Minha Chegada ao Brasil
This is the first of what will hopefully be several postings from the largest city in the southern hemisphere. Today, I arrived in Sao Paulo early in the morning after a surprisingly pleasant flight. I can’t believe what a difference business class makes. Making that statement has led some people to call me a princess, but they can suck it. It was the difference between napping all day in my
hotel and exploring the city. After the queen at Dulles upgraded me, I boarded the plane, ate filet mingnon and chocolate bottom cheesecake (when have I ever been known to pass up a bottom) while watching Sideways, and then slept for 4 hours. I awoke to breakfast being served and then I was on the ground. It did not even seem like I was on that 767 for 10 hours. Plus, it was the first and probably last time, anyone has ever said to me, "We would like to welcome you aboard, Mr. Wehr. Thank you for being a frequent flyer."
After checking into my hotel, I decided to go exploring the area. I saw several museums which I will come back to on my lunch breaks between classes. Then, feeling adventurous, I took the metro to a bus to the Jardim Botanica (Botanical Garden). While it is fall down here and most things were not in bloom, I did see several butterflies, ducks, and giant spiders. It was a very peaceful walk through the lush flora.
When I tried to make my way back towards the hotel, I was surprised by Brazillian hospitality. In my extremely broken Portuguese, I asked the security guard, "Where is the bus for the metro". When I didn’t understand his response, he walked me over to the bus stop. There, he found a woman who also spoke no English who was also going to the metro. She told me how to pay on the bus and where to get off, and was so happy that I was trying to speak Portuguese to her. I was shocked at how they both went out of their way to help a stupid tourist. That being said, I am also very happy that I learned a little bit of Portuguese.
Since I only slept on the plane and was out in the sun all day, I was thinking of making it an early day. But, then I thought, this isn’t the Tom we all know and love. How can I not go out on a Saturday night in Brazil? So, I called up Saulo (someone I met thru my friendster network and with whom have been exchanging emails). He has a friend that lives close to my hotel, so he’s coming over to pick me up, go to dinner, and then go to this massive club. I don’t know how long I’ll last, but I have to give it a try. Tonight’s phrase will be "Quero uma cerveja".
