Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Paraty, Brazil in my 7 Continents Altered Book


Today I'm joining Sheila, our October host of Art Journal Journey with another architecture based entry in my 7 continents altered book.

Some of you may remember we recently visited the beaches of Ilha Grande.  Paraty is on Ilha Grande's western bay.  This is a colonial town steeped in both history and lovely old architecture.

I'm determined to bring back and use all those decorative scissors I bought years ago.  This one is by Provo Craft.  I was also determined to use my gelli prints before I forgot about them.

Apparently the Brazilian Mullet return each year to spawn in the waters around Paraty.

The bay is surrounded by mountains with lush jungles.  Behind Paraty you will find a plethora of tropical forests, mountains, and waterfalls.  Don't you just adore those palm trees?
Side two really showcases both the history and architecture.

There are many beaches in and around Paraty, which is located on the Costa Verde or Green Coast, a lush, green tropical corridor that runs nearly the length of the coastline of the state of Rio.

Although colonial history runs rampant here, the Brazilian government has recognized Paraty as a National Historic Site since 1966.

I rotated the above photo such that you could read that sugar cane was an important export in the 1700s.  In the 1700s, Paraty had another name: Cachaça, which is a distilled drink made from sugarcane juice.  It is often added to rum, which Paraty became famous for.

The colonial center is remarkable for its centuries-old architecture, as well as its cobblestone streets. 

No motor vehicles are allowed, and they wouldn't survive very long on those cobblestones, anyway.  Lonely Planet describes the architecture this way:
Elegant white buildings adorned with fanciful multihued borders and latticed windows blend harmoniously with the natural beauty that envelops the town.

In the 1800s gold was found in the area. When shipments in Rio began to attract the attention of pirates, the Portuguese began using Paraty as their safe port for getting their gold to Lisbon.   Thus a Gold Trail was built between Rio and Paraty.   However, getting the gold to Paraty proved cumbersome since it was paved with large cobblestones by African slaves.   Not only was the Gold Trail used to transport gold to Paraty, it was also used to send supplies, miners, and above mentioned African slaves by mule train over the mountains to and from the gold mining areas.  When a new road was built to another port, Paraty was all but forgotten.  This neglect is what kept so many of the colonial buildings the same as when the last gold-laden ship sailed for Portugal.

Today there are two sections of the Gold Trail used by hikers.  The Gold Trail was submitted for inclusion to the World Heritage List in August, 2004.

Here is one final look at side 1
and side 2 of this two page spread I created with one of my gelli printed used file folders.  I added pictures from several travel brochures, one of which I've had since 2005.  Information I found on the internet was compiled and printed, then cut using decorative scissors.  There wasn't much room for decorations, but I added a paper flower to side 1 and sticker alphas to side 2.

I learned a lot about this city where the only travel is by bicycle or foot.  I hope you learned a bit, too.  I also hope you visit Art Journal Journey where architecture plays such an important role in this altered entry today.  After all, Art Journal Journey has some absolutely STUNNING entries that will simply amaze you.

Thanks for visiting and thanks for joining me on this imaginary journey as I continue traveling through Brazil in South America.


14 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Thanks for the shout out for AJJ! LOVE what you have made, looks such a pretty place, and with the sort of architecture and streets I like, and good weather. Over here we have some nice houses etc, but mostly not such good weather! Love the happy colours of the background papers. Thanks for joining us again at Art Journal Journey! Have a lovely day, hugs, Valerie

froebelsternchen said...

Thank you for the super information - I learned a lot early in the morning today ... I would love to be there right now.. they are getting summer there .. and we have coldness and rain today...
I like to see that your gelli-prints come into action... looks fab!
Thank you very much for the pages linked to Art Journal Journey Elizabeth and for the shout out!
oxo
Susi

Hope everything goes well at Sally's!
Wish you a good day!

pearshapedcrafting said...

Wow! Before I even looked at the details the first impression was how well you have chosen the colours to show off the beauty of those buildings! This does look as though we would enjoy a wander around the area Elizabeth....maybe even dip our toes in the sea! Hugs, Chrisx

Viktoria Berg said...

The urban sketchers had a symposium in Paraty last year. I am not a member, but I do keep an eye on what they are doing and some wonderful art was created there:
https://www.google.se/search?q=paraty+urban+sketchers&rlz=1C1PRFC_enSE593SE593&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=663&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI0YuW8s3ByAIVxVgsCh3w2gF5

It looks like such a unique place, I hope to go there one day (perhaps that tour around the world that the husband and I say we are going on when we retire...).

Anonymous said...

Another great tour. The whitewashed buildings look quite elegant on those cobblestone streets. Lush forests are a good thing, nice to see some hanging in. xox

Darla said...

I like the combo of colors you used. Always interesting to go along on one of your "Travels", you provide so much info.

Caterina Giglio said...

I learned a lot... who knew? and I think the gel print file folder came in so handy, nice background... well done! x

My name is Erika. said...

I think you have me ready to pack my suitcase, especially since you added that pretty room with what looks like tea. The world is so full of interesting and beautiful places. Wish I could just spend life popping from one of these places to the next. Nice to have dreams!

sheila 77 said...

That was a lovely trip on a cold night.
The white houses look very modern, and that is a great cropped picture of the yellow door. The cobbles look incongruous beside the bright houses.
I like the way you have presented the details, the way you have edged the written word.
The house with the three arches, open and lit, is so exotic and so different from here.
Thanks for a fascinating and different look at Architecture.

Meggymay said...

A wonderful visit to your post tonight. A journey to sunnier places, the terrific houses and countryside. When I read that it was your imaginary journey at the end, you really had me convinced that you had visited this beautiful place.
Yvonne xx

Rita said...

Never heard of it, but what a beautiful place. I love that they do not have motorized vehicles there. Imagine how peaceful. :)

~*~Patty S said...

Thanks for sharing so much good info on this lovely place.
The architecture is so fresh and inviting and those cobble stone streets so quaint.
You are really going to town on your 7 Continents book!
Happy Thursday
oxo

Paula - Buenos Aires said...

Great to see you at the AEDM list this year! I haven´t posted in English at all this year. Looking forward to re-connecting in November. :)

Craftymoose Crafts said...

The more I see of your 7 continents AB, the more I realize what a gem it is! It will be so interesting to to look back and reread all your have included. It is a great idea!