Ouro Preto and Mariana

Some photos from a visit in December 2005:



Above: Views of Ouro Preto from the dining room of the Solar das Lajes, a very special inn owned and operated by Brazilian artist Peter [Pedro] Caspar Jens Correia de Araujo.

Breakfast at Solar das Lajes.

Visiting with the congenial artist.

Flicka, soulful mini pinscher of Solar das Lajes.


Above: Tropical artistry at the hotel.

One of many fountains in Ouro Preto; this one is opposite the Solar das Lajes.

The Praça Tiradentes

View descending from Praça Tiradentes

Image of legendary Afro-Brazilian Chico Rei, at the entrance of the Chico Rei gold mine in Ouro Preto.

This church sits on a promontory looking down on Ouro Preto. The donkey reminded me of Bresson's film, Au hasard Balthasar.

Near the church, Buddhist instruments at a private Zen temple/retreat.

Public square in Mariana.

A mother and daughter enjoy the park.

A street off the main square, Mariana.

A typical example of the baroque art adorning the churches of Minas.

Part of the lunch offerings at Lua Cheia in Mariana. These hot dishes form part of the hearty cuisine of Minas Gerais ("comida mineira") a rich mixture of meats, rice, beans, and greens.

In Cachoeira de Brumado, women specialize in weaving carpets with geometric designs from a special fiber; the men make pottery of clay (barra) and stone (often, pedra de sabao--soapstone).

The cachoeira (waterfall) itself.