We saw beautiful buildings, parks, towering high-rise, monuments and sculptures, and streets of fabulous specialty shops, factory outlets and multi-storey shopping centres, and to top it off, glimpses of the shanty town areas, and even those have first and second-class, some in fibro materials and others made from cast-off bricks and tin.

The highlight that night was a visit to the old English Railway Station which has been re converted into a concert chamber (trains still run from the station). Here, in the beautifully restored and remodelled old platform area we were privileged to listen to a magical classical concert with full orchestra and soloist pianist from Argentina.

Saturday, 16th April - Day 4 (Jan & Barry S.)
This being a Saturday, it was a free day to do as we pleased.

We started the day off with a visit to the museum, then we went to the race-track for a few fun bets - Barry had some wins. It was a lovely race-track and good to see.

Saturday night, we took our Hosts out to dinner at a beautiful restaurant with good food and wines.

Sabado (Saturday), 16 April 2005 - São Paulo (Robin & Marie C.)
7 am - Breakfast early with host, Marcos, jeweller, and wife, Noeli, and mother Ruth (also Friendship Force member). Usual Brazilian breakfast, cereal, ham and bread rolls, plenty of fruit and um sumo de frutas (fruit juice), plus cha com leite (tea with milk).

We are off to the beach today - one and a half hours driving south to Guaruja. This city has about 100,000 units; however during the week it is known as a ‘ghost town’ as most of the residents do not live there and commute from other parts of Brazil to holiday there. Left approximately 7.45am heading South on the Immegre' highway (Émigré's highway). I think it is appropriate to record that whilst ever there are Brazilian drivers, Anton Senner has not died in vain! I cannot believe the one handed way they drive and at speed. The highway was in good condition and had numerous tunnels. One we drove through was listed as 3009 metres long! Enough - on with the diary. Quick trip down to the beach where we were lucky to happen upon the 5th Festio do Nationa Indio (Indian Festival).

This festival is run in honour and by the indigenous Indians of Brazil. Large numbers have migrated south from the Amazon region and now live either in or near the township. The festival celebrates with an annual soccer game between tribes, dances and cultures of each tribe. Foodstuffs, local clothing, weaving and trinkets were on display everywhere. The Indians were very colourful in cultural dress and were very accommodating when asked to pose. See photograph.

After visiting the Indian festival we walked along Bertioga beach where it is alleged Nazi war criminal, Josef Mengele, drowned in 1979. A place of history!

As always in Brazil we felt hungry (!!!) and with host Marcos, we head to a renowned fish restaurant named “Gacy”. At this restaurant we had a specialty known as ‘file de Badejo’, complemented with mussel salad, rice and vegetables, shrimp and oysters. The fish was served hot and ‘caressed with wild lime juice’. Naturally the lunch was completed with a number of very icy Bohemian beers.

After a dessert of sidewalk ice-cream our host decided it was time to have a ‘little siesta’ at his penthouse at Rio Dace on the island of Amaro, across the mainland from Guaruja. After a short ferry ride across the inlet we drove to Marco's penthouse and enjoyed a ‘well earned rest’.

At about 5pm we were once more into the 'fray' and returned to the township of Guaruja where we visited the beach side area of Eseada and watched the sunset.

After a short time there we were ready to return to São Paulo. On the return trip we took the old Indian route back. This highway is now known as the Anchietita Highway and it is an alternative route to São Paulo. The traffic at this time was light and although there was slight drizzle, the trip was enjoyable.

As we neared São Paulo after a long day, our host, Marcos, announced we were going to his niece's birthday. So after a short tour, we duly arrived at Marcos' sister's home. His sister, Marta, husband Fernando (World Authority on corrective surgery for children with polio) welcomed us into their home for their daughter Marianna's 22nd birthday celebrations. Once again we were part of the family. It was an informal gathering and Marianna had friends, Jillyelle (Jillian) and Claire' present, together with Ruth and Noeli. We had a dinner of Lebanese takeaway and after singing ‘happy birthday’ in true Australian style to Marianna we finally called it a day. Once again, late bedtime. It was a ninety-minute drive across São Paulo to home. São Paulo has 18 million residents!

A highlight of the day was seeing the National Brazilian Police (The Federales) in action. En route to Guaruja, I saw four (presumably) Brazilian youths being questioned by a lone policeman. The youths had adopted the ‘we are assisting police with their inquiries stance’ and had legs apart and hands on heads. Made my day! Memories!!!

Summing up, another great day in Brazil, good food and great company! What will tomorrow bring?

Sunday, 17th April - Day 5 (Maureen & Terry M.)
We met our bus at 7:00 am in a central part of São Paulo for our trip up the mountain to Campos dos Jordao. Way back when we were organizing our exchange we were asked by the exchange director of São Paulo whether we would like to have two days away at either a mountain retreat or a visit to the coast.

