Traveling opens new horizons!
Everyone in this group would probably agree. Today was a day of learning and expanding our horizons. While traveling the road from Belo Horizonte to Ouro Preto (translated to English it means "Black Gold"), the group learned about Brazilian industry – including ironworking, forestry and mining. Both Jimmie and Ronan, Brazil natives, offered many lessons and spent the day answering student questions.
The scenery along the way included beautiful mountains, farmland and finally the historic city of Ouro Preto. The center of the city, preserved since its founding in the late 1600s, features stone streets, a town square and historic Portuguese influenced architecture. History lessons abound in the tourist town – from lessons about why the statue in the center of town faces away from jail to the assortment of popular museums. The group visit two museums today - Museum of the Oratory and Museum of the Casa Dos Cantos. More historic tours are scheduled for Tuesday before the group heads back to Belo Horizonte. Oh yes, one more lesson, combining science and geography - Ouro Preto's microclimate. Jimmie warned about the unpredictable weather, and sure enough a downpour came drenching us all. It's much colder here as well. Jimmie compared the weather here to Boone, N.C.
Both lunch and dinner featured traditional Brazilian favorites, including potato chips (French fries), rice and beans, various meats and an assortment of cooked vegetables.
The rainy day concluded with a live performance of Brazilian music by Jimmie and his friend Daniel.
(Enjoy the brief video below)
Great update. Why does the statue face away from the Jail?
ReplyDeleteGreat question! The statue is of Tiradentes (translation - toothpuller), a local dentist in Ouro Preto who was an early leader in the national revolt against colonial Portugal. He was arrested and hanged. The statue in the center of town has Tiradentes facing the courthouse because he believed in justice, but his back to the prison as a protest for his punishment/imperial oppression.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Thanks for explaining. I think I liked hearing about the crazy cool food better though :) I am really enjoying your commentary and pics. Thanks for sharing your trip with all of us back home.
ReplyDelete