My big little world.

Biosphere

2011-08-18T16:20:00.001-04:00

Biosphere, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The Biosphère is a museum in Montreal dedicated to environment.
In 1990 the site was transformed into an environment museum, after being closed for years due to a fire that consumed the building's transparent acrylic bubble.

The museum offers interactive activities related to water, climate change, ecotechnologies, and the sustainable development.

La Cité

2011-08-18T16:19:00.001-04:00

La Cité, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The city of Montreal as seen from across the Saint Lawrence River in the winter time.

Ville Intérieure

2011-08-18T16:18:00.001-04:00

Ville Intérieure, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

One of the many pathways of Montreal's Underground City. With over 32km of tunnels spread over most of the city's downtown, it's the largest underground complex in the world.

The connections are considered tunnels architecturally and technically, but are air conditioned and have lighting as good as any building's liveable space does. Many tunnels are large enough to have shops on both sides of the passage. With over 32 km (20 mi) of tunnels spread over more than 12 km2 (4.6 sq mi), connected areas include shopping malls, apartment buildings, hotels, condominiums, banks, offices, museums, universities, seven metro stations, two commuter train stations, a regional bus terminal and the Bell Centre amphitheatre and arena. There are more than 120 exterior access points to the underground city. In winter, some 500,000 people use the underground city every day.

(Text by Wikipedia)

Cocktails with Friends

2011-03-25T00:07:00.000-04:00

Cocktails with Friends, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Sipping drinks with friends at Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Quebec.

Cold winter day

2011-02-22T00:04:00.000-05:00

Cold winter day, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Myself at Lake Ontario on a snowy day in Toronto!

Royal York Hotel

2011-02-22T00:03:00.001-05:00

Royal York Hotel, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The Lobby of the Iconic Royal York Hotel in Toronto!

Skating

2011-02-22T00:03:00.000-05:00

Skating, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Snowy day in Toronto during my brother's visit. This is my favorite Skate rink in T.O at Harbourfront.

Fall scene at the Museum

2011-02-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Fall scene at the Museum, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A beautiful display of the Canadian fall at Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. A very well set display!

Blue Hour in Downtown

2011-02-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Blue Hour in Downtown, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Downtown Toronto in the winter time. The beautiful and poetic Blue Hour!

Winter Sunset

2011-02-09T23:58:00.000-05:00

Winter Sunset, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Sun setting at High Park during 2011's winter season. I love winter's warmer color light!

Snowshoeing

2011-02-09T23:57:00.000-05:00

Snowshoeing, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

My brother Rafael snowshoeing during 2011's winter Season at High Park, Toronto.

Maureen's Birthday

2011-01-15T00:05:00.000-05:00

Maureen's Birthday, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Friends and family celebrating Maureen's Birthday! Always good food and great company!

Mont Tremblant

2011-01-02T23:56:00.000-05:00

Mont Tremblant, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The iconic Clock Tower of Tremblant in Quebec. During a skiing trip with my brother and friends in January 2011.

Shades

2011-01-02T23:55:00.000-05:00

Shades, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

My brother coming for a visit from the Tropical Brazil to the Cold Canada. Quite an amazing experience! He truly loved it!

Mont Tremblant

2011-01-02T23:54:00.000-05:00

Mont Tremblant, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Skiing in Mont Tremblant, Quebec with my brother and some good friends!

Fireworks

2011-01-01T23:52:00.000-05:00

Fireworks, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

New Year's eve celebration in Mount Tremblant, Quebec. As my brother came to visit me in Toronto, I decided to take him skying in Tremblant. For him it was a nice experience to be in the cold and seeing snow for the first time and right for New Year's!

New Year's

2011-01-01T00:06:00.000-05:00

New Year's, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Great friends and my brother during our trip to Tremblant, Quebec for 2011's New Year! Thank you guys for the amazing time!

Moon at Ecplise Day

2010-12-22T00:09:00.001-05:00

Moon at Ecplise Day, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Had a great day yesterday. After meeting up with a friend for lunch, we got a call that reminded us of the eclipse today. Too bad we missed the time it actually happened, but we got in a nice tour around town and we still managed to get a clear view of the moon. So nice ... Thanks Kelia!

