Curitiba Portraits

Curitiba Portraits Anniversary

2010-09-02T15:17:00.002-03:00

Today it is the anniversary of Curitiba Portraits. I would like to thank CDP and everyone who visited the blog during this period. The blog “Curitiba Portraits” was born from another blog in Portuguese, which I update everyday.

In order to devote myself to the original blog and have more freedom to future plans, I would like to say that this will be my last post at Curitiba Portraits.

I invite those who still wish to continue to know more about Curitiba, to follow the link to the blog: circulandoporcuritiba.blogspot.com. Everyone will be very welcome.

The mosaic contains the pictures I like the most from this blog.

Theme day: Open air market

2010-09-01T09:45:00.000-03:00

The Largo da Ordem Crafts Fair happens every sunday morning in Curitiba. Thousands of people go there to watch, walk, buy and have a real good time.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

CEU (College Students's Home of Paraná)

2010-08-31T11:51:00.000-03:00

The CEU houses students from other cities, states and even countries that can't afford the rent of a place to stay during college times. It was inaugurated on August 11th, 1948. Last year a huge restoration was done by the Prefecture of Curitiba. Today almost 200 students live at CEU.

A door for Marilyn

2010-08-30T09:35:00.000-03:00

Yesterday early in the morning, I drove around downtown looking for something to photograph. This gate at Sete de Setembro Avenue caught my attention. I parked my car, waited for the girl and dis the picture. The original image I have seen at MoMA.

The flowers of the Yellow Ipê

2010-08-29T09:31:00.000-03:00

It is said that the time when the Yellow Ipê (Tabebuia Chrysotricha) blossom, it marks the end of the winter. The official beginning of spring is still a bit far and the mornings of Curitiba are still a bit cold, bus it is true that our afternoons are warmer now. Maybe the Ipês knows what they are talking about.
This picture was taken at Fagundes Varela Street.

Private Security

2010-08-28T14:19:00.000-03:00

It is becoming more and more common to see private security companies and their agents on the streets due to the difficulty of the government in ensuring security for everyone, everywhere.

The picture was taken at José de Alencar Street at Alto da XV Disctict.

Old headquarters of Clube Curitibano

2010-08-27T11:43:00.000-03:00

The picture taken on the night of August 21st from the corner of Tobias de Macedo and John M.Garcez, shows the Generoso Marques Square and at the center of the photo and in the background, a bright building in the corner of Rio Branco and Flower Streets. This is an important building for the history of Curitiba. Inspired by the modernist movement, it was built where a mansion housed the Curitibano Club (the most important club of Curitiba). Property of the club, construction started in 1947 and completed in 1950. The club occupied the space until 1968 when it was moved to it current location at Agua Verde District. This building was an important landmark to all residents and tourists and was considered to be one of the most luxurious address in Curitiba.
The degradation engulfed the building in the 90s. In 2005 the building was bought by the J. Malucelli Group. The design and restoration of the building took two years to materialize and it was conducted in partnership with UFPR, professionals and students of engineering and architecture.

Here comes the train!

2010-08-26T10:49:00.000-03:00

This is another picture taken from the 5th floor of the Cajuru Hospital, this time showing a cargo train crossing the city. These kind of train crosses the Curitiba through dense urban districts causing lots of problemas like noise, pollution, traffic jams and eventually, accidents.

Mercês District

2010-08-25T15:34:00.000-03:00

Due to a request, I went to Mercês District to make some pictures and today I will post about this important neighborhood of Curitiba.

Since the 18th century the inhabitants of this region are known for devotion to Our Lady of Mercy. In the 19th century, several families of German immigrants settled in the region. In 1929, the district won the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, built by Capuchin friars in 1951.

This district is close to Curitiba Downtown where important avenues pass. Leaving those avenues, we will still find a neighborhood with very quiet streets and predominantly residential.

Saturday night at Tobias de Macedo Street

2010-08-24T11:03:00.000-03:00

The region between the Tiradentes and the Santos Andrade squares always seemed a bit grim, especially at night, with its bars odd, "movies" suspects and cheap hotels. The Tobias de Macedo Street links both squares. But the group in the bar, do not seem to be worried about it, instead, they seem to be enjoying the company of each other very much.

Shy sun

2010-08-23T11:31:00.000-03:00

Recently, the mornings of Curitiba have been so foggy that even the sun hides behind it. Later, once the fog is dissipated, Curitiba has a beautiful sunny day.

The photo shows the street Fagundes Varela on one of these mornings.

Romário Martins House

2010-08-22T14:18:00.001-03:00

On March 23rd Curitiba gained back one of its most traditional exhibition spaces, specially dedicated to tell the city's history. After undergoing restoration works, the Romário Martins House was reopened with an exhibition and launch of a report that portrays the world of cartoons and caricatures in Curitiba in the first half of last century.

Cultural Foundation of Curitiba and the purple sky

2010-08-21T14:50:00.000-03:00

The orange buildings at the center of the picture of the purple Curitiba is the headquarters of the Cultural Foundation of Curitiba. The place was once a mill, a theater until the prefecture bought the building and installed the Cultural Foundation there.

Family stickers

2010-08-20T14:33:00.000-03:00

The novelty in cars in Curitiba are the stickers representing the family of the driver. Based on these stickers you get to know if the driver is married, has children and pets. The driver of the photo is married, has two kids and two dogs. Moreover, another sticker tells us that he is studying economics at the Federal University of Parana. Other drivers also have stickers of their academies, language schools, etc. I think that it is too much information being passed so easily.

Worker on transit

2010-08-19T11:48:00.003-03:00

It is the end of a cold working day, the bus is crowded, the journey will be long (just like early in the morning). There are few options of what to do during the trip, maybe a chat with the person by your side, listen to the music or a nice nap, just like the lady of the picture.

Three towers of the Cathedral

2010-08-18T10:24:00.003-03:00

The photo shows three towers of the Cathedral Basilica Menor of Curitiba that is located at Tiradentes Square, Curitiba downtown. Church towers always seemed to be a place shrouded in mystery, where you can observe without being observed, where one can study without being harassed, or perhaps, it is just an empty useless space. The weather this day was great, not cloudy and not so cold.

