When Fashion surpasses Art: Savage Beauty, Alexander McQueen, Met
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The Alexander McQueen exhibit: Savage Beauty at Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC
I have been dreading to go to Met to see Savage Beauty as whoever went to the exhibit said, “It’s so popular you need to be in the line for so long like hours then it’s too crowded that it’s hard to see all in detail!” But regardless, I knew it was going to be amazing. ” Exhibit will make you cry!” that’s what I heard a lot too. I was lucky enough to get free private access to the Museum this Monday through a friend at the museum as the Museum is closed on Mondays. But due to the high demand of this show, Museum had introduced ” Met Mondays with McQueen” starting from June 6. And it will cost you hefty $50.00 entrance fee but I highly recommend it otherwise not sure how you can say you really saw the exhibition with all that big crowd. And very nice audio tour ( narrated by Andrew Bolton, Sara Jessica Parker, Philip Treacy and more!) is on the house with this special Monday tour I believe.
Last Year, The 40 years of YSL Retrospective at Paris was amazing, beautiful and unbelievable. But still it stayed in fashion. Beautiful clothing with impeccable workmanship in beautiful setting. But Savage Beauty definitely felt closer to an art exhibit. McQueen’s fashion surpasses countless Artists’ art out there today. And I like to pay a huge credit to Mr. Andrew Bolton, the curator of this exhibit and Costume Institute who handled many years’ yearly gala. I had a privilege to work with him personally on a small project related to the last year’s Gala, American women as Gap was major sponsor to the exhibit.
And Mr. Bolton, you’ve had beautifully executed Savage Beauty to translate Alexander McQueen’s dark, strong, complex and bold approach to his artful inner world. The rooms were perfectly McQueen. The lighting, the materials of the wall, the music and utterly dark and chick showcases and the stage. I absolutely loved it. The Colors in the room, runway clips, the most amazing head and shoulder pieces, the materials of the setting… I could go on and on about this. It felt beautifully expensive and perfectly regal but also completely modern and dare futuristic. Just like who Alexander McQueen was.
The entrance! Red tinted microscopic glass pieces and ostrich feather dress on the left and the infamous Razor clam shell dress on the right. It kills me. I highly recommend you to get the Audio tour. You get to hear stories behind from actual people who worked on or worn the actual pieces.
The first room, ”The Romantic Mind”, is dedicated to the tailored and mostly jacket pieces. Lots of these pieces were landed by the actual owners for the exhibit. McQueen’s Savile Row in London’s tailoring experience is showing through these pieces. Only showing a few pieces here.
The washed concrete wall and naive wood flank is familiar contrast we see everyday now but again it works beautifully against McQueen’s impeccable hard tailoring.
The second room, “The Romantic Gothic” filled with aged mirrors.
This guilded golden glass showcase is absolutely to die for and the amazing McQueen’s work…
“The Cabinet of Curiosity”, a room dedicated to many of McQueen’s amazing Accessories and their relationship to related items. This room truly made me fill like I was in a Art exhibition.
My heart deeply aching…. The Spine corset with a tail.
Approaching to the Fan dress. Just like those delicately cut out Japanese wooden fan.
Yes, She’s turning.
There are ton more in this “Closet of Curiosity” room. I kept going back in there. It was hard to end myself and move on.
” The Romantic Nationalism”, McQueen celebrates his root, London. He was very proud of the city where he came from.
“The Romantic Primitivism”
” Romantic Exoticism”
“Romantic Naturalism, the last room”
I only have a few pictures from the Savage Beauty in this post. You need to see All in person. It ends on August 7. So hurry up!
It was truly one of the most amazing exhibitions I have seen. Not just McQueen itself but the whole package, it is a great exhibition. Also excellent website.
And NEVER TO MISS, click on THIS to watch clips of McQueen’s runway shows.
Beautiful Bay: Cala Violina, Maremma, Italy
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Peaking through the lush Pine bush at Cala Violina, Maremma, Italy
You juts fall in love at the first sight! What can I say. She’s this perfectly sized cozy little bay hidden behind beautiful Campo di Girasole, the Sunflower field from the main road. It costs you walking about 1.5 km to get to the actual beach once you get to the main parking lot which city runs. Only 250 cars are allowed in that parking lot which means about only little more than 1000 people can be allowed on the beach. Actual walking isn’t too bad and it’s all worth it. Apart from this beautiful crystal clear water of the bay, but also impressively lush pine bush is another reason why you want to be there. Beautiful cool shade that Pine bush makes is a perfect lunch spot and relaxing and it makes Cala Violina to be the ideal day trip destination!
