Ten small photographs of Rio de Janeiro (1960s)

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 photograph measures ~5.5 x 3.5 cm. Excellent condition. Single set.

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

Sister,

I can't believe I finally arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! Do you remember those images we saw of the city on television at Tio Pepe's house? Because 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, this was the first place I came to as soon as I left the airport and now I come back here to write these few words to you, I want to absorb everything and not forget any detail.

Do you remember when we used to go to the creek near the house and say that that 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 smooth in the smell of its breeze, it's an endless blue, and even when looking at the horizon, it's impossible to see the other side! And the women in bathing suits, with their whole legs exposed, Dad would go crazy! By the way, how's Dad?

I know he's still furious about my trip, that Brazil and big cities are not the place for single women, and I know he doesn't want to hear from me. Still, if you can just let him know I'm fine. I found a little room in a boarding house in Botafogo, just for women! 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 well-known French seamstress in Rio de Janeiro and I'll make daddy proud.

But until that day arrives, I'll take the opportunity to go for a walk, I've already walked around the lagoon, along the shore, I've seen the Corcovado, and man, some huge buildings! I don't know how these people manage to live one above the other, they must listen to everything the neighbors say. Back 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 face that blue. While I can't afford that luxury, I go to the beach and take my tram back to Botafogo. Sister, know that you are always welcome if you want to visit me, just like Mom and Dad.

When I get back to France, I'll bring you some records, there's a new rhythm being played around 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 anyone invented Bossa Nova was looking at the sea.

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

Jacqueline.

I liked this small set, I found it singular, poetic. Like Rio de Janeiro.