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In the center of Rio's crowded and vibrant bustle, the Roman Catholic Cathedral stands apart from the modern governmental and financial office buildings and old warehouses. The cathedral looks like an Aztec pyramid, is wide open to passersby and yet still manages to feel like a house of prayer. We think it has something to do with the light. The darkness hovers about you as you enter, creating a safe and holy place here in the city's center, but that darkness is pierced by the lively movement of brilliant color from the stained glass. Light pours in from the huge cross-shaped clear window 250 feet above and from the lively stained glass panels that descend down the walls. There is almost no more decoration save for a coach (looks like it was borrowed from Snow White) carrying St. Sebastian (complete with arrows) that moves through the streets on Sebastian's Feast Day (January 20).

P.S. The little yellow flowers pictured here are absolutely charming. They are about the size of a thumbnail and enliven every place they are planted.