Cala Violina is situated in Gulf of Follonica which is the heart of Natural reserve of Bandite di Scarlino as you can sense it from controlled parking lot and the amount of the cars that are allowed in there is pretty much untouched. There’s saying floating around where the name of this bay had come from. It say when you walk upon the sand , it emits musical notes like the sound of a violin..? Hmmm… Not sure if that is true, but Cala Violina is a definitely unspoiled cutest little bay you feel like you are detached from the rest of the world. If you are happened to be in Maremma, You shouldn’t miss this little beautiful spot!
Driving through the Sunflower field of Cala Violina. So beautiful!
I love you Sunflowers!
Access to the beach! And I am absolutely loving the grand scene of pine bush! So gorgeous!
You can totally bring your cooler filled with all the goodies but remember you need to walk about 1.5 km to get to the beach from the designated Parking lot to access the beach. There are many picnic tables under the Pine filed once you get to the beach where you can get out from the sun and relax a bit having your lunch. Otherwise, you can also order good sandwiches and salad from the one and only food truck, ” Cala Violina” below!
Getting closer!
Yeah Baby! Crystal clear water and white sand. Water is amazing!
The Young Italian: Sunset at Marina di Pisa.
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The young Italian at Sunset Cafe, Marina di Pisa, Italy
“Aperitivo” in Italy is one loaded word which describes layers of Italian culture in only 8 letters. Relaxed mind, food and socializing. “Happy Hour” wouldn’t quite justify what Aperitivo does. People take time on Aperitivo. Especially the Young Italian. You will go to dinner after but you get to nibble on some real good appetizers. All the local places will serve nice range of complimentary snacks along your order of drinks. Mostly like in a buffet style. They will serve all sort of things like riso freddo (rice salad), pastas, dips and cheese, olives, fruits, nuts and even cold cuts if you are in better places. So actually drinks come bit more expensive but you also get great deal of nice nibbles.
But this is not the only reason why Aperitivo works differently from Happy Hour. I think it’s the mind set. The mentality. Peace in your mind. Aperitivo is a Nice Stylish Break after a long day at work or even all day of playing at the beach if it happens to be the nice hot summer weekend. You have taken a refreshing shower already and put on a clean outfit after the day of whatever that was and you step out of the house with recharged body and soul. And you are ready to mingle now. A sweet one. You meet up and plan for the dinner or even for the night or whatever next thing is. You catch up sipping on glass of prosecco or delicious cocktails with friends and family. It’s really a nice time. Life feels real good here. There will be good music there some times even the live one. Any hot new Aperitivo spot is a definitely a good deal to talk about.
Especially when it comes to one just like the ” Sunset Cafe” in Marina di Pisa!
A good friend, Alino with Emi catching up at the bar. Alino is an amazing hair stylist. He did my hair for our wedding!
A few private areas for gatherings. They will set up a separate appetizer bar for you.
A sexy Summer evening at Marina di Pisa.
Do not miss it!
Central Market of Livorno over the main canal of the city, Italy.
The market is open everyday except Sunday and 5 entrances of the market lead you into the main food hall where there are richest greens, meat, dairies, coffee, bread & pastries, pasta an fish that surely inspire you to think about to whip up some delicious dishes! We love going to Mercato Centrale di Livorno right after our usual Italian breakfast ( cappuccino and typical Italian pastries! ) for a fun stroll and a few ideas for our nice and long lunches and dinners for everyday. The market happens inside of the main building that was built back in late 19th century in splendid example of public Art Nouveau style, and also the outside of the building where there are ton of fruit and vegetable vendors in this square called, Piazza Cavalloti.
You can find pretty much everything and anything that Italians do eat daily in the markets! The freshest produce from such simple yet perfectly ripped tomatoes, lush and impressive zucchini flowers to lightly fry up to the perfection, and especially the “Fish and Seafood” is the true highlight of the Livorno market as Livorno is considered as one of the most important top 3 ports in Italy.
Here I like to share mainly the 2 parts of the market as these are our usual biggest interest: Vegetable market in Piazza Cavalloti and the Fish and Seafood section of the indoor market.