Avenues and Railroad Tracks

2010-08-17T11:31:00.006-03:00

Being in hospital is never an experience that could be classified as pleasant, but we have to do the best of what is around. I accompanied my mother to the University Hospital of Cajuru for a medical procedure and from the fifth floor of the hospital, where she remained under observation (she is at home now and felling great), I could see part of Curitiba by an angle that I did not know. Of course I took some pictures.

The photos show the Presidente Affonso Camargo and Dr. Dario Lopes Avenues, and the tracks leaving the railway station of Curitiba.

Under the Baron

2010-08-16T10:40:00.003-03:00

Despite the square of the picture was named after Generoso Marques (the first republican president of Paraná), the statue that stands in the square represents the Rio Branco Baron.
The place is very nice to sit and enjoy the movement, the flower beds, the "Paço da Liberdade" or just for a chat with friends, as people of the photo, under the indifferent gaze of the Baron and his pigeons.

Botanical Garden at night

2010-08-15T10:42:00.003-03:00

I have spotted the Botanical Garden of Curitiba at night from a higher point at Cristo Rei District. The strange purple color of the sky (I'm pretty sure that it was not quite like that the moment I took the picture) may be the interpretation that the camera gave to the sky due to the lack of light at that moment.

Cristiano Mascaro

2010-08-14T15:04:00.003-03:00

Today I had the privilege of attending a lecture of Cristiano Mascaro, one of the most important Brazilian photographers, at SESC da Esquina Theater.

He defines himself as a pedestrian photographer who likes to insert himself in his object of interest and with a camera in hand, find the pictures that the place or the situation offers.

He is essentially an urban photographer, averse to the obvious (like a beggar photographed in an environment of luxury and ostentation) and in terms of equipment, he resisted as long as he could to digital and everything that comes along with it (memory cards, computers, external hard drives, backups, etc).

Coffee under the cold weather

2010-08-13T10:16:00.005-03:00

I do not have my breakfast at Fran's Cafe at Espanha Square everyday, but every time I go there, this gentleman is there. As he smokes and the smoke-free law prohibits smoking within any commercial establishment, he was forced to have his coffee outside. Thus, even in very cold days, he takes the table on the sidewalk, has his coffee, reads his newspaper and smokes whatever his cigarette.

New York

2010-08-12T17:10:00.014-03:00

LOVE sculpture at 6th avenue.

Flatiron Building at sunset

Roof tops of Chinatown from Manhattan Bridge.

The Rockfeller Center, the Atlas and the St. Patrick Cathedral

Bethesda Fountain at Central Park

Central Park from the Top of the Rock

Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock

Brooklin Bridge

New York Public Library

Gramercy Park

Manhattan from the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island

I was not planning to post pictures of my journey through New York City in this space, but since I do not know if I'll create a blog, how long will it take to organize the photos and since a very good friend of mine has asked me when would she see some of the photos, I will open only today a parenthesis and I'll post some photos taken by me in New York.

I apologize in advance for the clichê photos (eg Empire State), but since it is my first time in NYC, these photos were inevitable.

If I were asked to point out the highlights of New York that would be: the absolute sense of security that I have felt anywhere in this immense city; the efficiency of everyone; the architecture in every detail, the constant care to preserve that heritage; the museums and their collections, which we all know only by books; and the wonderful Central Park.

New immigrants

2010-08-11T15:58:00.003-03:00

Curitiba has always received immigrants and has its history marked by their presence. Today the flow is much smaller than it once was. The couple of the photo at Flower Street seems to be from Brazil`s neighboring countries who commonly come to Curitiba to show their art (crafts or music).

Thalia Society

2010-08-10T10:19:00.002-03:00

The Thalia Society was founded on April 4th, 1882 by eighteen German immigrants in order to accommodate their meetings, especially theater, arts and music.

The name Thalia came from the Greek mythology. Thalia is the muse of comedy.

Due to the tension generated during the First World War, the club started to be observed by the police and the government forced the club to change its name, its board and forced to adopt Brazilian characteristics and even that documents could no longer be written in German. The Verein Thalia then changed its name to Thalia Society on January 26, 1918. At that time all documents and books of its library written in German were destroyed.

In December 1942 the Thalia Society moved to its current address at Comendador Araújo Street.

The club carries out various cultural activities (such as the folk group Original Einigkeir Tanzgruppe) and it has strong participation in sports events in town and it is also well known for its parties and their dances.

Thalia is a club with its 128 years of existence and played an important role on the history of German immigration and the history of Curitiba.

Tingui Park

2010-08-09T09:14:00.005-03:00

Tingüi Park was opened in 1994 with 380,000 square meters, the river Barigüi. It has lakes, covered wooden bridges, a playground, bike path and plenty of green area. A great choice of leisure in Curitiba.

Ukrainian Memorial is one of main attractions in the park (already posted here in blog).

The name of the Park is a tribute to Tinguis Indians who inhabited the region for the time of its colonization by the Portuguese. A statue representing the Tindiqüera chief of the tribe Tingüi, is placed at the entrance of the Park. The Indians Tinguis cooperated and provided services to European settlers.

The photo shows a family feeding ducks and geese of the site, along one of the wooden bridges in the park.

Marta Rocha Cake

2010-08-08T14:17:00.003-03:00

The most famous cake in Brazil was created in Curitiba by a baker named Jesus Terzado to cheer up his wife, Dair Terzado, who was terribly sad because Marta Rocha, miss Brazil in 1964, did not won the Miss Universe Contest at that year. The cake was named after the miss and became a bakery classic all over the country. The picture shows the cake, right besides the strawberry cakes. It is really delicious.

Your eyes will shine.

2010-08-07T21:30:00.004-03:00

The guy of the picture was at the taxi stop of Osório Square, smoking his cigarette, drinking his beer and looking to the infinite. Was he waiting for someone? Was he thinking of someone?

The translation for the sign is "Your eyes will shine more than the gift".

Pausing the report

2010-08-06T14:32:00.005-03:00

The small reporting team of the major local TV station was at Tiradentes Square, where a serious bus accident occurred recently, patiently waiting for a bus full of tourists to follow its path so they could start their work.