We all agreed that we would prefer a mountain treat and thus the two days away to Campos do Jordao was arranged for us.

Campos do Jordao is a quaint mountain town, north-west of São Paulo, and many of the buildings have been built to represent a German community. It took us approximately three hours to get there by bus.

Our host, Irecema, had organized the accommodation at Hotel Ascona, and when we arrived a lovely breakfast was served. We then went on a city tour which took most of the afternoon. We were given a good overview of the town and were taken to Natural Parque and Horto Florestal before having a guided tour of the governor's place - Palacio do Governo - called Palacio Boa Vista. During the tour of the palace, Peter was granted permission to play the grand-piano in the palace and we all stood back and enjoyed the music.

We were then taken up the mountain further to see many splendid mansions and magnificent hotels which cater for rich tourists wanting “time out”.

Back at the hotel a few of our group took the opportunity to have a swim in the pool before “happy hour”. By then the weather had turned quite cold and jumpers and coats were pulled out of our luggage. Dinner was held in the hotel.

After dinner, a few of us - Peter, Margaret, Elza, Eduardo, Irecema, Luiz, Terry and Maureen - walked downtown to have a hot chocolate.

Monday, 18th April - Day 6 (Geoff & San M.)
Campos do Jordao, Hotel Ascona
Molloy verandah door tried 4 a.m., no further problems.

It's another glorious day and we all enjoy our Hotel breakfast, and as it is such a lovely day, we decide to make the most of having the bus and going on another city tour to the highest point around. Unfortunately, there is cloud beneath us, but lots to enjoy. Some happy shopping at the usual market stalls that we find in tourist spots like this.

On our way back we pass many substantial holiday homes and some enormous resorts. The bus drops us off in town and we all enjoy a leisurely stroll around the square and shop. Some enjoy a swim in the Hotel pool and a sunbake, others go for further walking.

We finally leave about 4 p.m., driving back to Sao Paulo through a beautiful sunset, finally to be picked up in the city by our Hosts, refreshed after rest from “lets go!!!!!” for a little while.

Home for one of Liliane's beautiful meals - tonight it is fresh watermelon juice, potato and leek soup, fresh rolls - our dessert is divine and so simple - equal quantities of Papaya and Ice cream pulsed together, with a dash of Crème de Cassis added to individual small bowls, perfect. The setting of the antique table, the hand-painted china and crystal, the quiet attention of the maid, the soft Brazilian music, and the view of the city at night and the sparkling conversation is indelibly imprinted on our memory forever.

Another of Liliane's desserts I yet have to try but will pass on as it sounds wonderful: Lightly fry sliced apples in butter for 2 mins. till caramelised on top for ½ minute, then cover with calvados and flambé.!!!

After dinner we sit down and go through some of Liliane's photo albums. We admire the beautiful hacienda, and enjoy the photos of their recent trip to China.

Liliane and I swap book club notes and are fascinated that we have read some of the same books in each group.

Tuesday, 19th April - Day 7 (Margaret & Peter J.)
Free Day - Farewell Dinner

Up for breakfast at 8 am. Eduardo has to go out to work and I have put a load of washing on. The morning was spent washing clothes and packing. Eduardo came home about 12.30, and we drove downtown again and parked outside the Municipal Central Markets which were absolutely amazing. We walked past fruit stalls containing all the fruit which we are familiar with plus many fruits from Amazonia, and some from Colombia. Petaya was one from Amazonia, which had a gelatinous black spotted centre and had a card in front which said “gelatine - natural, rich in Vitamin E and Minerals”. We walked past stalls with piles of cheeses, and one store holder cut into a block to give us all a taste. Everyone was very friendly and happy to talk, never rude or sort. This is something that has struck us everywhere that we have been in Brazil. We saw other stalls offering fish, poultry, pork, lamb, etc. Everything you could want including a wonderful display of herbs and spices. We ate our lunch at a stall which specialised in many thin slices of delicious bologne in a delicious (repeat deliberate!) bread roll accompanied by a beer. We then looked at the stalls selling all types of nuts and dried fruits and one stall holder had a great chat with us all and ended up giving Peter half a kilo of cashews! We wished we had such a market on the Gold Coast but perhaps we don't have the population for it.

From the markets we moved the car to a parking station. From the parking station we walked as quickly as possible to the Bank of Barpanza Building to go to the top for the view (speed necessary because the bank might close!). We took the lift 32 floors and then had to go up steps for the next 3 floors (about 50 steps). The view was indeed panoramic and we could even see where Elza and Eduardo lived. Back down to look briefly at the Monastery and Church of Sao Bento. Then home for a brief rest and shower to prepare for the Farewell Dinner.