Fiori di Zucca! ( The Zucchini flowers) The simple delicacy of Italy. Everyone prepares it differently. But as Livia, my mother in law always taught me, you do not overdo Zucchinis. They carry this delicate subtle flavor. Our favorite way will be dip it in the simple dry flower then dunk it in the egg wash, fry it up for like 30 seconds and when they are out just sprinkle some salt to taste. That ’s the best way! Aren’t those flowers so gorgeous? There a few different kinds. Take a look at couple pics below.
White Zucchini flowers. Those long Zucchini as your arm! from Sicily. Yes size of your arms!
Sweet and delicate wild berries from the bush. These berries are small as your baby finger nail.
Fabulously fat porcinis! Just slice them up and grill them on the low flame with touch of olive oil and salt. Che Buoni!
This is a kind of green beans. Better than the French beans! Sweeter and more tender.
Our favorite kind. Vongole Veraci. Yes that Vongole for your linguini with white white and garlic sauce. Yum!
Baccala, Cod.
All the local fish from the mare di Livorno. The kinds like to hang out near the rocky area. Which mean more those thin fish bone but also has more flavor.
Skinned head on whole Gattucci. If you know how to eat fish, you want the head on while you cook it. The simple rule here. More parts of the fish=more flavor.
Here the real Scampi! Peeps, bigger size shrimp is Not scampi. They are two different thing. Scampi is absolutely more angular with spiky and harder shell. The meat is sweeter and juicier than shrimp. And they are more expensive and tastier. Best way to eat? Go CRUDO. Shell it carefully, drizzle of extra olive oil and squeeze of fresh lemon. No salt is needed as they are well seasoned already from the salt of the ocean itself.
Baby cuttle fish. You can deep fry, stir fry or pasta sauce it! Expensive! See it’s 25 Euro for 1 Kg!
Array of salad, sotto olio ( things sitting in oil), cured with lemon and garlic. Take them home by the weight as usual.
It’s like sort of salami of octopus.
An old style coffee bar inside the market. But notice that modern stool!
More individual fish vendors on trucks parked right outside of the market.
OK. We are back home now and making a quick lunch for the day!! Rinse the scampi and drain the water.
First dish. Scampi Crudo with Oilve oil and Lemon.
Gather all the heads of Scampi and quick fire on the sauce pan with tomato, garlic, olive oil, shot of white wine and fresh sage. You can simply suck on the heads or this makes the best pasta sauce. Penne or Spaghetti. The hair on this hand is Emi’s. Ha-ha!
You can cover it on low heat and simmer it like 15 minutes. It’s a killer!
Zigge. Maybe the smallest shellfish on Earth. Size of your thumb nail. Gael’s favorite! Wash them, hot oil with garlic, Italian parsley and fresh black pepper. No salt needed.
When the shell is all open and the color of all comes turns bit more intense , they are ready to it. They are like potato chips of Shellfish. DELICIOUS!! Pop them in!
Gael fooling with Granpa’s mafia glasses while we are cooking!
Buon Apetito!!!
Tan and Dan’s Wedding, Freshford, England
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Tan and Dan happily walking down the hilly winding road of Freshford surrounded by loving friends and family after the ceremony, July 2, 2011.
Between Emi’s and my pictures, we may have good 600 photos emotionally following Tan and Dan’s this special day and one picture is more beautiful than another to my eyes as every moment is being celebrated and blessed by loved ones including myself over this new and young family with a just born little baby girl, and Tan’s amazing strength and Dan’s impressive support and diligence to Win it All is something we all took away to learn for our everyday’s life. “Love is bigger than anything.”
Tan and Dan, we are so happy for you two and a little one and truly wish the healthiest and happiest lives ever after for all of you!
Looking up to St. Peter’s Church at Freshford, England. The wedding begins now!
July 2, 2011
Tan, Dan and the Baby girl, the new Family.
Gael’s Italian Birthday, Livorno!
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Home sweet Home at Vale Benedetta, Andrea’s garden, Livorno, Italy
We had left for Italy on Gael’s Birthday this time, so auntie Suzy and uncle Andrea were throwing a birthday party for Gael where Andrea lives. Vale Benedettta. A small village where there’s much history of Casarosa’s family as a few generations have lived there and now Emi has a small country home and Emi’s big brother Andrea actually resides right below Emi’s country home daily. Emi and I had married at this small church in Vale Benedetta 12 years ago and I definitely feel like this is a home at heart for the family even though we only get to come up to Vale Benedetta only a few times a year. But I feel the root of the family history here somehow. As usual it would be either Emi’s or Andrea’s. We rotate 2 homes and we get together time to time with all family and it would be usually lots of home cooked food and enjoying typical Italian style family conversation sitting out in al fresco by peach trees if it was at Emi’s or by a small fish pond if it was at Andrea’s.