View from Ashbridge's Bay

2010-12-06T23:24:00.001-05:00

View from Ashbridge's Bay, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Toronto's Skyline at sunset as seen from Ashbridge's Bay, east end of Toronto.

Eamon

2010-12-06T23:23:00.003-05:00

Eamon, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Eamon, a Cairn Terrier, enjoying the fall season at High Park in Toronto, Canada.

Stroller

2010-12-06T23:23:00.001-05:00

Stroller, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Fall season at High Park in Toronto, Canada. One of the best places in town to see the change of colors!

Up in the Tree

2010-12-06T23:22:00.001-05:00

Up in the Tree, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

David and I taking Eamon for a walk at High Park in a cloudy fall day.

A Canadian Fall

2010-12-06T23:20:00.001-05:00

A Canadian Fall, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Fall season at High Park in Toronto, Canada. One of the best places in town to see the change of colors! Definitely my favorite time of year!

Natalie Place

2010-12-06T23:18:00.001-05:00

Natalie Place, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The most beautiful maple tree of Natalie Place in Toronto. Our neighbor's tree. Congratulations John for the beautiful front yard!

Maple From the Window!

2010-12-06T23:15:00.001-05:00

Maple From the Window!, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Quite beautiful to see the maple leaves at their best. With the low rising sun of the fall, the warm tones are always there! This shoot is just and "ordinary" view from a bedroom's window!

Window View

2010-12-06T23:12:00.003-05:00

Window View, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Fall season on Natalie Place in Toronto. This year we had some amazing colors. Beautiful maple trees!

Sunset

2010-12-06T23:12:00.001-05:00

Sunset, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Fall season on Lake Ontario, Toronto, Canada.

Downtown Toronto Skyline

2010-12-06T23:07:00.001-05:00

Downtown Toronto Skyline, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The CN Tower and downtown high rises. View from Bloor Street W. As seen from the Park Hyatt Hotel.

Toronto Skyline

2010-12-04T16:17:00.001-05:00

Toronto Skyline, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

16 months after I left Toronto to go to Brazil - and done some good travel in South America - I came back to Canada. Getting here in the middle of the summer was something really special. Seeing the city on its best and the people the happiest. It amazed me to see everything so green and so organized. I guess after living in São Paulo, a city with around 20 million people, it sure feels like everything here is nearby and easy going.

This is a view of Toronto's Skyline from Bloor St. West. With Avenue Rd., ROM, Queen's Park, CN Tower and Downton!

Welcome back ...

Shelter from the Rain

2010-11-29T19:06:00.001-05:00

Shelter from the Rain, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

This is my last picture from Brazil. On my way home I noticed a couple in a very romantic scene, taking shelter from a cold rainy day in an acoustic shell. Parque Central, Santo André, Brazil.

Alouatta Guariba

2010-11-29T19:00:00.001-05:00

Alouatta Guariba, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

And the best attraction of the Zoo was a group of Brown Howler (Alouatta Guariba) passing by the tree tops of the Zoo. Attracted by food, they come from the surrounding jungle. The group had about 10 animals and even babies were jumping between the branches of the trees. It made me really happy and notice how much nicer it is to see animals where they belong, in the wild!

Toco Toucan

2010-11-29T18:58:00.001-05:00

Toco Toucan, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco) at São Paulo's Zoo, Brazil.

Green Iguana

2010-11-29T18:57:00.003-05:00

Green Iguana, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Reddish colored Green iguana (Iguana iguana) at São Paulo's Zoo, Brazil.

Gharial

2010-11-29T18:57:00.001-05:00

Gharial, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) at São Paulo's Zoo, Brazil. This critically endangered species is found in India only.

Goose

2010-11-29T18:55:00.001-05:00

Goose, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Goose at São Paulo's Zoo, Brazil. Liked the way the goose's head got overexposed!

Jabiru

2010-11-29T18:54:00.003-05:00

Jabiru, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Not a big fan of this weird bird. But the Jabiru is the largest flying bird found in Brazil.

