Ouro Preto
Ouro Preto, a perfectly lovely colonial town built on upon the gold from the local mines. Lots of nice churches, cobblestone streets, too many steep hills.
We arrived on a Sunday, and oddly all the churches were closed but we did get a good look at the outsides. There are about 30 churches here, some with gold interiors (literally), some built by and for slaves, one designed by the famous Brazilian sculptor architect Aleijadinho who also carved the entire facade in soapstone.
After walking around town for a while, we decided to stop for pizza at a nearby restaurant that had some live music. We were pleased to be seated in the ‘fusca art room’.
And, this town was the site of our first vehicular accident of the trip.
We were parked with the emergency brake engaged – and were hit from behind by some girl trying to turn from a street behind us. She jumped out and started yelling at us and telling us that we were going to pay. We tried to point out the obvious: that we were parked and she ran into us. She scribbled down out license plate number, jumped into her car, and sped off. A white paint line across her door from where she scraped across our rear bumper.
We were quick to take some photos that hopefully show it was her fault, but really have no idea what her angle was or if anything will come of it. It was so dumb, it almost seemed intentional. Is this a scam, or is she just a kook? I guess we’ll find out when we try to extend our vehicle permit or leave the country…
Looks like the basic case of failing to maintain assured clear distance to me. Right now I am in Copan Honduras. Been sailing and crewing my way through Belize and Rio Dulce since the beginning of Feb. Lots of catamarans here. Does Bode think all pyramids look the same?
Go BOB!
Luck the kombi wasn’t damaged seriously.
This clown girl probably doesn’t drive well, got desperate trying to pass the blame on you guys.
It is typical in Brasil people in newer cars when involved in accidents with older vehicles they try to blame on you, as if it was a sin to own and drive old cars.
Don’t worry about leaving Brasil etc, the frontiers are all open with all south american neighbours and you don’t even need to stamp anything when leaving. I doubt if you get photographed in a speed camera for example who can they find you to issue the ticket? The transit and DMV depts in Brasil are a complete mess and corruption pithole.
I don’t know what your plans are but if shipping the kombi out of South America just after the Brasil trip drive down to Montevideo and do it from there. I just done it early Jan with my splitscreen which is sailing at this right moment the indian ocean to arrive here in Australia.
Cheers
Wait a minute…! Did Bode get a haircut? 🙂
xoxo Laura
1. too many steep hills!? what ….. ????
2. that short hair on bode is cracking me up. don’t tell him i said that!
XOXO
Bode looks nice! his new hair cut makes him look bigger
Hello, I’ve just read about you, what a great way of life!!! I did wonder about one thing though, what do you do for the kid’s education? I’m not meaning anything I’m not saying, I’m really just curious about it.
R u guys coming to Belo Horizonte?
I will be happy do meet you. 🙂
Yep, Bode got a campsite haircut by Jason!
Sofia- We are home (road) schooling Bode with materials from the U.S., computer Portuguese lessons and lots of geography, social studies and history lessons on where we are visiting.
Andre- Sorry we missed you, we’re back on the coast already!