It’s so good to be back home with Emi’s family!! Especially to celebrate Gael’s big 8th birthday together!!!
Andrea’s festive entrance. The man who worked his entire life in the ocean sure chose the right decor. The world’s flags. The typical ones for the yacht clubs and ports. I always enjoy seeing Andrea’s particular love for the ocean in his life.
Denny So grown up now!
Suzy’s fresh pesto: rucola, cherry tomato, black olives, almond, basil, garlic…. Delicious!
Uncle Giorgio and me!
Andrea and Giorgio working on a grill.
The familiar running around of Gael in and out of Andrea’s home. The lush pines, the dark green door, warm yellow washed wall of Emi’s home behind. Aaaaahhhh!
Merlino, Denny’s dog but really Giorgio’s I believe. Right, Suzy..? Haha!
As it get’s darker, Andrea’s garden starts get really shinning. So pretty…
Andrea.
Suzy holding one of her cake she made for Gael. Delicious. Suzy also had made a Cheese cake with runny chocolate icing on top. Yum!!
Now watch the family singing!!
Suzy’s gift, The Soccer shoes!!!
Grandpa the director!
Emi, Chiara and Andrea Jr.
Ahhh Happy Gael!
Grazie a tutti per una belissima festa per Gael!!!!!!!!
Ti vogliamo sempre sempre bene!!
Escadaria Selaron, Rio de Janeiro
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250 steps of Escadaria Selaron, connecting Santa Teresa and Lapa, Rio de Janerio
Oh it was so not easy to find these steps covered in all sort of colored tiles as it’s tucked in between hill top of Santa Teresa and the small side street next to aqueduct at Lapa. Steps are covered in mainly yellow, green and red as the Artist calls the red portion is his “personal problem” which he did not explain why but you and I can understand the reasons behind the yellow and green. See I totally remember watching the music video, “Beautiful” of Snoop Dogg featuring Pharell cheerfully singing on these steps and fearlessly cruising Favelas and Copacabana with hot Brazilian ladies, and I used to say to myself, if I go to Rio then I’ll go see that steps! and Here I am finally at the top and the bottom of the very famous steps, Escadaria Selaron!!!
So here, Watch this!
The very first step on the top looking down. See you would not expect to see the grand colorful view just yet. You can only see it by looking up!
The Chilean born artist Jorge Selaron began renovating a dilapidated steps that ran along the front of his house back in 1990. It started as his side project along his painting but this soon became the main project and real passion still continuing till today and he claims to do so until he dies. There are many tiles were sent or given to the artist from people around the world for him to add on within his own tile work. You can see small individual tiles designed with names of cities such NYC as well.
Here, I’ll lead you step by step!
The first top portion of the steps.
Along the steps, the side walls of the houses are all dolled up too!
Here’s the artist himself painting. Jorge Selaron. He’s sitting in front of his Gallery.
That white flag is from my home, South Korea!
Yeap! My tourist moment.
Getting closer to the bottom of the steps. It get’s more elaborate. See I think it is good to start from the top. So you don’t have to walk up that 250 steps! Get there through Santa Teresa Convent form Santa Teresa rather than from Lapa.
One more pic with the very man, Jorge Selaron. Yes all of this work is done by him!
Here’s the manifesto of Mr. Selaron about the steps.
If you are ever in Rio, You can’t miss this.
It’s one big color result of one small artist’s passion that is recognized internationally!
Viva, Escadaria Selaron!!
Into the Night of Rio: Sugarloaf mountain and Live Samba at Lapa
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The view to Corcovado and the city of Rio from Sugarloaf Mountain, “Pao de Acucar”. You can see tiny “Cristo” on the top of Corcovado looking over Rio. It’s almost surreal and I must say it’s quite cool!
The director of Casa Amarelo, Matthieu told us a few times. “Don’t pass 4:30 for the sunset!” And we just made it! We haven’t stopped at all since we left the Casa Amarelo around 10:00 am to shop Ipanema and Leblon, walk, walk and walk, took pictures, stop for lunch, the markets then back home then literally 2 minutes to drop off our bags, brushed teeth and out the home with a scarf around the neck as the late evening temperature drops quite quickly in Rio now. The line is quite long to get on a cable car up to Sugar Mountain but also it’s moving quite fast. Fast enough. Feeling getting quite tired yet bit excite to get on the cable car, we are patient. 22 Real ( about $20.00) for the ride for both ways per person. The ride itself is quite quick. It’s the wait and the amount of time how much you want to stay up at the deck on the top of the mountain. The view is absolutely amazing and you get to really understand the beauty of the bays of Rio and the physical relationship among the Rio, Christo, the beaches and the people reside within all. Cariocas.