Serval

2010-11-29T18:54:00.001-05:00

Serval, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Serval (Leptailurus serval) behing fence at São Paulo's Zoo, Brazil.

White Rhinoceros

2010-11-29T18:53:00.001-05:00

White Rhinoceros, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A White Rhinoceros at São Paulo's Zoo, Brazil.

Giraffe

2010-11-29T18:52:00.003-05:00

Giraffe, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Giraffe at São Paulo's Zoo, Brazil.

Ornate Hawk-Eagle

2010-11-29T18:52:00.001-05:00

Ornate Hawk-Eagle, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

An Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) at São Paulo's Zoo, Brazil. What a beautiful bird!

Tufted Capuchin

2010-11-29T18:50:00.001-05:00

Tufted Capuchin, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Tufted Capuchins and its baby at São Paulo's Zoo, Brazil.

Black-headed Spider Monkey

2010-11-29T18:49:00.001-05:00

Black-headed Spider Monkey, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

My friend Juliana and I decided to go to São Paulo's Zoo on a weekday, since we had nothing to do. For myself it had been at least 10 years since my last time at that Zoo. It was nice to be back, São Paulo has a very nice Zoo with an incredible collection of animal. Although recently it lost many of the animals because of a series of killing.

Really said, but hopefully that doesn't happen anymore!
Good lucky little monkeys!

Full Moon

2010-11-29T18:45:00.001-05:00

Full Moon, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

This is my second attempt of taking a picture of the moon. This time during Full Moon!

Stars Through a Cloudy Sky

2010-11-21T23:16:00.001-05:00

Stars Through a Cloudy Sky, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Being away from the bright light of city always make me look up to the sky and see the universe. I got say that I do that anytime I have a chance, but when the sky is clear and dark I get really inspired.

I went to my parent's farm on a cold winter night, it was kind of cold for Brazilian standards, but definitely bearable to stay outdoors. Saw some low moving clouds but still could see many stars above them. So I snapped some pictures ...

Waxing Gibbous Moon

2010-11-21T23:11:00.001-05:00

Waxing Gibbous Moon, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A close up shot of a waxing gibbous moon. While at my parent's, I decided to get a shot of the moon with my 300mm lens. It was nice to get to see some of the lunar craters and the best was to see the moon moving while viewing it on live view mode.

Rufous Hornero

2010-11-20T17:16:00.005-05:00

Rufous Hornero, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Rufous Hornero looking for food at Parque Central, Santo André, Brazil.

Rufous-bellied Thrush

2010-11-20T17:16:00.003-05:00

Rufous-bellied Thrush, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Rufous-bellied Thrush, the national bird of Brazil.

Chalk-browed Mockingbird

2010-11-20T17:16:00.001-05:00

Chalk-browed Mockingbird, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Chalk-browed Mockingbird at Parque Central, Santo André, Brazil.

Masked Water-tyrant

2010-11-20T17:15:00.003-05:00

Masked Water-tyrant, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Masked Water-tyrant at Parque Central, Santo André, Brazil.

Chopi Blackbird

2010-11-20T17:15:00.001-05:00

Chopi Blackbird, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Chopi Blackbird at Parque Central, Santo André, Brazil.

Common Moorhen

2010-11-20T17:10:00.001-05:00

Common Moorhen, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Common Moorhen at Parque Central, Santo André, Brazil

Great Kiskadee

2010-11-20T17:08:00.001-05:00

Great Kiskadee, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Great Kiskadee at Parque Central, Santo André, Brazil.

Neotropic Cormorant

2010-11-20T17:07:00.001-05:00

Neotropic Cormorant, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

One day I decided to walk around Parque Central in Santo André to take snapshots of the several kinds of birds. Here's a A Neotropic Cormorant, an aquatic bird that's always near the water and a good diver. I remember it being featured in on of the National Geographic's stories: Fishermen in Vietnam use this bird to fish and a small share of the fishes go to the bird.

V

2010-11-20T16:19:00.001-05:00

V, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Just playing with depth of field ...

