Belo Horizonte 2
While in Brazil the previous year I had met Vanessa and Vivianne, sisters, along with their children. They had invited me to visit them if I came to Belo Horizonte. Vanessa was interested in photography and I had packed an old flash and lens to give her along with some sugared almonds and some liquorice all-sorts for the kids.
We were supposed to have visited Ouro Preto the next day,some 80kms distant but Vanessa explained this wouldn't be possible since her son had fallen behind with school work and she had to help him. We had a pleasant lunch and talked about many things. Brazilian politics, the roads and driving, cost of living. A teacher earns between two to three thousand reais a month and Pablo's school fees were 1200 reais each month!
Instead of Ouro Preto she suggested we visit the nearby church of Sao Francisco de Assis, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, a world famous architect. In the morning she said there was a Feira hippee being held close to where I was staying and where I could eat Acarajé, a speciality from the state of Bahia which seemed a good option.
Sunday morning saw me enter the nearby park where the Feira was taking place. Lots of different foods on offer including Acarajé. Many artisan products for sale, clothing, You name it, it seemed to be here. The market was laid out logically with similar products grouped together.
It was the first time I had seen the evidence of crime. A lot of shouting was taking place, someone rushed past me and jumped over the two meter plus perimeter fence. Someone managed to grab hold of his foot but he shook it free and disappeared. Returning to the entrance I plucked up courage and bought an Acarajé. It can contain prawns or meat, salad but also has a fiery sauce. It was tasty but I had to down a beer quite soon after to extinguish the fire.
I received a message from Vanessa: There was a major football match taking place near the church we were supposed to visit. She said the place was heaving and best avoided. I decided to visit the museum of Abílio Baretto housing the history of Belo Horizonte. The bus driver dropped me off outside the grounds which had stalls with many handmade products. The museum wasn't overly interesting but there was live music. The leader of the six piece band I estimated to be 60. I've since found out she is in her 70s and her name is Jandira, but the remainder were much younger. She announced the music was old and traditional and when they started to play it reminded me of gypsy music, almost flamenco in style. I listened for some time relaxing and eating ice cream.
We were supposed to have visited Ouro Preto the next day,some 80kms distant but Vanessa explained this wouldn't be possible since her son had fallen behind with school work and she had to help him. We had a pleasant lunch and talked about many things. Brazilian politics, the roads and driving, cost of living. A teacher earns between two to three thousand reais a month and Pablo's school fees were 1200 reais each month!
Instead of Ouro Preto she suggested we visit the nearby church of Sao Francisco de Assis, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, a world famous architect. In the morning she said there was a Feira hippee being held close to where I was staying and where I could eat Acarajé, a speciality from the state of Bahia which seemed a good option.
Sunday morning saw me enter the nearby park where the Feira was taking place. Lots of different foods on offer including Acarajé. Many artisan products for sale, clothing, You name it, it seemed to be here. The market was laid out logically with similar products grouped together.
It was the first time I had seen the evidence of crime. A lot of shouting was taking place, someone rushed past me and jumped over the two meter plus perimeter fence. Someone managed to grab hold of his foot but he shook it free and disappeared. Returning to the entrance I plucked up courage and bought an Acarajé. It can contain prawns or meat, salad but also has a fiery sauce. It was tasty but I had to down a beer quite soon after to extinguish the fire.
I received a message from Vanessa: There was a major football match taking place near the church we were supposed to visit. She said the place was heaving and best avoided. I decided to visit the museum of Abílio Baretto housing the history of Belo Horizonte. The bus driver dropped me off outside the grounds which had stalls with many handmade products. The museum wasn't overly interesting but there was live music. The leader of the six piece band I estimated to be 60. I've since found out she is in her 70s and her name is Jandira, but the remainder were much younger. She announced the music was old and traditional and when they started to play it reminded me of gypsy music, almost flamenco in style. I listened for some time relaxing and eating ice cream.
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