News in Brazil

This weekend was carnival in Brazil, as Fabio was working we didn't go away. I feel like I should make the most of carnival and one day go to Rio or Salvador for it but all those sweaty drunk people rubbing up against you and groping you kind of puts me off!

This carnival was spoilt by some riots in Sao Paulo  Most Brazilians I have spoken to are really embarrassed and ashamed by this especially with the world cup happening here next year.

A building collapsed a few weeks ago  giving people even more concern about hosting the world cup here.
The airports are not ready to receive the amount of fans and football stadiums are still not ready.
The Police keep going on strike because of low pay.  (They are paid about £335 per month, so I agree with them striking about pay)

I am a pretty seasoned traveller so if there are problems in the airport etc, I am pretty calm about it, but take hundreds of football fans and a cancelled flight... not sure it will end up so well.

I really want Brazil to do well with the World Cup and the Olympics in 2016. I want them to show the world that they are capable and I think it could really improve the economy and life for people here. Brazil has so much potential and so many under used resources that if it all went well, Brazil could really boom.

On the up side, some people are starting to realise the potential of Brazil as they are starting to change immigration laws. Because of the lack of jobs in Europe and bad state of economy, apparently a lot of workers are coming over to Brazil. Because it is sooooooo difficult to get a work visa in Brazil, people are working illegally. Because of this people coming in on  tourist visa have to have a return ticket and 170 reais (about £63) per day. The average weekly wage of a worker here is about 250 reais (about £93) per week, so 170 a day seems a bit steep!

Brazil does have it's problem but it is an amazing place with a fabulous and vibrant culture, welcoming and friendly people. Despite it's problems, it stole my heart 7 years ago!

The weekend was spent pretty much the same as last weekend. Hanging out with friends, sushi and going to the river. I was so excited to go to the river as it was 40c. So I sat.. in the river.. with a cold beer and ate water melon for about 3 hours!!

 As I said the weather has been realllllly reallllllly reeallllly hot!
I was in the supermarket food court, as it is near my house and has air conditioning. When I was walking over, the sky looked pretty black. Then just as the lesson started, there was an almighty clap of thunder and all the lights and electricity went out. The generator kicked in, but then that went out too.

All the buildings were out including the traffic lights. When I left it was still raining but not as hard but it was complete chaos with the streets flooded.

3 hours later it is still thunder and lightening but the rain has eased off a bit!!

It was totally flooded down town though!!

Most of last weekend was spent eating!

On Friday we went to Fiji which is a sushi place. They had a buffet for about £10 with all you can eat sushi, pasta, fried shrimp and 10 slices of sashimi. It was really good and I never thought I could get full from sushi but I made sure I got my 30 reais worth!

Saturday, we went to a friend's house to hang out. It was their neighbour's birthday and they were having a huuuge churrascaria (BBQ) and presented us with a massive plate of meat.

 Still happy to be vegetarian!!

On Sunday I went to a friend's parent's house and we ate povo (octopus), with rice, accompanied by lots of beer.

Then we headed to Piraí River. Last time I had been here it wasn't summer. This time is was really busy. If I being a slight snob, with equivalent of Brazilian chavs playing loud electronic music!