Dam

2010-11-20T16:17:00.001-05:00

Dam, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

While staying at my parent's home in Santo André, I'd often walk my parent's German Shepherd in the park across the street. Beautiful dense vegetation and a series of lagoons and lakes with many local fauna being visible, from aquatic birds to woodpeckers and falcons.

I think it is an essential thing to have a green space near by. It's good to go for walks and just forget you're in town for a minute!

Neotropic Cormorant

2010-11-20T16:12:00.001-05:00

Neotropic Cormorant, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Neotropic Cormorant drying up after going in the water for some fish. This bird is an excellent diver and uses its wings to swim. Prefeito Celso Daniel Park, Santo André, Brazil.

Pond

2010-11-20T16:09:00.001-05:00

Pond, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The Celso Daniel Park in Santo André, Brazil is an oasis in the middle of town. High trees offer a shelter from the sun and its artificial lakes are filled with tilapias and turtles. Often you see birds fishing in this beautiful city park!

Grand Hall of Sala São Paulo

2010-10-19T17:27:00.000-04:00

Grand Hall of Sala São Paulo, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The Julio Prestes Cultural Center, which is located in the Julio Prestes Train Station in the old north central section of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The building has been totally restored and renovated by the São Paulo State Government, as part of the downtown revitalization in that city. It houses the Sala São Paulo, which has a capacity of 1498 seats and is the home of the São Paulo State Symphonic Orchestra (OSESP). It is a venue for symphonic and chamber presentations and has been designed according to state of the art standards, comparable to the Boston Symphonic Hall, Musikverein in Vienna and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.

Text by Wikipedia.

Julio Prestes Train Station

2010-10-19T17:26:00.000-04:00

Julio Prestes Train Station, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

One of the halls of the Julio Prestes Train Station in São Paulo, Brazil.

Julio Prestes Train Station

2010-10-19T17:25:00.000-04:00

Julio Prestes, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Following a tour at Sala São Paulo with the graduates at the UNIBAN's Architecture School. One of my friends is attending this course. Here are two of my greatest friends, good to be able to reunite with people we love! Funny the way we're here at times and then there and sometimes everywhere. Just like Ana would say!

Carneiros

2010-09-12T14:20:00.003-04:00

Carneiros, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Praia dos Carneiros is a beach 5 km from the town of Tamandaré. Little has changed since the time of discovery, the vegetation was untouched, so you can see coconut trees everywhere. A wall of coral of more than 1 km in extension protects the mouth of the Formoso river making a natural pool of warm and clear water with lots of fishes in the low tide. This is the only place I've ever seen trees growing out of the coral reef and during the high tide, having salt water by its trunks.

The south side of this beach marks the beginning of the Área de Proteção Ambiental - Costa dos Corais (Protection Area - Coral Reef Coast); Created in 1997 the protection area covers an area of 180 km in extension between the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas. The area covers the whole extension of beaches, coral reefs and mangroves on a total of 4,130 sq km, being the largest marine preservation area of Brazil.

Coral at Carneiros Beach

2010-09-12T14:20:00.001-04:00

Carneiros, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Carneiros

2010-09-12T14:19:00.001-04:00

Carneiros, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Tamandaré Beach

2010-09-12T14:18:00.005-04:00

Tamandaré Beach, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Praia de Tamandaré is a beach in the town of the same name. It is located in the Área de Proteção Ambiental - Costa dos Corais (Protection Area - Coral Reef Coast); Created in 1997 the protection area covers an area of 180 km in extension between the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas. The area covers the whole extension of beaches, coral reefs and mangroves on a total of 4,130 sq km, being the largest marine preservation area of Brazil.

Inquisition

2010-09-12T14:18:00.003-04:00

Inquisition, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Ricardo Brennand Institute - (Instituto Ricardo Brennand - IRB in Portuguese) is a cultural institution located in Recife, Brasil. The organization governs a museum, an art gallery, a library and a large park. The collector Ricardo Brennand is the creator and owner. At the institute it is possible to find objects of art from many different locations and times, from Middle Ages Europe to the 15th century, through Colonial Brazil, Dutch Brazil, 17th century, and Brazil in the 19th century.

