INHOTIM- Introducing God's and Other Artists' Creations

God's artistic creations - such as flowers and trees - are of genuine, pure beauty, indeed. But in combination with creations by earthly visual artists, they become just marvelous.

Dan Graham's Bisected Triangle in the backdrop of the lush greeneries. At Inhotim, God's creations and the other artists' works go together just so well.

Bernardo Paz, the founder of Inhotim in the outskirts of Brumadinho, is not the first impresario to recognize that.
I've been to a couple of other fantastic combinations of Godly and artistic creations, brought together by some wealthy impresarios like Henry E. Huntington's Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino/Pasadena and Knud W. Jensen's Louisiana North of Copenhagen. I assure you none of these can compete with Inhotim.

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The Voice of Colors: Rita, Eduardo, and Jorge in Rio

Streetart is becoming more and more not only tolerated, but recognized and promoted. Especially in South America, it has a long tradition - as a medium where colors give the people a voice.

#favelismo - an art movement turning poverty and humiliation into power and pride. That's what great street art stands for.

I'm introducing Rita Wainer, Eduardo Kobra, and Jorge Selarón, three of the greatest urban artists that left ineradicable traces in Rio de Janeiro.

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I am what I am...and what I am is not a person who likes carnival

I am what I am.... - the beginning of Gloria Gaynor's evergreen is the perfect intro to a post I wrote last year during the carnival in Brazil.

Since yesterday, this year's edition of the world-famous event is taking place.

Bar on the Copacabana beach

So carnival - yay or nay?

Spoiler alert: I am what I am, and what I am is not a person that likes carnival; anywhere in the world.

And here you can read why.

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BRAZIL - Updated Travel Guide

(Update February 2019)

I think there are countries that are on every traveller's bucket list, and Brazil is definitely one of them.

These are only three highlights Brazil has to offer - kind of an appetizer.

I had the chance to travel to this mesmerizing country last year, and since the first week of the year are a perfect time to visit, I quickly re-edited and updated the original post and am happy to supply you with recommendations and information to make your trip an unforgettable one.

BRAZIL - the complete travel guide

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SÃO PAULO - a tour 'guided by' muralist Eduardo Kobra

Christ the Redeemer? In Rio de Janeiro. The jungle? At Manaus. The waterfalls? In Iguacu. So when in Brazil, why go to São Paulo?
Why? Because it's the coolest and most artsy city of Brazil and you will get inspired and have a great time; that's why.

Probably Kobra's most political mural, raising awareness for indigenous people being threatened by a factory being built in the city of Altamira in Belo Monte.

Talking about cool and artsy: Let one of the most glorious sons of São Paulo guide you through the city to different neighborhoods and iconic buidings - let's hear it for Mr. Eduardo Kobra!

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BRAZIL - the complete travel guide

(Updated February 2019)

Actually, I think there are countries that are automatically on every traveller's bucket list: Australia, India...and Brazil is a country like that, too.

These are only three highlights Brazil has to offer - kind of an appetizer.

For me, the danger with these standard bucket list countries is that since they are permanently there, I feel no rush to visit. I always knew that I wanted to explore Brazil one day. Yes, one day....

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Guide to CURITIBA

(Update February 2019)

"The model city of Brazil" - that's what my Portuguese teacher Marcy had called Curitiba. And although this town, home to almost 2 million people which makes it Brazil's eighth largest city, is not really spectacular, it's worth the visit. It has lush parks, a well maintained historic center, modern buildings such as the Museu Oscar Niemeyer, celebrating Brazil's star-architect. Their bus system was exemplary for many other Latin American cities. And if all this does not impress you, go on a wonderful day trip and take the scenic train to Morretes.

Today, Curitiba's first town hall is an inspiring culture center for everyone.

Yes, Curitiba might not be famous and does not deem exciting at first sight, but you sure will have a great time here.

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Guide to FOZ DO IGUAÇU

(Updated February 2019)

Foz do Iguaçu, worldwide known for the spectacular waterfalls that are located at the border between Brazil and Argentina, has far more attractions to be visited than this 'Natural Wonder of the World'.

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Guide to BONITO

(Updated February 2019)

Bonito is one of Brazil's internationally hidden gems: While Brazilians - as well as other South Americans, for that matter - come to Bonito to enjoy the lush nature, the serenity between the rolling hills and the pleasure of waters in caves, creeks and natural pools, only few international tourists find their way to the Mato Grosso region, located relatively close to the Pantanal, a wetland rich of the most exquisite flora and fauna.

Bonito's strongest suits: Lush vegetation and flowing waters

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Guide to SÃO PAULO

(Updated February 2019)

I will not beat around the bush: São Paulo was my favorite city in Brazil. Although Bonito enchanted me with its natural beauty, Foz do Iguaꞔu impressed me with the power of nature - São Paulo is the place I see myself live and work and be part of the cool, artsy crowd.

