Stop 2: Ouro Preto

---

---

We have spent the last 3 days in Ouro Preto, a small town 426km north west of Rio. We travelled by bus over night for 7 hours. Given the warning from several of Ellie's family members who have embarked on similar night bus journies from London to Edinburgh we had our reservations. However, it would seem that in a country as large as Brazil night bus road trips are common place, and hence the buses are fitted out appropriately. We had extra wide, comfortable, almost fully reclining seats. The only discomfort on the trip was as a result of the Brazilians´ habitual use of air conditioning regardless of the outside temperature, which was approaching single figures. 

The town itself is lovely; narrow, winding, cobbled streets flanked by colonial architecture. Ouro Preto is said to be South America's answer to Venice. We suspect this reference is largely due to the number of pizzerias! Which are secondly in abundance only to churches. 

Despite it's penchant for Italian cuisine we have made a few local gastronomic discoveries while here, which is a good thing considering Steve made it his mission to eat as many local dishes as possible at lunch time today. Apparently the total was 4 (yes Mike your brother can still eat like a pig!). Our favourite discovery is called carambola (which impressively the iPhone already knows about). This jam tastes of banana and is eaten on toast for breaky. It's amazing!

We've really enjoyed this place but are looking forward to warmer climes. So we have donned our thermals and are braving the extremes of the night bus back to Rio. From there we head on to the beaches of Ilha Grande. Can't wait. 

---

Photos

Cobbled Street
Ouro Preto is the best preserved colonial town in South America. All the streets look like this.

Caipirinha
Minas Gerais is the cachaca producing capital of Brazil.

Another Another Another Another Church
Believe it or not we didn´t actually photograph them all. There were more!

Comments

[Helena Kiff]

I am really enjoying your blog..you must be feeling very religious after all those churches! The bus journey sounds interesting ! Thought of you last week, and your appreciation of wine, when we travelled through France and Spain touring bodegas and champagne houses. You must visit Marques de Riscal,,, check the hotel, it is amazing. Glad you are having such a wonderful adventure....Helena xx