Felicio Ribeiro da Silva at his job
First thing in the morning, before the first visitors cross the access gate to the Iguacu National Park, Felicio Ribeiro da Silva inspect from top to bottom the garden of the ** Belmond das Cataratas ,** the only accommodation within the protected area.
Uniformed in his unmistakable breastplate and straw hat, he walks through the vegetation with agile but slow movements. His work has taught him not to be in a hurry, to be patient, to observe before acting.
"Nature has its own rhythm and, if you stress it, the one who loses is you," he reflects. “Have you seen what a precious light we have?”
From the branches of a leafy cinnamon tree, some little birds sing, agreeing with him. “The cinnamon that you buy in the market is extracted from these trees”, he tells us.
felicio He has been dedicated to taking care of this piece of land for almost three decades. “It is so fertile that everything you plant, grows!” he comments gratefully. Back then the garden was nothing like it is now; Neither does the hotel. “Until eight years ago, when the Belmond chain took over the property, this was the Hotel Tropical and it was not, far from it, as beautiful and cared for as it is now”, he remembers him.
Little by little, with imagination and risks of affection, They changed everything and planting more suitable species. “First I see how such a plant is going to work in such a place, if it is going to grow well, if it is going to be beautiful... Now I am looking for the perfect place for these orchids.”
Flowers give so much joy! He acknowledges, however, that at home he hardly has any. “I could not take care of them as they deserve. Gardening, you know, takes time."
***** _This report was published in **number 133 of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine (November)**. Subscribe to the printed edition (11 printed issues and a digital version for €24.75, by calling 902 53 55 57 or from our website). The November issue of Condé Nast Traveler is available in its digital version to enjoy on your preferred device. _