First, a bit of history on Paraty: when the Portuguese first occupied Brazil, they discovered masses of gold buried in the hills of Minas Gerias, the state neighboring the state of Rio de Janeiro... they decided to move this gold back to Lisbon via the port of Paraty, just 4 hours south of Rio on what is called Brazil´s ¨costa verde¨(or ¨green coast¨) due to the fact that the bay of Paraty is naturally protected from the rough Atlantic seas by over 200 little islands... A hugely wealthy colonial settlement developed, and by the mid-1600´s, was one of the largest population centers in Brazil... the historical center of Paraty is so well preserved that most of the original buildings still remain, but today house cute boutiques, coffee shops, internet cafes, and amazing seafood restaurants... Paraty is, miraculously, still somewhat off the radar with most American and European backpackers, but according to me and Paul, is set to become the next big thing. The amazing beaches, colonial architecture, art galleries galore, and super-friendly locals make this a perfect destination to chill out under a palm tree and listen to live bossa nova flowing out of dozens of music venues... We planned on staying for 3 days, and now a week seems like far too short of a time... Paraty is one of those places that immediately inspires one to dream of staying for a few years, not just a few days... We arrived in the middle of a huge local festival, honoring Nossa Senora dos Remidios (our Lady of the Cure, roughly), which has provided a lively street scene, booths of vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to chocolate cookies, and tons of day trippers from Sao Paulo... We are staying a lovely hotel on the hillside overlooking the ocean, complete with eccentric, helpful owners and a garden containing 320 species of orchids (according to Paulo, our host)... Having an amazing time, but must move on soon... Leaving on Wednesday for Petropolis, just 65 km north of Rio, high in the mountains... should be a total different experience, in contrast with Paraty´s chilled-out, beach town vibe... More soon! xx Jason
3 comments:
Thanks for sending me the updates! I joined Paul's blog, as well, so it's kind of fun to read both accounts of your trip so far. Great pictures!
I couldn't see where I could comment on Paul's site, but I wanted to relay this to him. Nathan told the ballet master at Keller's school that Paul was "God Himself," and raved on and on about how helpful Paul was and how great the class was. Brian, the ballet master, was very interested in Paul doing a class/workshop next fall, so tell Paul I'm pimpin' him here in the US for some work when you return. Also, Keller is practicing her solo all the time and she just looks so beautiful. She loves it so much, you can tell in her dancing. Steph found a new boyfriend, so she hasn't been practicing as much, but they still are looking good.
So good to hear of the trip. I'll try to e-mail you; Parker's been really bad and even in the hospital.
Love you like a sis,
- jubber
Looking fab as ever Jackson!!! I am sooooo jealous. Thank you for keeping us updated :) I wish you and Paul a great journey. Please look into childcare for me in Rio so I can get my ass there as quickly as possible!!!
Love you,
-joy
Jason,
I am so happy for you and just a tad bit jealous, especially at the high in Minneapolis today was about 58 F. I am enjoying reading your accounts of the trip so far and your photos are lovely... oh no here come those tinges of jealousy again.
I am excited to read more.
Post a Comment