Wednesday, August 18, 2010
This morning, Lucas and Ricardo headed out early to fill in a few minor gaps in the previous shoots (mostly breakfasts) while I interviewed Maria Amélia and José Maria, the owners and operators of the Pousada da Chácara. We had a great discussion about tourism in the region, the need to work together, for cooperation, partnerships, and the lack thereof. The property, though in the city, really makes you feel like you are in the country – a great, unobstructed mountain view, no city noises, but the cackle of guinea fowl and chickens and the sounds of the stream that runs along the edge of the property and the cascade in the swimming pool. Another general note of interest: everyone I have interviewed so far is inn-keeping or managing hotels as a second career. No hotel or hospitality management graduates here.
Swimming pool and the cascade of the Pousada da Chacara
I finally had a chance to catch up on my “Notes from the Field” while Ricardo completed his work. We headed back to Galeria 12 to film inside one of the old mines hewn out of the solid rock cliff and then Nilvalda herself demonstrating the pousada’s zip-line in high heels.
Galeria 12, one of a dozen in active gold mines on the Hotel Fazenda property
Shoo out of the picture, will ya?
On to Ouro Preto to the Pousada dos Ofícios, whose name and decoration pay homage to the tradesman of the city. Gustavo, the manager, explained that the great display of carved stone finials and architectural decoration had been reproduced by students as part of the university’s programme to save and revitalize the dying art. I would have bought several had they been for sale and probably regretted having to lug them home on the bus. Same routine – I interviewed while Ricardo did his magic, shooing us out of his way from time to time so as not to pollute his photos.
Old meets new at the Pousada dos Ofícios in Ouro Preto
By now I am famished. I ate only one café de manhã, while my business associates enjoyed four on their excursion this morning. And so into the center of Ouro Preto to grab a bite before heading on to Lavras Novas. I always enjoy the entry into this city, heading down the hill and curving around into the magnificent Praça dos Inconfidentes.
Arriving at sunset, a transforming surroundings
As asphalt turns to dirt on the road to Lavras Novas
We drove to Lavras Novas, a district of Ouro Preto and a hugely popular weekend mountain retreat with Belo Horizontians, and arrived at sunset, the last few kilometers on dirt roads lit from behind us and transforming the red dust and rocky outcroppings to gold in front of us. Checked into the Pousada Vila Mineira where we will spend two nights while we complete our work here. Lucas and I are about to head to dinner at the Pimenta Rosa, the pousada restaurant. I think wine is in order to help fight the cold. More to come….
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Day 3 – A full day of developments leads to new insights
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
This morning, Lucas and Ricardo headed out early to fill in a few minor gaps in the previous shoots (mostly breakfasts) while I interviewed Maria Amélia and José Maria, the owners and operators of the Pousada da Chácara. We had a great discussion about tourism in the region, the need to work together, for cooperation, partnerships, and the lack thereof. The property, though in the city, really makes you feel like you are in the country – a great, unobstructed mountain view, no city noises, but the cackle of guinea fowl and chickens and the sounds of the stream that runs along the edge of the property and the cascade in the swimming pool. Another general note of interest: everyone I have interviewed so far is inn-keeping or managing hotels as a second career. No hotel or hospitality management graduates here.
Swimming pool and the cascade of the Pousada da Chacara
I finally had a chance to catch up on my “Notes from the Field” while Ricardo completed his work. We headed back to Galeria 12 to film inside one of the old mines hewn out of the solid rock cliff and then Nilvalda herself demonstrating the pousada’s zip-line in high heels.
Galeria 12, one of a dozen in active gold mines on the Hotel Fazenda property
Shoo out of the picture, will ya?
On to Ouro Preto to the Pousada dos Ofícios, whose name and decoration pay homage to the tradesman of the city. Gustavo, the manager, explained that the great display of carved stone finials and architectural decoration had been reproduced by students as part of the university’s programme to save and revitalize the dying art. I would have bought several had they been for sale and probably regretted having to lug them home on the bus. Same routine – I interviewed while Ricardo did his magic, shooing us out of his way from time to time so as not to pollute his photos.
Old meets new at the Pousada dos Ofícios in Ouro Preto
By now I am famished. I ate only one café de manhã, while my business associates enjoyed four on their excursion this morning. And so into the center of Ouro Preto to grab a bite before heading on to Lavras Novas. I always enjoy the entry into this city, heading down the hill and curving around into the magnificent Praça dos Inconfidentes.
Arriving at sunset, a transforming surroundings
As asphalt turns to dirt on the road to Lavras Novas
We drove to Lavras Novas, a district of Ouro Preto and a hugely popular weekend mountain retreat with Belo Horizontians, and arrived at sunset, the last few kilometers on dirt roads lit from behind us and transforming the red dust and rocky outcroppings to gold in front of us. Checked into the Pousada Vila Mineira where we will spend two nights while we complete our work here. Lucas and I are about to head to dinner at the Pimenta Rosa, the pousada restaurant. I think wine is in order to help fight the cold. More to come….
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