Quaresmeira flowers

Flowers of the quaresmeira, native tree of the Melastomataceae family. Just discovered that the centre of the flower starts off white and becomes reddish after it pollination. We have a tree right by our verandah and it's in full bloom. The colour is amazing. It's a lovely time of year for flowering trees.

Beautiful day, but frustrating. Late Lent resolution - study the camera and lens manuals. The results of my attempts to use the macro function went from bad to worse and later attempts at moon shots were also rubbish. I must have deleted 70+ photos.

Lunch was a distinct improvement. Patotario and her partner introduced us to a restaurant run by a Dutchman and his Brazilian wife. Good country fare from a generous buffet; excellent salads, main courses, puddings and even a coconut liqueur to accompany the coffee, all for a modest fixed price. Very pleasant.