SOUTH AMERICA - Part 1d Rio de Janeiro

1d Visit to the City of Petropolis - the Imperial City
Petropolis which means the "city of Pedro", is located 60 km away from Rio and it was an imperial city since the time of Emperor Pedro II when he bought a large property there in 1830. He liked the beauty, charm and climate of this mountain resort. Pedro I and Pedro II were the ony two Emperors of Brazil. Settled by the Germans, Petropolis preserves the history of Brazil through its buildings and charming streets.

On our way up to the mountain resort which is about 800 meters (2600 ft) above sea level, we stopped at these roadside stalls selling bananas and some local handicrafts.

Many of the houses were built along the hill slopes covered with luxuriant vegetation. We saw some interesting trees - with pretty yellow or purple flowers.

A scene taken from the coach along the way - the low clouds give the impression that the place had snow all over. It was drizzling that morning on 1 March 2008. The guide told us that March 1 was Rio de Janeiro's birthday. Rio was founded by the Portugese in 1565 and Brazil became a Republic in 1889.

This was the view from the Chocolate shop that we visited. Our coach is on the right.

Inside the Chocolate shop. Nothing fantastic but helpful as a toilet stop.

Inside the Catedral de São Pedro de Alcântara built in French Neogothic style, which dates from 1939. The 70 meter (230 foot) building houses the Imperial Chapel, which contains the remains of Dom Pedro II, his wife Dona Teresa Cristina, his daughter Princess Isabel and her husband Conde D´Eu.

The church with its distinctively Gothic architecture with its many arches and stained glass windows has character.

Crystal Palace - built in France and mounted in Brazil in 1879 - was a gift from Princess Isabell for her German husband. There are no more crystals now but just a glass building used for concerts, exhibitions and other events now.

Besides these places of interest, we also visited the Imperial Museum which used to be the Royal Palace and the summer residence of the emperor D Pedro II. The exhibits included furniture, paintings and other precious items such as the crown of gold, pearls and diamonds worn by D. Pedro I and D. Pedro II. Photography was not allowed inside the museum.


Lunch at Lago Sul Churrascaria in Petropolis

The interior of the restaurant before we were seated.

BBQ meats served on skewers, Brazilian style.

Ngoh and Hsiao Yun enjoying their lunch. Notice Ngoh holding the bottle of XO chilly sauce made by Melinda, that came all the way from Hong Kong to South America.

Hsiao Yun had a second helping of the beef...

Even without taking the beef, my plate was full...

A can of the local Brazilian soft drink - Guarana - which tasted like 7-up. We liked this drink.


The beautiful scenery outside the restaurant

In the background, the impressive building called Palácio Quitandinha. once contained the largest casino in Latin America, but it operated for only two years (gambling was banned in Brazil in 1946). Today, it is a convention center.

The lake, plants, trees plus the rounded hill in the distant made for an interesting composition for this photograph.

Another angle of the beautiful surroundings...

This photograph as well as the others outside the Lago Sul restaurant were taken after our sumptuous lunch.

Verdict - Petropolis is a charming city with a nice cool climate - very much like Cameron or Genting Highlands. It is worth a visit if one has the time.