Coins

2010-09-12T14:18:00.001-04:00

Coins, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Wrestling

2010-09-12T14:17:00.003-04:00

Wrestling, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Baroque Angel

2010-09-12T14:17:00.001-04:00

Baroque Angel, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Grave

2010-09-12T14:16:00.001-04:00

Grave, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Gilberto Freyre was a sociologist, anthropologist, journalist, historian and a congressman. Best known for his work in Casa Grande & Senzala (The Master and the Slaves); where he examined the development of Brazilian society from the influences of European, Native American and African slave ancestry. He died in 1987 and at that time he was welcoming people and touring them around his house, that became a museum and the site of his and his wife's grave.

Boa Viagem Beach

2010-07-18T17:30:00.003-04:00

Boa Viagem Beach, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Boa Viagem in the main beach of Recife. A wall of coral reef that extends for most of the beach gives the name to the city: Recife = Reef in portuguese. At low tide the reef can be totally exposed forming a vast pool of trapped water that gets really hot because of the sun, and when the tide goes up again, the reef is no longer visible and that's the dangerous time to go swimming because this beach is infested with sharks.

Boa Viagem Beach

2010-07-18T17:30:00.001-04:00

Boa Viagem Beach, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Sunrise, sunrise!

2010-07-18T17:28:00.001-04:00

Sunrise, sunrise!, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Twilight before sunrise at Boa Viagem beach in Recife, Pernambuco.

Carnival in Recife

2010-07-18T17:25:00.003-04:00

Carnival, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Carnival parade in downtown Recife!

Carnival in Olinda

2010-07-18T17:25:00.001-04:00

Giant Puppet, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A famous tradition in Olinda's carnival is the giant puppets going around the crowd.

Family & Friends

2010-07-18T15:13:00.001-04:00

Family & Friends, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Myself with Karina's Family. Such a welcoming people, thank you very much for the incredible stay. I'll always remember the incredible time I had there with you guys. Thank you so much ...

Francisco Brennand

2010-07-18T15:12:00.003-04:00

Francisco Brennand, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Francisco Brennand, one of the most important names in contemporary sculptures in Brazil, displays around 2000 pieces of his works in enormous open halls, between monuments, gardens and in the midst of an Atlantic forest reserve in the Varzea borough of Recife. Many of his works elaborate on abstract beings, that are sensuality symbols. Several anatomic parts are in his studies, mainly from the female body. He also uses ceramic to create floor and wall tiles for construction. His studio is set in an old roofing ceramic tile factory that belonged to the sculptor's father Ricardo. Some of his work is an original and creative miscellaneous between the European-Amerindian-African-Egyptian cultures. Part of his works are also exposed in the Parque das esculturas (Sculptures Park), located in Recife Antigo district, also in Recife. In the year 2000 the city commissioned this park in celebration of the 500 years since the discovery of Brazil.

Francisco Brennand

2010-07-18T15:12:00.001-04:00

Francisco Brennand, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Sunset at Forte Orange

2010-07-18T15:11:00.001-04:00

Sunset at Forte Orange, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Forte Orange is a fort in the Island of Itamaracá in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco. Built in 1631 by the Dutch during their second occupation of the northeastern region of Brazil.

Inside the Fort

2010-07-14T11:19:00.001-04:00

Inside the Fort, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Forte Orange is a fort in the Island of Itamaracá in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco. Built in 1631 by the Dutch during their second occupation of the northeastern region of Brazil.

Guarding the Shoreline

2010-07-14T11:18:00.001-04:00

Guarding the Shoreline, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Forte Orange is a fort in the Island of Itamaracá in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco. Built in 1631 by the Dutch during their second occupation of the northeastern region of Brazil.

Maria Farinha

2010-07-14T11:17:00.005-04:00

Maria Farinha, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A Ghost Crab (Ocypode Quadrata) running towards the water. Island of Itamaracá, Pernambuco.

Itamaracá Island

2010-07-14T11:17:00.003-04:00

Itamaracá Island, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The island located about 40km from Recife is a main tourist destination in the region. Beautiful beaches, reefs and sand banks. An ecological reserve is home to a remain of tropical rainforest and there is also a conservation program for the West Indian Manatee in the island.
In the south side there is the Forte Orange (Orange Fort), built by the Dutch who occupied the region for a few decades.