Morretes and the cold

2010-08-05T09:48:00.004-03:00

This picture of Morretes presents a nice view of the city with the Nhundiaquara River, the Nhundiaquara Restaurant and back there, the Morumby Chain. It is cold now, so it is the perfect time to visit Morretes and have a Barreado.

Skater in the cold weather

2010-08-04T18:03:00.004-03:00

Another young skater on his way to the Jardim Ambiental skate park. It is very cold in Curitiba and it is not a great time for outdoor activities. Better be at home with a hot chocolate than on the streets.

Private prisions

2010-08-03T10:14:00.008-03:00

I've noticed throughout the city a growing concern about security at homes and businesses.Many buildings are being transformed into fortresses with the installation of concertinas ("evolution" of barbed wire) and electric fences. In my house, which is in a residential neighborhood of Curitiba, I had to sacrifice aesthetics in favor of safety by installing an electrified fence, a result of the invasion of which I was the victim.

I have just returned from a city where the lack of security is now past and it was only possible due to a serious and incorruptible attitude of authorities who had the power to change the course of things. The zero tolerance policy for ANY kind of crimes and criminals, made New York a safe city in all neighborhoods, even those which in the films are presented as violent. If they can, it is also true that we could. What's missing?

Selling bubbles

2010-08-02T22:38:00.004-03:00

It was not so cold in Curitiba (like today) when I photographed these two colored hair girls at Carlos de Carvalho Street selling bubbles. They seemed to be having fun.

The bond of the sweethearts

2010-08-01T23:10:00.005-03:00

We have returned home after a long and tiring trip! What brings pleasure to a trip is the planning, the trip itself and the way back home. We had a wonderful time in New York but we were very happy to be home again.

And not to miss a post, I will post a picture of the archives. The girl of the picture appear in one of my posts during the last carnival in Brasil when a zombie walk took place at that time. The young couple was walking and talking at Flower Street connected to each other by a chain as if it was perfectly normal.

Praying from the window

2010-07-31T09:19:00.003-03:00

The old lady was praying from the window of her apartment with a rosary in hand, during the procession of Corpus Christi. A beautiful demonstration of faith.

Today ends our journey through NYC. At the end of the day we will embark back to Curitiba and to the cold. We are happy to have made an unforgettable trip and also because we are coming home.

The flowers of the Flower Street

2010-07-30T08:16:00.003-03:00

Keeping the flowers theme, the trees of Flower Street also blossom. The flowers look like the cherry blossom but as far as I know, the cherry trees as concentrated at Japan Square only, as a gift of the Emperor of Japan.

Yesterday we had a bonus in NYC watching the Broadway at Bryant Park for free. Awesome! Today we are going to SoHo, Tribeca, Village.

Cherry blossom at Japan Square

2010-07-29T08:45:00.005-03:00

Right before we depart for our trip (by the way, it is rainning today in NYC) the cherry trees of Japan Square bloom. The square itself is beaultiful and it is even more with these flowers.

Interesting the fact that the color of the girls`s bag matches the color of the flowers.

Schedule for today (if the rain permits): Flatiron and Gramercy districts.

Barigui Park: black birds.

2010-07-28T08:26:00.004-03:00

The picture presents some dark birds on a dark bush at the middle of the lake and back in the picture, a lonely man doing his exercises.

We are at the middle of the second week of our trip. Today we are going to the Brooklin.

Barigui Park: the thinker

2010-07-27T08:47:00.002-03:00

The lonely guy of the first post of this series of Barigui Park after a long walk, was at the other side of the park, still lonely. It seems he had a lot to think of.

Barigui Park: on wheels.

2010-07-26T08:57:00.004-03:00

Early in the morning you will only find people at Barigui Park that are there for walking or running. Later when the fog is gone, come the ones on wheels.

Barigui Park: Gym

2010-07-25T08:59:00.004-03:00

At Barigui Park you can match you desire to exercise and your desire to be at the park on a sunday morning at one of the public gyms. There is always a crowd of people around this place.

Today`s schedule: A Harlem tour and a service at Abyssinian Baptist Church.

Barigui Park: the houses

2010-07-24T08:57:00.005-03:00

Few people in Curitiba can have the Barigui Park as their backyard like the people that own the houses of the picture. The one in the second picture is really beautiful.

Schedule for today: Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden.

Barigui Park: jogging.

2010-07-23T08:56:00.004-03:00

I have noticed that people who takes good care of their health, do not bother if it is too hot or too cold to exercise. This day was very cold when I arrived and there were crowds of people walking all around.

Today`s schedule: Upper East Side, The Guggenhein and The Met.

Barigui Park: trees and bridge

2010-07-22T19:51:00.004-03:00

The bridge and trees of the picture are close to the Candido Hartmann Avenue where I have parked my car that day. The mist was already gone at that time.

It is our fifth day in New York and everything is just fine. We are having a great time! What a city!!

Barigui Park: Birds

2010-07-21T09:14:00.003-03:00

There`s a place by the park restaurant where the birds get together before the sun dissipates the mist. I don`t now if there are there for the food, mutual protection or to discuss the strategies of the day.

Barigui Park: Family

2010-07-20T17:01:00.003-03:00

The Barigui Parke hosts not only the sports people but also families, just like this little one, registering the first winter of their son.

Barigui Park: The lonely reader

2010-07-19T18:56:00.004-03:00

The lonely reader was alternating her attention to the book and to the people practicing Tai Chi not far from her.

Barigui Park: It`s Super Man!

2010-07-18T19:45:00.005-03:00

The little Super Man was running freely with no Lex Luthor Jr or Cryptonite to bug him!

Barigui Park: The guy and the mist.

2010-07-17T23:12:00.002-03:00

I have capture some photos of this guy walking around in the mist of Barigui Park.

The lady of the Suissa Gallery

2010-07-16T11:16:00.003-03:00

During my wanderings through the commercial galleries of Curitiba downtown, at Suissa gallery, I have spotted this lady of extreme elegance taking care of this little shop that makes copies of keys. I made a discrete movement showing my intention to take her picture to which she responded with a slight and polite nod. Since I was in a hurry, I did not had the opportunity to meet her, but one day I will be back to meet her properly.

