Cheerful, candy-colored favelas!

Unfortunately, there are hundreds of favelas in Brazil, 

a casualty of the country’s extreme economic inequality,

where there is NO code of safety standards.

(It simply means for the poorest to house themselves)

When Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn originally came to the Brazilian favelas 

to film a documentary about hip hop for MTV, they decided to stay

and create a organization dedicated to bring 'outrageous works of art to unexpected places'.

The favela of Santa Marta - in the heart of Rio de Janeiro - is their latest project.

Youths are currently employed as an integral part of their radiant makeover, 

and it has become a source of local pride.

... O Rio de Janeiro continua lindo.

Japanese Gardens

For the last few years, zen gardens became very popular 

in our backyards representing philosophy, outlook and world understanding.

If you have a winter garden, a pool deck or even a patio, 

I recommend that you convert it into a Japanese garden.

Few details will do the magic, and you will be able to meditate, de-stress, 

and escape the world with a low maintenance yard.

Just combine large rocks, plants, cherry blossom trees, 

bamboo and wood together with water basins, a stone lantern

(and a koi pond if you can afford it), and you will easily capture its spirit.

Happy Gardening! 

Amazing Beach Yards, part deux

Extended post from 'part une'