Two Brazilian heroes in one picture: Star architect Oscar Niemeyer depicted by star muralist Eduardo Kobra.

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Guide to BELO HORIZONTE | BRUMADINHO | INHOTIM

(Updated February 2019)

While studying Portuguese in Rio de Janeiro, I thought it might be a good idea to take a trip to Belo Horizonte at the weekend; mostly because I wanted to see Inhotim, a botanic garden full of contemporary art.

Young Belo Horizontians drumming with vigor.

Turns out, Inhotim was the only spot worth the travel. But so worth it!

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Guide to RIO DE JANEIRO

(Updated February 2019)

Rio de Janeiro could be the most beautiful city on the planet: The ocean, the beaches, the hills, the vegetation, the views....I could go on and on.

Icons of Rio de Janeiro unite! The Sugar Loaf to the left, the Dois Irmãos all the way in the back at the end of the beaches, Christ the Redeemer and one of the many favelas. You can see all this going up by tram to the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa.

But then there is the poverty, the violence, the hopelessness, the corruption, the dirt....I could go on and on.

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Class of Brazil - 9th Lesson: Foz do Iguaçu and the Games Without Frontiers

I like frontiers. The idea that you can take one big step and you cross from a country with one language to another, totally different one. That you need to look for a currency exchange office. That you might have to sing another anthem under a different flag.

I'm not spamming my blog with pictures of myself - but I cannot spare you of me posing in front of one of the 'Wonders of the World'.

No, of course I do not like frontiers protected by high walls, barbed wire, patrolling officers with German shepherds chasing people who try to cross from one side to the other in search of a better life - or even just an outcome.

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Class of Brazil - 8th Lesson: Day Trip to Morretes - Planning On Not Planning

One of the goals when I started my blog about a year ago was to teach you guys how to plan a trip to perfection. I even wrote an entire post about it.

I plan and organize and book - not waiting for the surprise waiting for me at the end of the tunnel.

And while often planning and organizing ahead pays - metaphorically and literally - you should be careful not to plan your trip instead of to perfection all the way to death.

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Class Of Brazil - 7th Lesson: Curitiba - and the Meaning of Means

As you might have noticed, I'm travelling quite a lot. Obviously - I'm a travel blogger. But I'm also travelling a lot when I'm travelling.

Curitiba's landmark, the greenhouse at the botanic garden - as iconic as the tube shaped bus stations.

Since I'm not driving - I explained in an earlier post why - I'm familiar with public means of transport basically around the world.

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Class of Brazil - 6th Lesson: Bonito - Nomen Est Omen

I once read that blue - and particularly sky blue - makes attractive. I guess it doesn't work only for people, but also for places. At least Bonito - which already means pretty, cute, charming - became more idyllic the bluer the sky got.

Just a little taste of Bonito's surroundings.

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Class of Brazil - 5th Lesson: I Call Them Like I See Them

The change of cities - a couple of days ago I came from Rio to São Paulo - gave me a new perspective on things. I was thinking a lot: about travelling, about blogging...about travel-blogging. Why do I travel? Why am I blogging? What is my intention? What is your expectation? Are they always compatible? Do they have to be?

A son of Brazil - a mural dedicated to Brazil and its youth.

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I am what I am...

...and what I am needs no excuses - the beginning of Gloria Gaynor's evergreen is the perfect intro to this post, which deals with my perspective on the Carnival in Rio, an extremely gay event - gay in every sense of the word.

Bar on the Copacabana beach

Carnival in Brazil - yay or nay? Spoiler alert: I am what I am, and what I am is not a person who likes carnival; anywhere in the world.

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Class of Brazil - 3rd Lesson: It is a Hellish Path to a Heavenly Place

They say that the way to hell is paved with good intentions. Well, I don't know about that, but I know that a hellish trip can take you to a heavenly place.

View across one of the beautiful lakes at the "Galeria True Rouge" where on of the strongest works by Brazilian artist Tunga is exhibited. Tunga's work was one of the first purchases for Inhotim.

This is what's inside: "True Rouge" looks like an assembly of giant hearts - and not the Valentine-kind of hearts.

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Class of Brazil - 2nd Lesson: Danger Seems Closer from Afar

At the beginning of this post stands a confession: the confession that the closer the departure date for Brazil got, the more I got nervous; by the day before my departure I was a wreck.

A gentleman selling Cangas, typical Brazilian beach scarves, on the beach of Ipanema.

I wonder how many people miss out on great travel opportunities only because danger looks bigger, closer and more probable from afar. Maybe God is tricking us that way so that not every destination derogates to a horrific spring break feast.

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