Tonight we will embark for a period of 15 days of vacation. If all goes well, at our destination, I will keep posting, but to make things easier for me, I will post about one topic only: The Barigui Park. On a cold Sunday morning I visited the park and got astonished by its beauty and I took a lot of beautiful photographs that I will share with you next days.

The commercial galleries of Curitiba: Asa and Osório galleries.

2010-07-15T11:28:00.005-03:00

ASA GALLERY

The Asa Gallery is the only one with three access points: by Osório Square, Voluntários da Pátria Street and Dr. Carlos de Carvalho Street. I have lived at Asa Building for over 12 years, so this gallery is the most familiar for me. Hairdressers, Pubs, Travel Agency, a variety stores and three blocks (residential and commercial) guarantee a huge daily movement for the gallery. One of its most known trustees was Dr. Zarur (deceased), responsible for the peculiar visual which remains in the gallery. The gallery opened in 1954.

OSÓRIO GALLERY

Gallery General Osorio has 33 stores such as beauty salon, internet café, antique shops, natural products, computer shop, optics, clothing, jewelry and Xerox copies. It links the Osorio Square to Dr. Carlos de Carvalho Street. I remember that at this gallery a huge remote control car model trail existed, which was mounted where there is now a food court. In this gallery operated the barber shop (which no longer exists) that my father attended for decades until his death his barber. The oldest merchant of Osório Square is Mr. Nelson Lehmkhul for over 35 years repairing watches in place.The building belongs to the Demeterco family, neighbor and former owner of the still existing Mercadorama.

The commercial galleries of Curitiba: Ritz and Minerva Galleries

2010-07-14T09:46:00.009-03:00

MINERVA GALLERY
I am not sure, but I think the gallery was named after an old Minerva Pharmacy that used to exist on its entrance. The Minerva Gallery is smaller and wider than the others, and therefore, very well lit.

RITZ GALLERY
It is the only gallery with two levels (a stair connects both levels). There a great myriad of services is offered: notary, tourist agencies, clothing stores, bank, clinics and more. There even a karate academy existed, whose sensei was my physical education teacher at college.

The commercial galleries of Curitiba: Tijucas Gallery

2010-07-13T11:00:00.004-03:00

The Tijucas Gallery (Luiz Xavier Avenue, 68) is the best known and frequented gallery in Curitiba not only by the notary Marques (opened in the 60s) or to be the access to the the commercial and residential building which gives its name to the gallery, but also because it is the Boca Maldita’s gallery and offer its official coffee at “Cafe da Boca”, which was opened in 1965.

Who lives in Curitiba long, must remember that every day at dusk, a lawyer at the window of his office, used to offer to the city a trumpet presentation. Those who lived close by have become accustomed to that sound and it was very common to see people standing under Tijucas, looking for the musician.

The gallery offers lawyers office, medical clinic, dental, pharmacy, real estate, cafeteria, lottery, shop for perfume, cosmetic, seamstress and tailor, in fact, the only tailor I ever visited in Curitiba used to work in this building. The Tijucas since the 70’s as a bastion of tailors. Among them we will still find Mr. Ferdinando Nardelli, a 74 years old tailor, working at Tijucas since 1958. There are only 18 taylors still working at Tijucas.

The commercial galleries of Curitiba: Suissa Gallery

2010-07-12T12:01:00.004-03:00

I will start today a series about the commercial galleries of Curitiba downtown. For nearly 20 years I lived in downtown and it is virtually impossible to move through the city center without passing through, stop and get some product or service offered by these galleries, which may be considered without a shadow of doubt, the forerunners of the malls in Curitiba. The diversity of products and services is larger than in a mall, the space is democratic, the prices are competitive and compared to other street stores, it is safer.

There are dozens of galleries in Curitiba, but here I will address only those which is or were part of my life and my history, spaces where I have circulated on the way home from college, from my English school or from anywhere else.

These galleries were considered by the main newspaper of Curitiba (Gazeta do Povo), another among the “50 reasons to love Curitiba”.

Suissa Gallery.
The Suissa Gallery (Marechal Deodoro Street, 262), has electric supply store, restaurant, money exchange, tourism agency, computer shop, health and beauty products, clothes (men and women), electronics, jewelry, home and garden shop, office and school supplies, food, games.

Been a reference point for any resident in Curitiba, the Suissa Gallery was opened in October 12th, 1962, at that time known as Alberto Bolliger Gallery, serving only one store: The Casa Suissa, selling appliances, furniture, toys and electrical equipment. The store still remains in the gallery, selling electrical equipment under the administration of another family. The Bolliger family administrate gallery as a whole. Since 1977 the gallery was open to other stores.

Traffic agents and street races

2010-07-11T10:58:00.004-03:00

The municipality of Curitiba has a variety of street racing through the city of Curitiba, with the support of various associations of street racers. Many occur in the region of Alto da XV and Bacacheri districts. Last Sunday, several traffic agents were prepared at Fagundes Varela and Augusto Stresser street, next to what appeared to be the organizers of the event, waiting for the passage of the runners.

The Diabolo Juggler

2010-07-10T13:20:00.002-03:00

The picture shows another juggler of the streets of Curitiba, this one was at the corner of 13 de Maio and Barão do Cerro Azul Streets. The device he was using is a diabolo and the street sign seems to indicate the path that the object will follow.

Diabolo is an ancient toy from China, famous throughout the world, it can be considered an evolution of the Chinese yo-yo. It is made by joining two semi-spheres reversed, that should be handled and balanced by a cord driven by two sticks. With the diabolo, an experienced player can make hundreds of tricks.

Chatting at Boca Maldita

2010-07-09T10:05:00.004-03:00

The photos, taken on a Sunday afternoon, show for what purpose the "Boca Maldita" was conceived: to bring together old friends, stop for a few or several minutes and talk about everything and everyone and after that, go back home updated.

