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Published: April 8th 2008
Ouro Preto was the center of gold mining in the 17th century when the Brasilian state of Minas Gerais was found to have the best reserves in the world. The gold that was mined here made its way to Rio via the port in Paraty and then on to Portugal. A friend in Ouro Preto explained how that gold was also funneled to England and funded a significant part of the early industrial revolution in Britain.
The town is beautiful with exclusively colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets and the majority of Aleijadinho's best known works. Aleijadinho, a Brasilian sculptor and architect who lost his fingers and feet, presumably from leprosy, would strap hammer and chisel to the end of what was left of his hands. Impressive.
We stayed at a great hostel and met wonderful people (pictured). Thanks to Salvador for the help with Portuguese, Vanessa for the energetic serenade, and Washington para tudo!
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MICHAEL BROWN
non-member comment
what an awesome trip!!
Hey boys, you didn't tell me there would be girls in South America (just kidding)! Keep safe and keep these photos coming, please! We are living vicariously through them! p.s. ask Jeremiah to put his phot's on same sight so we can "double" our enjoyment! Love, Dad and Brenda