Welcome to Brazil!

“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.”– James Michener.

Friday 28th August.

Sunny and warm here in Sao Paulo, a city of 20 million people. As Brazil was a Portuguese Colony from 1500 to 1822, Portuguese remind the primary language. Muito Prazer-it is a pleasure.

The 3 of us arrived at Guarulhos International Airportaround 1pm in the afternoon. Our flight was delayed close to 2 hours. Due to fog, the airport was closed in early morning. We were the lucky ones, some had delay for 7 hours. Patrick Jourdain took 27 hours to get here!

We were met at the airport by the local welcoming committee. They took us to our home for the next two weeks, the host hotel and playing site-Hotel Transamerica. It is about a 2 hours drive from the airport. The local traffic is crazy, sure glad we are staying on site. The rooms are spacious and the Internet is free, what more can one ask for.

Hoteis Transamerica

Pamela got here in the morning and Karen just checked in. Both their flights were delayed but good news is they arehere. It is nice see them again after Penticton. Kiz, Susan and Maurice will be here to-morrow.

After unpacking, I went down to pick up our badges and registration bags. Will meet up with Karen, Pamela, Joan and Barbara for dinner in the evening. It will be early night for me as I am so tired from the trip.