A Jeep storms through the vegetation in the Brazilian jungle. A girl sits in the back, shaken but holding firmly to her phone. Adventure is not what it used to be. (click on pictures to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at F2.0, 1/250, ISO200
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at F2.0, 1/250, ISO200
As one crosses the bridge that links Brazil to Paraguay and enters Ciudad del Este, one seems to enter a different world. Cuidad del Este is a tax free haven made of thousands of electronics, clothing and – you name it – stores. It is said to belong to the top five locations in the world in terms of business volume. The cityscape is simply amazing with high rises overlooking streets overflowed by merchants, malls and … shoppers. Yet you do feel like a Western movie as smugglers, corrupted officials and forgery are a common traits of this peculiar city. (click on pictures to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at F8.0, 1/750, ISO200
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at F2.8, 1/1500, ISO200
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at F8.0, 1/125, ISO200
A few kilometers away from the paradisiac Iguazu waterfalls stands the city of Foz do Iguazu. This city has the fame to be home of thousands of smugglers who transport illegal goods across the river separating Paraguay and Brazil. It is therefore hit by one of Brazil’s highest crime rate and a lot of poverty. Because of safety issues, businesses close at 18h and you better be back in your hotel before streets go under the dark. Such a pity when you know that 1.2 millions tourists come to the area every year, every one should be able to enjoy part of that common wealth created by mother nature. (click on pictures to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron at F2.0, 1/350, ISO200
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron at F2.0, 1/500, ISO320
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron at F2.8, 1/250, ISO500
We boarded a speed boat today for a trip in the heart of the Iguazu Falls. A bunch of Canadian retirees shared the ride with us. Smiles and laughs were soon to stop when the wall of water we were to go under with the boat appeared. Lot’s of perms were washed away but what a great feeling. If you ever visit Argentina, Iguazu Falls is a must, probably one of the most impressing place on earth. (click on pictures to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at F8.0, 1/750, ISO200
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at F8.0, 1/4000, ISO200
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at F8.0, 1/1000, ISO200
Close to the Brazilian border, miners at Wanda mines ain’t looking for a fish, but for precious stones of the Quarz kind. (click on pictures to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at F2.8, 1/750, ISO200
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at F2.0, 1/60, ISO800
In the city of Parana, the rescue team never stands up lazily looking at the horizon in a David Hasselhoff way. They even use the rescue boat to clean the beach after a night of storm. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at 5.6, 1/250, ISO200
In Santa Fe, a man stands at the entrance of of a watch service store. Time for a cigarette break. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at F2.0, 1/500, ISO200