Orla Bardot ohh la la!

After the hustle and bustle of the big metropolis of Tio our next port is a tender port still in Brazil. We aren’t here long, from 8-2 so that means we have to kind of fight the crowds of people who are on tours and lined up to get to the tenders.  Our status now with Holland provides us with quicker tickets for the tenders so we decide to go in after the rush.  As usual it’s a sunny warm day.  The humidity here is a bit better. 

This sleepy town was originally settled by European pirates and slave traders which is not a happy beginning but a common one for so many places.  But the mixture of cultures became more of a happier picturesque fishing village. It was elected one of the 10 most beautiful areas in the world!  It’s famous for its rustic charm, architecture, incredible beauty and sophisticated boutiques and restaurants which were too pricey for my budget. Visitors do come from all over the world to take in this unique combination and savor it all. 

In 1964 this village was brought to the world’s attention by Brigette Bardot who spent her holidays here for a number of years. The locals were so grateful for being put on the map that they erected a statue in her honor. You won’t find any high rise development here and most buildings are all villas and small hotels with rough tiled roofs that blend into a Mediterranean landscape. There are 24 beaches to choose from if you come here to visit!!!  

The town is Buzios or Armacao dos Buzios, Brazil.  There is a trolley here that you can pay for and take a local tour.  There are also water taxis for rent and a few taxis.  But we decided to do our own thing and get some exercise on land.  They say there is a pretty active nightlife here but you that know us know we won’t experience that and the ship doesn’t stay that long!  Surfers do come here and water sports enthusiasts.   There is also windsurfing so there’s another activity that draws tourists. The Main Street is Rua das Pedras which winds through the center of town showcasing quaint bars, shops, restaurants and shopping. The Orla Bardot or Bardot Promenade adjoins the tender wharf and connects the town and beaches. We still are using the Brazilian Real as currency but folks are willing to take dollars and credit cards too. 

The beach area where we got off the tender. Very clean

One of the quaint outdoor eating venues.  Most were not open when we arrived. 

Another “Bardot” restaurant influenced by the famous actress who often came here. 

This is the winding frontage street that most all tourists take to be close to the water and take in the ambience 

Our ship amidst all the fishing vessels and water taxis. 


A lovely section of greenery with delicate bluish purple flowers. 

I took a few photos of this wall with the planters that are attached to the rocks and house different types that f plants. Very eye catching!

A wider shot of the wall

Then a highlight for Dan when we spotted a side blotched lizard along the wall by the restaurant!!

Colorful tropical plants were planted all along the sidewalks of the store fronts. 

And yet another one showing off his long camouflaged tail!!


 This is actually a life sized sculpture in the water called the Three Fishermen!! When I first saw it in the distance of course I thought it was real people working the nets. But it is amazing.  Lots of folks waded out to get their picture taken with it. It was tough to get some shots without people in them!!!

Here is the plaque which dates it to 2000 paying homage and honor to the local fishermen. 



Another unique statue that is life sized and in honor of a political figure. I love the one shoe off!

Lots of sea gulls around the dock areas looking for scraps to feast on. How many can you spot?

Or maybe you want some lobster from Captains!!!  Every little place has a gimmick to catch your eye and make you stop and think about it. 

This is a kind of museum that young and old probably would enjoy. There is so much going on outside I can’t imagine what you see inside!! 


This looked like an area that kids would enjoy or at least paid tribute to the young citizens of the island. So bright and cheery. 

We walked down to the end of the street where we found the visitor center that had a small gift shop and cold drinks to purchase. It was a very nice place and clean restrooms 

I liked this cute sea side bar with its colorful carribean type sign leading you to a delicious dish. 

This local fisherman had his big fish all cleaned and sliced up ready to sell to the locals.  A nice catch!

I guess I just like gulls!  They seemed to want to be noticed and photographed so I took the shot! 




Another lovely shady blooming tree that provided beauty and purpose!  

This establishment was on the sea side, a boutique hotel and the cape cod type white bench, bike and planters looked inviting and upscale. 

Yes another colorful shot. 

This is the statue in honor of Bridget Bardot and yes everyone wanted a photo sitting on her lap!!! I had finally ask if I could just get the one shot of the statue!!!

Gulls in the background waiting for tid bits which you know are coming their way. Another great catch. 

And back on board the main dining room was decorated for Thanksgiving and we went with several others to partake!!

Even the tables had festive fall decorated baskets 


And Ron the main food and beverage officer was decked out too with his “leaf” tie and handkerchief!!

“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.”  Bill Bryson