Historical Igarassu

2010-07-14T11:17:00.001-04:00

Historical Igarassu, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The view downhill from the historical town of Igarassu in Pernambuco. The site is home to the oldest church in Brazil.

Nuns

2010-07-14T11:16:00.001-04:00

Nuns, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Nuns in a church in the historical town of Olinda, Pernambuco.

Such a Warm Water

2010-07-14T11:14:00.001-04:00

Such a Warm Water, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The natural pools formed by coral reef in downtown Porto de Galinhas. This beach has been voted the most beautiful of the whole country for many years. Although popular, I think there are many others in Brazil that could hold that title.

Pontal do Maracaípe

2010-06-24T15:10:00.003-04:00

Pontal do Maracaípe, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The Maracaípe river before reaching the ocean. The river passes through mangroves that are a natural habitat for seahorses. After the mangroves, a beach is formed in the river banks, dark and saltier water makes it an interesting place for swimming. Very interesting ...

Sunset at Barra de Santo Antônio

2010-05-30T17:02:00.001-04:00

Sunset at Barra de Santo Antônio, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Ok, we didn't plan on going to this place, it just happened. We wanted to go to Maragogi and take a boat tour to see the coral reef off the coast, but we arrived there too late and missed the tour. So, we thought let's find something else to do. We ended up getting to this place and because it was late in the day, it was time to go swimming. It was still low tide and the waves were breaking in the reef offshore. We were safe swimming in this lagoon, but I kept on thinking about sharks, LOL. The water was of a beautiful green color that was still intense at sunset. Just a beautiful way to finish the day! And all by chance ...

Pratagi Beach

2010-05-30T16:56:00.001-04:00

Pratagi Beach, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

And then we stopped at a gas station and right in front of it there was a lookout, here's the view. So close to the highway and not a single soul on it ... could we be dreaming? I don't know, but we didn't go there either!

Riacho Doce

2010-05-30T16:53:00.001-04:00

Riacho Doce, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

On the way back to Recife from Maceió, Karina, Bob and I drove along the coast and we'd pick a few places to stop. Here is Riacho Doce, a place that became famous for being the filming location of a TV mini series. The sea weed took the whole shoreline in the low tide. Quite beautiful to see - you feel the place is alive - but a bit nasty to step on it!

Quick Stop

2010-05-30T16:50:00.001-04:00

Bob and Ka, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Ok we had mainly a beach vacation and many would wonder what the fun of going from beach to beach is. For me after living in Canada for so long, having a hot and looooong summer was the real fun and we could not really want to do anything but hang out by a beach, drinking beer, smoking up and so on. The beaches were just a bonus and we'd just drive around and choose a spot to stop. And being blessed with an amazing coastline made it a lot easier, we just could not go wrong!

Myself in Maceió

2010-05-30T16:45:00.001-04:00

Maceió, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

After Karina and I came back from Natal, Bob decided to join us in Recife and for another road trip, we decided to go south of Recife to Maceió for a few days. Here I am in the southern coast of Maceió, on our way to Francês Beach, the most famous beach of the region.

Do Cotovelo Beach

2010-05-11T19:59:00.001-04:00

Do Cotovelo Beach, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Sand dunes, cliffs, a beautiful ocean and the constant sea breeze of Natal, such a relaxing place!

Nísia Floresta Lagoon

2010-05-11T19:54:00.001-04:00

Nísia Floresta Lagoon, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

A fresh water lagoon in the middle of the vast sand dunes of Natal!
It felt like an oasis in the middle of a desert!

Karina

2010-05-11T19:52:00.001-04:00

Karina, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Few people in our lives become family instead of just friends. Lucky it is to know that no matter what happens, we'll always be in touch and every time we have a chance, we'll get to see each other again, just like family!!!

