Reflections

The puddle seemed so inviting...

A charming European-style town - Campos do Jordão

One afternoon that's all we had... not enough to explore the beautiful places, hotels, scenic parks, restaurants, stores, lovely teahouses and cafés this city has to offer. "Campos do Jordão" in São Paulo state is a charming mile-high city that reminds us of countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and even the city of Aspen all together. Be there in the Winter and enjoy the Winter Festival of classical music. Be ready to have good quality chocolate, fondues, trouts, and fine food. Summer and Fall are good for hiking, visiting parks, gardens, and waterfalls. We are planning to visit again soon... and stay for a couple of days...

See the morning

See the morning, see it rising

Over the mountains high
See the mercy in the mighty
Hand of God

Chris Tomlin

Mardi Gras

Window shopping during Mardi Gras. No, that's not me! Can you tell it is a mannequin? It looked so real to me.

Windows and balconies

Most of these windows remained closed on a Sunday morning when I was taking a stroll and shooting some pictures. I am definitely a morning person...

Say it with flowers

Living in a condo... not much room for plants, outside a few flower beds bring me so much joy. I am ready to move to a house to have my own flowers and see them grow each day. Oh well, the pros and cons of such a lifestyle.

"There's nothing sweeter than to have friends who share in your joy."
Patsy Clairmont

Enter with an open heart...

Around my hometown you can you see beautiful mansions from the coffee boom era, sustainable farms, and old train stations. All hidden behind gates and fences... Enter with an open heart...

Jackfruit - Jaca

Where I grew up jackfruit trees were so common. It is said to be the largest tree-born fruit in the world. One single fruit can weigh up to 80 pounds. The interior consists of large edible bulbs of yellow, banana-flavored flesh that wraps the smooth, oval, and light-brown seed. Each fruit may carry from 100 to 500 seeds. The jackfruit when ripe does not have a very agreeable odor, resembling that of onions, while the pulp of the fruit smells like pineapple and banana. It is not a popular fruit, even though some people like it.

Terracota Planters - Vasos de Cerâmica

Needless to say these pictures were taken at the bed and breakfast inn we stayed at a couple of weeks ago. The planters were hand-painted by artist Roberto Campos. He would come to the hotel, sit there with his color palette in hand, and paint the planters using only his memory for the scenes. Isn't that amazing?

Friendship is the ship the Lord often launches to keep my boat afloat.
Patsy Clairmont