After 2.5 years we finally went to Mosteiro de São Bento to hear the Gregorian mass. Nearly half of the interior is covered in scaffolding blocking the entire visual effect of the gilt walls and paintings. It was beautiful but very typical of so many churches.We were warned to arrive at least an hour before. About 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the service the church was full. I took a photo of a side chapel and a beautiful step stool.After 20 minutes we left, I was wondering If I was the only person who knew the 6 weak voices were not singing a Gregorian mass? Scratch this event off your "must do" list when in Rio. We instead went to see The Banco do Brazil's excellent pictorial history of engraving. Did you know that nearly every artist of note starting from the 15th century participated in this movement? There were some fine examples of Durer, Goya, Picasso, Morandi and Rembrandt. The works were from Dutch and Brazilian collections. http://www.bb.com.br/cultura
After the museum we drove from the center of the city to Barra. Chefe Valquiria had prepared a wonderful cabrito in the Portuguese fashion. It had been marinated for 24 hours in garlic and spearmint. We washed it down with Portuguese green wine. Marques, the maitre, posed with the chef. http://www.conchadoce.com.br/