I remember when we were back in Toronto and in our bike rides around the city, how much fun it was ... every time we went skying and so many more good moments. They'll always make me happy every time I think about them! And I very well remember us at a beach on Lake Ontario, drinking beer and enjoying the sun, thinking and dreaming of being back home and seeing the beaches around Brazil, planning where to go and so on ... that thought seemed like a very distant and somehow just a dream! Guess what Karina? We did it!!! We traveled around the most beautiful beaches of Brazil, we saw a good part of the northeast of our home country! And I'm sure we'll see many more together ... And you know for sure a place I want to go with you and Bob: NORONHA!!! For now, just a dream ... but dreaming with you I am sure of one thing: It'll become true, eventually!

Thanks for being a beloved friend. Or better, a beloved sister!
Love,
Fabi

Buzios Beach in Natal

2010-04-16T20:55:00.002-04:00

Buzios Beach, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

So as we drive north from Recife, we reach our last destination: Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte state of Brazil. The corner of South America, the closest point to Africa. As we are touring town, we decide to drive along the south coast, instead of the more traditional north and Jenipapu beach.

One beach calls our attention because of its settings and an easy to get free parking lot. From it we have to cross a little bridge that takes us to a small river, very shallow and clean, sometimes you see tiny little fishes swimming around. You can seat on a table in the river or by the beach, I decide the latter. We hang out by a few hours, go swimming in its blue water and after leaving I realized how good it is to have that river by the beach, I wash my sandals and feet and get to the car with no sand at all. Just perfect ... A real vision of Paradise!!!

Natal is a true beautiful place, many wonderful beaches, the nicest weather and the most renewable air of the whole continent, thanks to the constant breeze coming from the ocean! Oh, what a life ...

Common Marmoset

2010-04-13T20:04:00.001-04:00

Common Marmoset, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a kind of a New World Monkey found in the northeast region of Brazil. The fur of the Common Marmoset is grey. The most distinguishing characteristic is the white tufts of hair which surround the ears, which lend it another common name, the Cotton Eared Marmoset. Its diet consists of insects, spiders, small vertebrates, bird eggs and tree sap or gum. They spend 25-30% of their time budget searching for food. They have being accidentally introduced to other regions, even in the city of Buenos Aires.

The Largest Cashew Tree

2010-04-13T20:02:00.002-04:00

Cashew Tree, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

The Cashew Tree in Pirangi do Sul is recognized as the largest of its kind in the world. Because of a genetic mutation the tree's branches grow towards the soil, going in and out the ground on a non stop movement. Its covers a total area of 8500 square meters and it continues to grow.

Before I decided to visit the Cashew Tree, I thought of it as a tourist trap and didn't really give much importance to it. Then, when I was at the site I realized the whole thing about it. A genetic mutation is responsible for its weird growth and even though many have tried to plant its seeds, to see if the same would happen somewhere else, nobody has been lucky yet. The size of the whole tree caught my attention and it supports a number of species, such as birds and marmosets.

The main problem the city is facing now is the fact that the tree doesn't stop to grow and it is taking part of a nearby road. Some suggest to prune it, but some say it may actually cause the tree to die.

I defend the idea of trying to find an alternative and try to save this wonder of nature, something that doesn't seems to happen very often!

Frank in Brazil

2010-04-10T22:52:00.002-04:00

Brazil, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

I had a great visit this summer, a couple of really good friends that came from Canada. I hope we left a good impression of Brazil. I'm sure, at least they enjoyed the weather better here.
☕ Great, great time!

Praia do Amor

2010-04-10T22:47:00.001-04:00

Praia do Amor, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

That's my idea of a perfect beach, no sidewalk, bars or people. Just nature, lots of it and just for yourself, if possible. Well, not that I'd like all beaches to be like that, but it's damn good when you find one that still matches all the criteria!

Praia do Amor

2010-04-10T22:41:00.001-04:00

Praia do Amor, originally uploaded by Fabiano Rebeque.

Praia do Amor (Love Beach) is the main attraction of Pipa. It's considered by many one of the top 10 beaches in the whole Brazil. Difficult to get to, you have to walk down a steep hill, there's no other way to get to it. Strong waves on the left side and a natural pool on the other. Locals say it's a bit busier then before, but you still find lots of areas in this beach with very little or no one, it just makes you feel you have paradise, just to yourself.