At Beto Batata of Alto da XV District

2010-07-08T10:20:00.007-03:00

Yesterday after a failed attempt to access the Cana Benta Bar (totally crowded), we went to Beto Batata, which had its facade remodeled. As always, the atmosphere was very nice, the swiss potatoes were very good, we had a good beer and the two musicians, a pianist and trumpeter, created a special mood to the moment.

The silk floss tree of Viviam Calopreso Braga Square

2010-07-07T09:56:00.004-03:00

Last Sunday morning on my way to Barigui Park, I passed by Vivian Calopreso Braga Square at Juvevê District. The heavy fog and the lawn of the square completely covered with silk floss, created an uncommon visual in Curitiba. I had to stop to record the moment.

One of the most familiar faces of television journalism in Curitiba during the '80s, was the journalist Vivian Calopreso Braga. In the square that bears her name in Juvevê, there is a sign where you can read the following: "This square honors the Curitiban journalist Vivian Calopreso Braga (1959-1991) whose professinal life was guided by ethics and truth."

It's Fun Time

2010-07-06T11:20:00.004-03:00

Every weekend the city of Curitiba through its Municipal Secretary of Sports and Recreation promotes in the public spaces of Curitiba, recreational events called "Brincadeira tem hora" (something like "Fun time") providing ping-pong tables and various boards games for the population, just like in the picture taken at Boca Maldita.

APAE's June Festival

2010-07-05T11:05:00.006-03:00

The APAE (Association of parents and friends of exceptional) of Curitiba is a philanthropic, nonprofit association, founded in October 6, 1962, aiming to provide care to people with learning or multiple disabilities, from infancy to old age, offering assistance in the fields of health, education, social and work, aiming at the full development of their capabilities and also to promote their integration with their society, fighting for the guarantee of their rights.

In Curitiba APAE consists of five schools that offer free consultations in the areas of education, physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, medicine, hydrotherapy, physical education, music therapy and nutrition, providing more than 800 daily attendance in their schools.

Before the period of June festivities got too in the past, I decided to make this post with the photos that were taken by me at the APAE’s June Festival, which happened in the agricultural school in Santa Felicidade on June 13th. All schools presented their “quadrille” . The children portrayed by me are from CEDAE (which serves children from 0 to 6 years old), whose headquarters is at Alferes Angelo Sampaio Street, 1597 in Batel district.

APAE does a wonderful job that ennobles much all professionals who work there. I've had a lot of contact with the CEDAE and I can say that it is a fantastic experience to know their job and to meet and to be moved by these lovely, lovely children.

Night photographers of MON

2010-07-04T17:14:00.003-03:00

Two students of the Omicron intermediary course of photography caught on a practical class of flash light on a Monday night at MON.

Unfortunately practical classes at night at MON are no longer possible because the museum administration has banned access to the site after 7 p.m.

Castello Trevizzo Restaurant

2010-07-03T09:09:00.003-03:00

Two restaurants of Santa Felicidade catch your attention for their architecture, the Siciliano Restaurant (with its facade imitating a Roman ruin) and the Castello Trevizzo.

Administered by the Trevisan family, who works in the restaurant business for over 55 years, the Castello Trevizzo Restaurant was inaugurated in October 23rd, 1991 and works within the standards of Santa Felicidade which means Italian food. It is very popular for wedding receptions.

Brazil 1 x 2 Netherlands

2010-07-02T13:58:00.005-03:00

Unfortunately our team fell against the Netherlands! It is the end of the World Cup for Brazil, our team did not know how to escape from a disadvantaged position in the second half, after a first half in which completely dominated the Netherlands' team.

Every brazilian will now seek someone to blame, starting with Dunga. At least, I did not end up with the bad impression of the last world cup (that was really a shame). I think our team did the best with the players that Dunga took to South Africa (if Dunga took the best players, that's another story).

Well, for now there is no other alternative but to shelve the banners, trash all vuvuzelas and wait for 2014 here in Brazil!

Theme day: Refletions

2010-07-01T11:58:00.006-03:00

The picture shows a young couple enjoying a warm winter day in Curitiba at the MON. The weather in this period of the year is known in Curitiba as "Veranico" (something like little summer), which is a period of the winter time when the temperatures are nice enough to avoid heavy clothes.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Remaining images of Corpus Christi holliday

2010-06-30T09:41:00.005-03:00

These are two nice remaining pictures of Corpus Christi holliday that I would like to share. Both were made by the carpet where the Bishop went on Cândido de Abreu Avenue toward the Civic Center.

The Gondolier of Nhundiaquara River

2010-06-29T09:39:00.006-03:00

OK, it is not a gondola! No problem, we're not in Venice anyway! The boatman who circulates around the region of the restaurants in Morretes, charges a small fee for a romantic (!) excursion in the Nhundiaquara river.

In the back, we can see the metal bridge and the Madalosso Restaurant, one of the most traditional restaurants in Morretes where you can enjoy the “Barreado”, a typical dish from the coast of Paraná.

Brazil 3 x 0 Chile

2010-06-28T17:23:00.002-03:00

It is a pity for our South American brothers, but today Brazil was the Brazil that we all want to see on the pitch. OK! Kaka was still not the Kaka that we expect, Robinho has not pedaled all he had to pedal, but when the trio worked (Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano), the goals happened. Our defense was always very competent and Julio Cesar is always a guarantee that our goal is very well kept.

So for now, one more reason to celebrate and may come the Holland!

Sunday of art at Flower Street

2010-06-27T11:19:00.003-03:00

On Sundays at Flowe Street, the rushing crowd of weekdays is replaced by people walking around, by musicians and artists, as the designer sat in front of the Palace Avenue, drawing a portrait, while his bench mate is reading a book.

Another point of view of Boca Maldita

2010-06-26T10:25:00.003-03:00

The Boca Maldita is the center of all important events in Curitiba (political, social and cultural). It is an obligatory passage for those who want to know what is happening in the city. Get closer to where the old men are talking to disclose the backroom of Curitiba's politic panorama.

The photo was taken from Dr. Muricy street towards the Boca Maldita.

