Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Brazilian Road Trips, Birds and Non-Scientific Surveys

We took a little road trip this weekend to Rio Quente. The area (Southern-Central Brazil) is known for its natural, thermal springs, and there are many attractions centered around warm-water activities. Our destination was a water park - aptly named Hot Park - to let the kids scamper in the lazy waters while the Winter air temps are mild-to-cool.

The drive was longish, but amazingly-scenic...
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The park is like an oasis in the middle of the Brazilian cerrado (High Plains)
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...and, the girls had a great time wearing themselves out
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Inside the park, there's also a bird preserve. Now, I have a thing with tropical birds, not a weird thing - I just think they're incredibly beautiful, and amazingly-intelligent. Every time I see one up close, I'm more convinced I want one as a pet.

My favorite - Mr. Toucan (If I had one, I'd name him Mr. T - original, right? ;)
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Incredible Hyacinth Macaw.
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Several of the parrots in the preserve were very friendly - LOOK at his coloring!
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So, I was still in "bird-want mode" when I spied this ginormous painting at a local display. Ben said it belonged right next to the Velvet Elvis, but I think it was pretty amazing - especially given the scale. I picture it in a room with large, white walls (ahem, our casa), but without other tropical references. Balance it out.
So, tell me. Am I off my rocker? Has the taste side of my brain taken a vacation, too, or could this painting steal a room? Set me straight, Peeps!

3 comments:

jenn from midlife modern said...

Damn girl...your road trips to south central Brazil sure trump mine to Jersey and Pennsylvania!

I think in the right room that parrot picture could look pretty kick-ass. In the wrong room, it could get pretty Golden Girls. But if you love it, get it!

Rhônya Holman said...

WOW! Sounds like a fun time! Beautiful colorful photos.
By the way your blog is amazing with interesting and creative contents. Keep up the great work and positives vibes.

Have a lovely weekend! =(^.^)=

Lídia Lima said...

Hi Alison! I know this place is really beautiful!
I am Brazilian and I'm following your blog.
xo :-)

http://lidialc.blogspot.com/