At the bottom of all. The Cable car station. We are only imagine what it would be like while waiting…
The view to the right going up.
The view to the left going up.
The camera just doesn’t do the justice of the actual view for the top. You get the 360 degree views all around the mountain and it’s just breathtaking…!
We did not get to go up to the Corcovado to visit Cristo and I am learning now, Corcovado would have had the better view for me as you get to see several favelas, Ipanema, Copacabana, Sugarloaf Mountain and the lake Rodrigo de Freitas. A good excuse to return to Rio actually!
No this pic is not taken by me as we did not go up to the Corcovado but if you do a Helicopter tour, You can see this view from the Cristo too!
Cristo almost looks like a U.F.O
The beach on the let is the Copacabana. The right one is the lake. You still see Cristo on the back.
A wonderful experience to understand the whole layout of Rio and enjoy the amazing view! It’s one magical city you are Rio!
After, we had returned and had one caipirinha at Casa Amarelo ( thanks Sammy!) munching on couple pieces of bread pre-packing our bags and stuff. We had changed one more time to freshen up but something conservative. No high heels. No flash outfits here! Just comfy shoes and something warm and we were going to walk down to the Lapa from Santa Teresa to check out couple Samba clubs or more like Samba music hall and Dance hall.
It’s a Saturday night and Cynthia and I are determined to go listen to live Samba otherwise we are complete losers with big capital L as we are for God sake in Rio De Janeiro!!! The streets are closed and filled with people in groups and couples hanging out by the side walk bars and cafes eating and drinking. The Vibe is fantastic! It’s lively but also quite quiet. I can’t imagine what it would be like during the carnival.
Lapa is an area located by the bottom end of Santa Teresa and next to Downtown. Lapa is now a real heart where live Samba clubs and dance halls are and once used to be the red light district but since the 1950’s, Lapa has been one of the most important area for the Intellectuals, artist, politicians and writers do come and socialize and celebrate Samba. Lapa also houses on eimportant historical architecture, Carioca Aqueduct. Below.
Carioca Aqueduct, Lapa. The aqueduct was built back in 1723 to supply the water for Santa Teresa from Carioca River but the water pipes were not even until the century later. Now it’s used for part of the Tram rail ( the Rail run on the top of the aqueduct offering the view of the Lapa and Downtown).
I had looked up a few Samba clubs and 2 of them happened to be the best in town. One place is this guy right here you see, “Carioca da Gema”, more of a Music Hall rather than a dance hall. You pay 25 real to get in and they’ll give you drink and food order sheet with your name on to hold on to it. ( anything else from entrance fee is extra charge) We decided to go in! It’s still early as 9:30 ish but Carioca da Gema runs the first show at 9:00 with rotating live Samba bands.
Inside! It’s already getting filled up! but I have to say club crowd at least here was very civilized. No pushing or harassing sort of. everyone keeps their pace and space focusing on music, it was very peaceful and well behaving.
Couple Caipirinha and taste of Samba at Gema, now we are out to street to go check out one more place!
Cigarett, gums and candy guy. When was the last time I saw such? Learnt you can also by single cigarette for 1 real.
Now entering to our real deal of then night. Democraticas! Love the entrance and warm rundown feeling.
Would Cuba would be like sort of? A mansion built in 1807 turned into a Live Samba club, This place is a definitely a dance hall. I feel like I am back in 1950’s. The whole place reminds me of the documentary, Buena vista social club. It has this wonderful old school vibe. I am loving this. Its 11:30 but the night has not really started yet so we are going for another caipirinha!
Down and humble bar at Democratica.
A big wonderful band! Awesome beautiful music you want to dance to again and again and again!
I’ll say Samba is the half of Rio. You just can’t miss it. Ever!!!!
A day in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
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Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ahhh, I so wished it was warmer, no actually really hotter! See Brazil right now is in winter even though it’s around 65-70 degrees, it just does not do the justice of hot hot sun slowly baking you to the sexy glowing golden goddess in bright fun bikinis! But we were lucky on Sunday to have descent temperature and lovely sun caressing the city, it was the best day to hit the actual Ipanema beach and markets for a day!