Brazil 0 x 0 Portugal

2010-06-25T14:32:00.002-03:00

For those who expected the game of Brazil against Portugal to be best of the group, it ends up to be a huge disappointment. Both teams were more interested in keeping the things safe than to play a good match. But we must keep the faith (just like the woman of the photo with an image of Dunga on hand). In the next phases there'll be no alternative to our team but to play well (with Kaka, Robinho and Elano back to the team).

Alice Ruiz

2010-06-24T11:59:00.002-03:00

The poet Alice Ruiz Curitiba start writing poems since very young, but she had her first book published at the age of 34. She married Paulo Leminski and he was the first person who described her poetry as similar to "Haikais”.

Alice Ruiz has published 19 books and has received numerous awards. Many of her lyrics were recorded by important Brazilian singers. Much more can be found at http://www.aliceruiz.mpbnet.com.br/.

I remember one Haikai of Alice Ruiz that I believe get along very well with the picture that I am posting today. It is hard to translate, but is says something like:

de tanto não poder dizer
meus olhos deram de falar
só falta você ouvir

since I can’t tell
my eyes have to talk
all you have to do is listen

Lighting up the skies of Curitiba with the colors of Brazil

2010-06-23T10:50:00.003-03:00

The Itau Bank, which sponsors the Brazilian national soccer team for years, developed an action in partnership with the designer Marcello Dantas, resulting in a spectacle of lights in Curitiba can be seen from various points of the city. Dozens of reflectors were installed in the Nações Plaza at Alto da XV district, which throughout the night light up the skies of Curitiba in the colors of the flag of Brazil. Depending on weather conditions, the powerful reflectors can reach up to seven kilometers height. Six other cities of Brazil also received these lights.

Winter is here

2010-06-22T10:03:00.004-03:00

We are on the second day of winter and the arrival of cold fronts will be a constant in our lives from now on. Curitiba, although is not the capital of Brazil most to the south, but certainly it is the coldest one. Winter is a very complicated period of the year for those who lives on the streets and need to find a way to keep themselves warm, like the people of the photo, sat under the sun. The picture was taken at the corner of Souza Naves Avenue and Padre Germano Mayer Street.

Posing for the photo on the steps of UFPR

2010-06-21T11:30:00.006-03:00

Nothing is more traditional for graduating student of UFPR than doing a photo for the graduation call on the steps of the UFPR at Santos Andrade Square. I even believe that graduates from other colleges must use the same scenario.

Besides being the favorite stage for graduation photos, the stairs are also used for protests in general, for concerts or just to serve as a seat to watch the children play and chat with friends.

Brazil 3 x 1 Ivory Coast

2010-06-20T17:58:00.006-03:00

Phew! Brazil played very well, escaped almost unscathed from the carnage that the Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) tried to perpetrate on the field (in their case, a battlefield) and in the end, Brazil had a victory just like Brazilian fans love: with brilliant goals and attitude. Sad to see a team which was expected a fine football (Ivory Coast) and what we saw in the field, was a team that thought could win by physical intimidation. The pictures were taken at Boca Maldita few minutes before the match. We now look forward for Portugal!

Photographing the photographers

2010-06-19T08:21:00.002-03:00

On the day of Corpus Christi, on my way from the Shopping Mueller, where I left my car and the Cathedral, where the procession would leave, I saw many interesting scenes and some of them were recorded by me.

These three photographers (or perhaps fellow photography students) were sitting on the curb of Avenida Cândido de Abreu, adjusting their machines and awaiting the moment of passage of the procession. One of the girls noticed my presence, which has tightened up the image.

SOS Earth

2010-06-18T09:15:00.004-03:00

The green snake that was positioned between the crawlers at Shopping Mueller is part of the SOS Earth exhibition of the Brazilian artist Thiago Cóstackz. This exhibition is a demonstration in favor of the environment. The artist uses his own body to reproduce the patterns of endangered species of the Amazon.

Comendador Araújo Street

2010-06-17T14:32:00.003-03:00

Political leader coming from the city of Antonina, Antonio Alves de Araujo was a provincial deputy. He had an important social and economic position because of his business. He lived on the street that got his name after his death. His home, a mansion in the corner of Osório Square, was demolished in the seventies to make way for a tall building.

In November 1887, it was inaugurated the line of streetcars pulled by donkeys, which started circulating in Curitiba. Because of this, many traders and industrialists, moved from the coast to Curitiba, choosing this region to settle down. On April 30th, 1888, the street was renamed to “Comendador Antonio Alves de Araujo”. The then existing residential environment has been transformed over time into a region of trade. The “Casa Glaser”, remains as the last witness of this history.

From the book "Ruas e histórias de Curitiba" by Valerio Hoerner Jr. Artes e Textos. Curitiba, 2002

Brazil 2 x 1 North Corea

2010-06-16T11:14:00.003-03:00

Yesterday, Brazil beat Korea by a score of 2 x 1 (goals from Elano and Maicon), in a presentation considered pale and unimaginative by the sports Analysts. Finishing the first half in 0x0 was very frustrating.

The post game was a good thermometer of overall feeling: little celebration and few fireworks. Robinho (Brazilian striker) celebrated the victory, saying the anxiety of the first game was great. He said that "the victory was what we wanted," and further, that "The Brazilian people can expect a lot of guts and we will represent Brazil very well."

No matter what, the Brazilian soccer fans will always complain, suffer, cheer and if everything goes right, celebrate another title. The weight of the 5 stars is too large to be different.

The photo of the Brazilian soccer fan was made in the corner of Rua Engenheiros Rebouças with Rua Conselheiro Laurindo.

Go Brazil!!!

2010-06-15T11:23:00.003-03:00

Today Brazil will literally stop to watch the opening game of our team at South Africa World Cup at 3.30 P.M. (local time).

In Curitiba, the Flower Street, more specifically at the "Boca Maldita", a huge screen was set up so people can follow the games. Everything and everyone is wearing the colors of the Brazilian flag. I believe that there is no other event (political, social, sports) that has the power to mobilize the people of Brazil as the world cup does. Every four years, each Brazilian feel more Brazilian than ever and full of pride of the motherland.

