A French tourist records Rio de Janeiro in the 1960s.

• Ten small photographs of Rio de Janeiro during the 1960s, with annotations in French.
• Anonymous photographer.
• 3 sheets (12 cm x 18 cm, 19 cm x 10.5 cm, 9 cm x 14 cm), each photo measures ~ 5.5 x 3.5 cm.
• Excellent condition of conservation.
• Single set.

I created the following text to describe this set for you:

Sister,

I can't believe I've finally arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! Do you remember those images we used to see of the city on television at Uncle Pepe's house? Well, the reality is even better, everything is new and at the same time classic and elegant, it seems like a dream. Still, nothing is more immense, infinite and beautiful than the sea. Sister, you need to visit Copacabana, it was the first place I came to as soon as I left the airport and now I'm back here to write you these few words, I want to absorb everything and not forget any detail.

Do you remember when we used to go to the stream near our house and say that the thin water must be like the sea? I'm sorry to tell you, but we were wrong. The sea is much more, so strong when it breaks in waves on the sand, but so soft in the smell of its breeze. It's an endless blue, and even when you look at the horizon, it's impossible to see the other side! And the women in bathing suits, with their entire legs showing, would drive Dad crazy! By the way, how is Dad doing?

I know he's still mad about my trip, that Brazil and big cities are not places for single women, and I know he doesn't want to hear from me. Still, if you could at least tell him that I'm fine. I found a little room in a boarding house in Botafogo, for women only! And there I met Dona Alzira, a very kind widow who, upon hearing my story, gave me a job as her assistant in her studio. You'll see, soon I'll be a famous French seamstress in Rio de Janeiro and I'll make daddy proud.

But until that day comes, I'm taking advantage of the opportunity to go for walks. I've already walked around the lake, along the shore, I saw Corcovado Mountain, and, my dear, some huge buildings! I don't know how these people manage to live one above the other; they must listen to everything their neighbors say. At the boarding house, they already explained to me that these apartments facing the sea are the most expensive in the city, and I understand. What a privilege it will be to wake up every day and behold this blue sea. Until I can afford that luxury, I'll go to the beach and take my tram back to Botafogo. Sister, know that you're always welcome to visit me, just like Mom and Dad.

When I return to France, I'll bring you some records. There's a new rhythm that's played here, Bossa Nova. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. So sweet and smooth that it could only have been born in this city. I bet whoever invented Bossa Nova was looking at the sea.

A warm hug from your sister who loves you very much.

Jacqueline.

I liked this little group, I found it unique, poetic. Like Rio de Janeiro.