First Impressions of Sao Paulo by Erin Socks

• Ruggersinbrazil's Profile
• About this blog
• Entry from Sao Paulo

Trip Start Nov 28, 2007 Previous
Entry Trip End Feb 15, 2008 Next
Entry

  Sao Paulo, Brazil
Thursday, November 29, 2007

After breezing through customs and immigration, I entered the main arrival area, packed full with people awaiting friends and family.  But to my surprise, Carolyn (who had to go through the Brazilian customs, which had no line) was not waiting for me on the other side.  I pretended to act casual, walking around with a cart full of baggage, but still no sign of Carolyn.  I started pooping myself, thinking about what I would do if she didn't show.  As more passengers got off, a joyful Brazilian 5-piece band (with costumes and all) started playing a welcome tune for a group arriving.  After a good 10 minutes of me not having a clue of what to do by myself, yet pretending that I knew what was up, Carolyn finally got through customs.  She had to get her bag x-rayed.

Carolyn's Aunt Rejane was waiting for us outside, and we hit the road to Sao Paulo.  The drivers in Brazil are crazy!  The motorcyclists weave in and out of the lanes, and generally zip between cars, riding on the LINES instead of in the LANES.  Traffic is always heavy!

Rejane treated us to a typical Brazilian lunch (rice, beans, chicken, veggies, farofa, and salad) with lots of fresh fruit for dessert.  We then ventured out into the city on our own, when I got to experience my first Brazilian public transportation.  On the bus, we had to stand in the aisles because it was so packed, and I got the pleasure of watching the lady sitting at the back of the bus pick her nose in broad daylight for a full minute.

We took a stroll to pick up Carolyn's phone, then walked by the company where she used to work just as people were leaving for the day.  She happened to run into oh, about 20 or 30 that she knew, which she greeted individually.

Needless to say, we ended up walking a couple of blocks from her work to the nearest Shell gas station/convenience store/bar, to sit outside and have a couple of deuces with 6 of her co-workers.  It was quite an experience.  I have to say, I've never drank at a gas station before, within 20 feet of people gassing up.  We had several beers, and snacked on yummy meat appetizers.  I got to practice lots of Portuguese and received my first compliment... that my pronunciation is better than Carolyn's!  Her accent apparently is an unidentifiable blend of northern Brazil, southern Brazil, and American.

Print this entry Share Sao Paulo hotels

Previous Entry Next Entry