Today Brazil enters the Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg against North Korea with the following lineup: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lúcio, Juan and Michel Bastos, Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Elano and Kaka ; Robinho and Luis Fabiano.

Go, Brazil!! And don't forget to play your vuvuzela!

Junine Feast

2010-06-14T09:52:00.005-03:00

The Junine Feasts were brought to Brazil by the Portuguese, which at first were called “Joanina” to be in honor of São João (Saint John). Common elements in Brazil were aggregated by various influences such the quadrille dancing (French), fireworks (China) and dancing with ribbons (Iberian). In each region, these elements were mixed with regional characteristics, resulting in small differences. In the south, where the cold is more intense, comfort beverages and foods that were introduced such as quentão (made of hot sweet wine, ginger, cinnamon, apple, orange) , boiled pine nuts and hot dogs, in addition to foods based on peanut and corn, common to all regions of Brazil.

Children on the streets of Curitiba

2010-06-13T10:09:00.002-03:00

It is not uncommon to see children on the streets of Curitiba, such as those ones at the corner of Souza Naves street with Nossa Senhora da Luz av, accompanying their parents that scavenge paper for sale to any recycling plant.

Valentine's day in Curitiba

2010-06-12T21:31:00.004-03:00

It is hard to explain why the june 12th was chosen to be the Valentine's day in Brazil. Some say that it is due to Saint Anthony, the most popular saint in Brazil and said to be a matchmaker saint. Anyhow, today anywhere you go, love is in the air and young hearts show their affection.

The reader of Flower Street in Curitiba

2010-06-11T07:46:00.003-03:00

It is Sunday afternoon of a cold day, but not enough to keep you at home. Maybe after a good lunch and a candy at Confeitaria das Famílias at Flower Street, a very nice option to spend the rest of the afternoon would be to sit on a bench surrounded by colorful flowers, open a good book and enjoy this nice moment by yourself.

Winter fair at Osorio Square

2010-06-10T07:47:00.005-03:00

Since early June the Winter Fair at Osório Square is open. Handicrafts and delicacies typical of winter can be found, particularly cooked pinion and quentão, a hot beverage made of wine ideal to warm a frosty end of a day Curitiba. The winter fair will be open daily from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M. and should run until at least the end of july.

Sunday afternoon at São Lourenço Park - the nature

2010-06-09T11:25:00.004-03:00

Visiting the parks of Curitiba is part of the routine of Curitiba. Curitiba has 26 parks and approximately 81 million square meters of preserved green area. There are 55m ² of green area per capita, three times the level recommended by World Health Organization, of 16m ². In Brazil, it is the town where the Atlantic Forest is better preserved.

The São Lourenço Park was opened in 1972 with 204 000 m². It was created after a river flood in 1970, which caused the disruption of a dam, paralyzing a tannery and a glue factory.

Sunday afternoon at São Lourenço Park - Children

2010-06-08T10:19:00.005-03:00

The great protagonists of São Lourenço Park are the children. Most people who frequent this park, make it especially for their children, who occupy all spaces of the park: the playground, the ball bearings track or the huge lawn of the park that has more than 200 thousand square meters of area. In a highly urbanized city like Curitiba, the city parks account for the vast majority of the population, the only alternative to have a minimal contact with nature and space.

Sunday afternoon at São Lourenço Park - Skates and Ball Bearings Boards

2010-06-07T10:58:00.006-03:00

Yesterday late afternoon, we went to São Lourenço Park. It was difficult to park, but it was quite nice. Many children playing everywhere, especially on the playground, lots of people walking, playing ball and dating.

The track stands for skateboarding and ball bearings were quite busy, with people of all ages coming down at full speed.

The gentleman and his Panama hat

2010-06-06T13:10:00.002-03:00

A Panama hat or just Panama is a traditional brimmed hat of Ecuadorian origin that is made from the plaited leaves of the toquilla straw plant (Carludovica palmata). Straw hats woven in Ecuador, like many other 19th and early 20th century South American goods, were shipped first to the Isthmus of Panama before sailing for their destinations in Asia, the rest of the Americas and Europe. For some products, the name of their point of international sale rather than their place of domestic origin stuck, hence “Panama hats.” The 49ers picked up these hats in Panama, and when President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Panama Canal construction, he wore such a hat, which increased its popularity. They're also known as a Jipijapa, named for a town in Ecuador, one of the centers of the hat trade. The Oxford English Dictionary cites a use of the term as early as 1834.

Glorified during the 19th century, the Panama has since been considered the prince of straw hats. Ecuadorian national hero and emblematic figure, Eloy Alfaro helped finance his liberal revolution of Ecuador through the export of panamas. The reputation of the hat was established by Napoleon III, Edward VII, and some other aficionados.

This gentleman photo, with his Panama hat on his head and a bag of popcorn in hand, was waiting patiently next to the Cathedral, the procession of Corpus Christi.

Blind faith, sharpened knife

2010-06-05T13:06:00.003-03:00

In excerpts from the short essay "The religious fanaticism among others " of the Professor Raymundo de Lima, Psychoanalyst, we find the following.

The bigot takes the place of slavery before the absolute master, who can be a god, a secular leader, an ultimate cause or blind faith. Fanaticism is powered by a system of absolute and irrational beliefs that aims to serve a powerful being committed to the fight against Evil. The fanatic does not talk, he makes speeches; ready speeches bears whose purpose is the preaching of a religious or political inculcation of ideas which may turn into an aggressive act.

In Brazil, the religious fanaticism has never had a prominent place in history. There are people who in the name of their faith, are able to donate all their goods, but I think they are a minority. There are in Brazil, other types of fanaticism, as the football that has presented sad and violent scenes (as in Curitiba in the last game of the Brazilian Championship of 2009). But fortunately we do not have to live with religious extremism and terrorism in all its forms. We are (Brazilians) a peaceful people.

The picture of the post was made inside the Cathedral Basilica at Tiradentes Square during the celebration of Corpus Christi.

