Belo Horizonte and Ouro Preto

From Rio, we took a bus through the mountains to Belo Horizonte. Belo Horizonte, or BH, is one of the largest cities in Brazil. Its working class character and chilly weather reminded me of the cities of the American northeast -- not too different from a Philadelphia. From BH, we took a day trip to the colonial town of Ouro Preto.

Here are some pictures from Ouro Preto. Now a college and tourist town, Ouro Preto ("Black gold") was once the site of some of the largest gold mines in Brazil. These mines brought migrants and slaves from across the world. Today, the town is a shell of its former self -- the cobblestone streets and baroque architecture reminders of times past. 

After walking the steep hills of Ouro Preto, an afternoon snack of brownies and ice cream was much deserved.