The word “Ipanema” comes from “Tupi Language” which means “Bad water” and what it really means in this case is bad water for fishing since the surf dies too close to the sand that it pushes the fish away. The surf can reach up to high as 9ft in winter time, Ipanema beach is filled with surfers as well as many volley ball & soccer players and also was packed with many Cariocas strolling, running and roller blading along the beautiful and famous mosaic tiled board walk enjoying beautiful Sunday afternoon. Ipanema belongs to the safest area called ” Zona Sul” in Rio and I totally felt it was quite safe and neighborhood like with smaller streets and colorful homes with couple markets like Fiera Hippie on Sundays and everyday vegetables and fish market called Fiera Ipanema where there are many small boutiques and typical Carioca style easy restaurants are. Cynthia and I had walked everywhere to hunt down good images, colors and some good artisanal props and anything that could be great inspiration for our work for Summer 12!
Through out the city, You sill see much of these Mosaic tile work for pedestrian side walks to walls to these major beach like Ipanema and Copacabana. Copacabana’s tile work carries more of big wave like pattern which actually I personally prefer. Quite cool, Ha?
We did NOT see Gisele Bundchen. Or some sort of Rio beauties At ALL this time!! Is it because the weather is not hot as their summer which is more from December to March, the temperature reaches around to 86-87 degrees. Actually I am convinced that those hot Brazilian babes are not form Rio. Maybe from Sao Paolo vacationing in Rio? Or are they all hiding…?
Typical drink and snack shacks along the board walk.
Now walking into the farmer’s market, Fiera Ipanema on Rua Maria Quiteria. It’s a friendly and vibrant awesome market!
I fell in love with Simple and bold bright striped tents!
Samplers are everywhere!!! Sweet as honey, gorgeous strawberries, juicy water melons, Amazonian fruits and so much more. By the time you are done with one isle, you will be already full from shower or free samples offered by the friendly vendors!
Love sardine!!
An awesome Veggie station. You know I’ll eat every leaf hanging off the stand!
OK we are starving and stopping for some typical Carioca food at one of these restaurants by the board walk. I did order this fizzy drink ( non alcoholic drink made by Brazilian Coca Cola company and heard there are many versions including ones you make at home to bars…). I did hear about ‘ Guarana’, this sort of thing that gives you energy. Guarana is a small bright red fruit that contains lots of Caffeine. (about double of coffee beans). The taste? This particular drink right here, Kuat! just tasted like sweet syrupy water with very light fizz in it. I did not care for it much. It didn’t feel like it made me all energetic either. but it sure gave me stomach upset!!! It got me all nauseous!
My order. Rice with mixed sea food in tomato coconut milk sauce. Delicious! But I have to tell you, one called ” Moqueca soup” at long time NY restaurant on Union square, ” The Coffee shop” makes the best one so far I have to say. Is that why we live in NYC? Cynthia, you still don’t believe me about this, but they serve the best kind! I have to say I loved the addition of this hard boiled egg in this dish. You know it’s just so comforting with nice sauce over it with rice… YUM!
Cynthia’s dish. Broiled Cod with fresh fried chips with garlic oil and crumbled hard boiled egg! Com on, You have to love this! Sooo good! Don;t you love her red nail against bright neon strip eon back drop anyway?
One of residential building in Ipanema and the typical yellow cab of Rio.
Now we are at the Hippie market in Ipanema, Only a couple blocks into the town from the Gay beach area of Ipanema beach. Every Sunday. We totally learnt that Rio is an expensive city. This hand made artisanal pieces are quite expensive and also everything else. Taxi, drink, food, clothing… Everything id quite expensive especially if you are brining the US $$. ( the exchange rate is terrible now)
There were couple food stands that run by these lovely Bahian ladies. Bahia is located on north east side of Brazil which is definitely above the Rio. All those good Samba and Bossa Nova was also born in Bahia. Ahh we didn’t really taste any food here as we just ate! But it must be really good and authentic as the stands were really crowded. Next time!
Hand drums for samba!
Now listen to this! The very man, Vinicius de Moraes who wrote the song on his cigarette and a glass of cachaca, “Garota de Ipanema”
Can’t imagine what would be like being in Ipanema surrounded by millions of people under the hot sun and sugar mountain enjoying the beach, the sun and the magical energy of Rio!
Chasing walls of Rio!
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They are everywhere and I’ll keep adding!