Extending over 2 sq. km., the Ibirapeura Park was bustling with people at the weekend: joggers, cyclers, skateboarders, young couples dating, men playing football and basketball, families out for fun, and a lot of young people just sitting around chatting. The park is ~800 metres from the hotel, and I landed at gate #7. The hotel concierge said: remember this gate number, as you will have to find your way back to this gate if you don't plan to take a taxi.
The first thing I noticed was the number of vendors selling drinks, ice cream and snacks at the park. Almost every vendor was selling coconut water, some directly from the fruit, some from cooling machines. Although it was winter time, temperatures were in the high 20s, so a cooling drink or two was vital in the heat. The Brazilians like their sun - not many were wearing a hat. Some men were already topless, and some did not sport the necessary physique of a well-toned six pack.
São Paulo is famous for her murals. Here at the park, there are a few interesting pieces. Alas, due to my ignorance, I do not know the painters. Somehow I recognize the style of a few. And credit to the locals, the murals have not been defaced. In fact, the park is very well looked after, with practically no litter (unlike UK).
All around me, I could see that people were enjoying themselves. The area near the lake was relatively quiet; there was even a man doing tattooing standing up, and his price list on a laminated A4 card. I am not sure if his tattoo gun was sterilized, but young girls were willing to take the risk.
The main attraction for me was the Biennial at the Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion. There were a lot of ballast, but a few pieces of work made me stop to admire the creativity. The good thing was: entrance was free. Again, there was the usual security check and the surrender of bottled water, but there were no cafes or stalls selling drinks inside.
And finally, the unique auditorium designed by Oscar Niemeyer. I had high hopes but was frankly underwhelmed. The triangular shape, the simplicity, and the unmistakable red tail fin like structure, coupled with the startling white paint were unusual, but somehow it lacked the grandeur of the traditional concert hall. Maybe I am stuck in the past.
The first thing I noticed was the number of vendors selling drinks, ice cream and snacks at the park. Almost every vendor was selling coconut water, some directly from the fruit, some from cooling machines. Although it was winter time, temperatures were in the high 20s, so a cooling drink or two was vital in the heat. The Brazilians like their sun - not many were wearing a hat. Some men were already topless, and some did not sport the necessary physique of a well-toned six pack.
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| Vendors selling drinks and snacks |
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| The crowd funneling through the bridge at the park |
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| Mural on the toilet block |
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| Mural outside the restaurant next to the modern art museum |
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| Mural at the skateboarding area |
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| A mural depicting animals. The boys were resting from their skateboarding |
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| Fun time |
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| Some quiet moments by the lake |
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| The gravity defying underpass designed by Oscar Niemeyer |
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| An alien has landed |
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| The entrance area with a imaginary map of the world |
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| Attention grabbing sculpture at the entrance to the building |
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| A fascinating exhibit of printers plates |
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| Fantastic video of African rhythm |
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| Virgin Mary and grater. A puzzling concept. |
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| Fair ground funny mirrors on a large scale |
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| The Auditorium by Oscar Niemeyer |
