Brasília

After passing through São Paulo, I spent two nights in Brasília visiting friends. The original part of the federal district, the Plano Piloto, is totally planned and each activity (living, working, playing) has its place. Designed for cars, the city can be difficult to navigate as a pedestrian or someone who relies on public transportation. There are lots of good restaurants and the city’s well-educated and well-paid federal work force comes from all over Brazil.

View of the Eixo Monumental from the TV Tower

What I call the Giant Close-pin, holding the Praça dos Três Poderes, and perhaps the Brazilian government, together. The site lies between the executive office buildings, the Congress, and the Supreme Court.