Picture of the day - August 11, 2007

São Paulo, Brazil at night

Photo courtesy of Yan Boechat. Today's picture features a beautiful nighttime view of the Brazilian city of São Paulo, the most populous city in the southern hemisphere. Although São Paulo is also recognized as one of the world's "smoggiest" cities, you would never know it by looking at this picture. It seems that some of the most beautiful places on the planet have some of the most serious problems, and São Paulo certainly has it's share. A city of contrasts, São Paulo is Latin America's most important financial center, yet her streets and back alleys are packed with thousands of homeless people - many of them children. But there, as here in the U.S., hope springs eternal and every new day offers a new opportunity for those who are in a position to take advantage of it. This vibrant city of over 11 million people welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to attend one or more of the numerous business conferences, sporting events or other types of international gatherings hosted there. São Paulo is a huge city with huge problems, but she also holds much promise for the future. About the photo: This striking nighttime image of São Paulo was captured by photographer Yan Boechat. You'll find many more of his wonderful photos on his website.   Visit the POTD Archives for previous "Pictures Of The Day"!     Submit a photo of your own!            Why I publish the "Picture of the Day"