Pantanal wetlands
Brazil - As soon as the truck drives onto the dirt road, I see beautiful birds on both sides. With a tap on the cabin roof, the driver stops. It’s not easy to take good photos. The sound of the vehicle scares the animals. In the puddles where there is still ...