Saturday, December 15, 2007

Tour de Santa

More images from our graffiti photo-taking expedition this afternoon...

The first picture shows the outside of the Casa Rosa with the bonde passing below. A few years ago, some photographer in Santa took a similar shot and actually made it into a postcard, of which I promptly bought about 150 in the souvenir shop down the street.

The banana trees in the second photo are in our garden, and are doing quite well with all the rain we've had recently. Bananas seem to be a theme in my life...

In the rest of the photos, you can see some of the typical architecture of the neighborhood, as well as bits of the art that is everywhere up here.

Also included in the sequence is a series of photos taken at the Parque das Ruinas, a neoclassical palace where Laurinda Santos Lobo would hold fabulous parties with music, art and dance some 100 years ago. Isadora Duncan was often a guest at these parties. After the socialite Laurinda's death, the palace fell into ruins and was left as abandoned until the city of Rio promoted its rehabilitation as a cultural center. Two architects mixed modern steel beams and glass panes with the columns and remaining structures from the original construction, and the result is quite unique. The Parque das Ruinas offers some of the most beautiful views of the city in both directions (downtown and Zona Sul), and best of all is only a 10-minute walk from our house.

Ah, and you can finally see what my new short haircut looks like, though I must add a few disclaimers: 1) It was windy today, and my hair in many of the photos is being either plastered against my head or thrown up on end as a result; 2) I took a shower and left the house without doing a thing to my hair. Were I not so desperate to take some photos before the rains return, I'd have taken the time to scrunch in some wax, thus diminishing a bit of the 80's aerobics instructor vibe I fear I've got going on. Regardless, I'm happier with my hair. I don't know if it's because it's grown a bit in the last 2 weeks, or if I'm simply getting used to it. Either way, I'm not complaining.



















11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh mah gosh! Pão de Açúcar ! I remember going on the... teleférico (whatchamacallit ?!) and had the fright of my life in there !
I think Rio is one of the most beautiful cities !
(And you look great !)

Unknown said...

Fantastic pictures! Oh for sea and sun... and your hair looks terrific by the way, very cute, very chique. It suits you.

Safiya Outlines said...

Wow! Casa Rosa is huge.. I was expecting this little cottage!

I love your Brasil posts, what a fascinating country, I'd love to learn more about it.

Your hair looks fine. To be at all 80's aerobic instructor it would have to be:

1) Spiky, with tons of gell. Solid would also be another key adjective
2)You would also need to wear purple eyeshow, blue mascara and eyeliner.
3)Finally turquoise plastic earings to complete the look. The bigger the better and preferably clashing with your leotatd.

Fabiano said...

Que legal que vocês estão aqui no Brasil. Parece-me que vocês estão curtindo bastante. Eu A.D.O.R.O. o Rio de Janeiro.

Queria poder morar aí! :)

Bem, tenham uma ótima temporada por aqui! ;)

Monkey McWearingChaps said...

I'm sorry she didn't cut your hair to your specifications but you look cute. Still sucks that it upset you and you paid for something you didn't want...but you don't look bad! Promise!

--jenna said...

i don't know what you're complaining about with the hair. there's nothing 80's about it!

and i love that you're sporting your own earrings...:) i seem to know someone else who does the same thing...rsrsrs

Mystic Indigo said...

Great hair, great earrings...good looking fiance....
you have a wonderful life!!!

El Erik said...

Hey Ali!!! Great pics!!! GREAT Grafitti! Rio is looking so tempting!!! Copenhagen is freezing, but I am ina christmas mood all the same!!!! I shall have some luxury christmas ales for you guys!!! Only Rico could keep up with me!!! Take good care, merry christmas and see you in January in Moz hopefully!!

Amber said...

Very neat. You are so adorable. ;)

:)

Alessandra Cave said...

OY! I just came back from Brazil!!!! You're making me want to go back!!! I LOVE STA TEREZA! It's just the most enchanting little neighborhood! So charming and full of character! Enjoy!! xo Happy Holidays!

paris parfait said...

Wonderful photos, Ali and what a great haircut!