Corpus Christi

2010-06-04T13:35:00.005-03:00

Corpus Christi (Latin for Body of Christ) is a Western Catholic feast. It is also celebrated in some Anglican and Lutheran churches. It honors the Eucharist, and as such it does not commemorate a particular event in Jesus' life. It is held on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday or, in some places, on the following Sunday. Its celebration on a Thursday is meant to associate it with institution by Jesus of the Eucharist during the Last Supper, commemorated on Maundy Thursday, and this is the first free Thursday after Paschaltide. In the current Ordinary form of the Roman rite of the Catholic Church, the feast is officially known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

The celebration of Corpus Christi became widespread only after both St. Juliana and Bishop Robert de Thorete had died. In 1263 Pope Urban IV investigated claims of a Eucharistic miracle at Bolsena, in which a consecrated host began to bleed. In 1264 he issued the papal bull Transiturus de hoc mundo in which Corpus Christi was made a feast throughout the entire Latin Rite. This was the very first papally sanctioned universal feast in the history of the Latin Rite.

In Curitiba, Corpus Christi rugs were made to the fullest extent of the Avenues Barão do Serro Azul and Cândido de Abreu from Cathedral Square to the Civic Center to accommodate the procession. The mat assembled for the procession, which took place yesterday afternoon, was made with five tons of materials and it was 1.5 kilometers long.

The celebration in front of the Cathedral Basilica began at 3 P.M. After the Mass, which lasted about an hour and a half, the faithful followed in procession toward the Civic Center on Avenida Cândido de Abreu. The celebration ended with a solemn blessing. It is estimated that 100 000 people attended the procession in Curitiba.

Semi-precious stones salesman

2010-06-03T10:45:00.002-03:00

This gentleman sells semi-precious stones in Morretes near the restaurant Nhundiaquara. He very kindly allowed me to do that picture next to his bike, after I explained that it was a photography class. He asked only if later I could check on his stones.

Restoration of the Rua 24 Horas

2010-06-02T11:49:00.002-03:00

When the “Rua 24 Horas” (24 Hours Street) was opened in Curitiba on September 12, 1991, it was something never seen before: a place where 24 hours a day everything is working, providing services, conveniences, food and leisure. At that time, we could hardly find anything working on a Saturday afternoon.

After years of neglect and several attempts to restore the place, yesterday was announced by the mayor of Curitiba that the “Rua 24 Horas” would be again a point of reference in Curitiba. The reform will start this Wednesday (2) with an investment of $ 3.84 million made by the city of Curitiba.

There will be deployed a cafe, bookstore, post office, tourist center information and a cultural space. The reform will maintain the architectural characteristics of space. Tourists will find a series of services such as information about the city, and sales of handicrafts and regional products.

Theme day: Funny signs

2010-06-01T11:36:00.007-03:00

Eventually going to work on Agua Verde Avenue, I used to notice small advertising boards fixed on the poles and traffic lights of a gym called “Monsters Gym”, which calls itself as "the most controversial academy of all times”. What draws attention to these boards are the sentences. They are so absurd that become comical. I think the owners of the gym are good humored people, but a kind of humor that might bother whom takes everything too seriously, because the signs are politically incorrect, as follow three examples:

"For over 10 years turning strips into men."
"Do you want get bigger? Come to MONSTERS GYM. Ops! Do you just want to be cute? Buy a comb!"

"The recipe is simple: Get bigger and get more women."

That last phrase sparked a protest of a group of women in front of the academy, arguing that it denigrates the image of women. Besides the protest, an action was issued requesting the removal of the signs.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Traffic light juggler

2010-05-31T15:41:00.001-03:00

I do not know when the traffic lights jugglers appeared in Curitiba, but certainly for years they spread throughout the city. After them, came the homeless people, who clearly do not have the same intimacy with juggling.

The juggler of the photo (gifted by the way) was photographed by me at the corner of Rua Barão do Serro Azul with Rua Treze de Maio. In gratitude for my coins, he told me: "muchas gracias hermano". It seems that a reasonable number of Argentines and Uruguayans jugglers are working on the streets of Brazil.

Walking at Barigui Park

2010-05-30T09:39:00.002-03:00

At Barigui Park you will find people who are there for running, biking, playing ball with their kids, making a barbecue, see a show or simply walking with no other commitment beyond appreciating the beauty of the park, the city in the distance, see some animals and enjoy a quiet moment, just like this boy patiently taking his sister for a little walk.

Car keeper

2010-05-29T17:36:00.003-03:00

The person leaning against the tree, supposedly watches over the cars that are parked at Jardim Ambiental of Alto da XV District, likely to attend bars and restaurants of the region. I made the shot from inside the parking lot of Positivo School.

Running at Barigui Park

2010-05-28T11:14:00.003-03:00

I made this picture on a Saturday morning and realized that many people go to Barigui Park early in the morning to walk or run. I imagine that living nearby, there would be no better option for exercise.

The outer track of the park has around 5100 meters, while the inner track has 3100 meters. Both have sections on asphalt (mostly) with some patches of grass.

Useful tips:
· Arrive early on weekends (before 9 am would be ideal) because it gets really crowded;
· Hydrate yourself. If you do not take liquids from home, there are stalls selling water, coconut water and sugarcane juice;
· It is always open;
· There is a free parking lot;
· The access to toilets is charged;
· There is a dedicated bike path;
· There are exercise equipments;

South Africa, here we come!

2010-05-27T10:38:00.006-03:00

The short and discrete period that the Brazilian Soccer Team was concentrated in Curitiba, has left to the city a new decoration of the Flower Street, an exhibition at the Memorial of Curitiba (which I intend to visit), the Cable Car with the colors of the Brazilian flag and a new monument next to the clock of the Boca Maldita, presenting the escalation of all Brazilian Soccer teams of the past that have won the World Cup.

The team has left Brazil to South Africa and next month, Brazil will stop to follow the World Cup. No doubt there is no other event that could mobilize the Brazilians as the World Cup can and there is nothing cooler than follow the games in the company of friends (since Brazil plays well and win of course!).

The man and his stick

2010-05-26T11:21:00.004-03:00

The man in this picture, leaning on his stick, was helping to organize the traffic in Morretes, hoping of course, a tip of the tourists. I caught him in a moment he was watching something. He looks pretty menacing.