We drove (once again) quite a distance through the city to Symphonie Lyra which appeared to be a German club. Dinner was a buffet again but I had only a little as my appetite was not large - how surprising! Many others said the same. The speeches were made and gifts exchanged.

Elza gave our club a very nice book on Brazil - not too large to carry! At our table was a nice young woman, Patricia, who hopes to go to Australia to improve her English. I would not be surprised if she turns up on the Gold Coast one day.

Wednesday, 20th April - Day 8 (Margaret & Peter J.)
We got up and packed to leave, hopefully by 9 or so. Eduardo has organised, or reorganised, his work so that he can take us to the airport. He was supposed to work through the night but managed to get someone to fill in for him.

It was a sad farewell as we had really enjoyed our week.

View from Airplane Over São Paulo

Our flight was uneventful and we landed at Iguaçu at about 2.30pm and were met by a tour agent and shown to our bus. This bus drove us to the Iguaçu National Park and then to our hotel which is situated right at the Falls. We were shown to our room only to discover that it was a smokers' room as also was the room Lorraine and Dolly were sharing. Peter managed to get us to another room, which is at the front of the hotel.

We went for a walk which took us down paths and steps to various views of these incredible falls. We ended up out on a footbridge which gave us a wonderful view.

For dinner we went to the dining room and I had pumpkin soup as I wasn't hungry. We have all been overeating since we came here. Our group had all met up before dinner for a “happy hour” by the pool at which the cashews (which we were given in São Paulo) were eaten. The group has been a happy one with very few hitches.

Thursday, 21st April - Iguassu Falls (Tour) (Henk & Annette Z.)
We had breakfast overlooking the Iguassu Falls. Some cheeky, but very hungry Quati animals were leaping onto the breakfast tables to finish the leftovers. Waiters chased the animals away.

We gather with our tour guide who takes us on a wagon through the jungle at a slow pace, receiving information about plants and wildlife. We walk down the cliff to board the inflatable boat in our wet weather gear. A great highlight riding the rapids in the river, darting in and out of water falls.

The bus returns us to the lookout by the Iguassu River. We sit under umbrellas sipping a cold beer and enjoying a buffet lunch.

We returned to the hotel via a track along the falls. We recover from our exhausting (?) morning sitting by the pool, taking a swim and enjoying a couple of “coldies”. We then return to our room to pack for an early departure on Friday morning.

o (Margaret & Peter J.)
Breakfast in our hotel was the usual buffet, very nice and far too much eaten again. At 9 am we were all met in the foyer to be greeted by Cecilia, our tour guide for today and tomorrow. She suggested we do the boat trip first and then come back to the hotel to change before going on the walk. We were taken by bus to the station where we changed to another vehicle to take us through the jungle further. There we were on our own to go down a path to the river, having to go down some 160 steps in the process. I managed this OK although am a bit sore tonight. We were given life jackets and hopped on the boat and away we went!

Iguassu Falls - Boat Ride

The boat ride was really exhilarating and a lot of fun as we went up rapids to get close to the waterfalls. We didn't go right to the main falls as I doubt anyone would survive that! The driver of the boat gave us great fun going around in a steep circle so that those at the top edge felt as though they would fall out. We had all been warned to keep our cameras in plastic bags to avoid getting them wet and I had mine in a bag held upside down in case water came over the side or front. Peter kept filming on the way back and didn't close his plastic bag so that when a wave came over the bow he was swamped and his bag had water in it. This meant not only his video camera got wet but his digital camera in the bag also got wet. They are now both useless and we can only hope that one or other will dry enough to get one working. It is a large financial loss and quite a big upset for him (especially if the video tape proves to be no good!).

We retuned to the hotel and changed into dry clothes and did a repeat of the walk we had done late yesterday afternoon. We had lunch in the restaurant down at the end of the road. It was a real bun-rush getting food from the buffet but very pleasant sitting outside overlooking the river just before it plunged over the waterfall. We returned to the hotel to have a rest and pack and then went downstairs for a swim. Henk, Maureen and Jo were having a game of handball in the pool so we joined them and had great fun.

We went back to our room for a shower and change to meet up by the pool for “happy hour”. We had dinner in the restaurant. I had spaghetti bolognaise and Peter had a steak. I don't know how he can eat such a large meal after the lunch we had! We came up to bed, and despite the nap in the afternoon, we had no trouble sleeping. This has been a lovely place to visit. Marvellous to see toucans sitting in the trees and the cute quetos which must be the Brazilian equivalent of our possum but less afraid of humans. It was fun to watch one of the employees of the hotel try to chase them away. One of our group saw one of these creatures jump on to an outside table whilst people were eating. It caused a great commotion. All the rubbish bins seem to be fitted in such a way to prevent them getting in but we saw one inside hop out, so obviously it is impossible to stop them.

Things are priced for the tourist here as we are well away from the town, and, in fact, didn't get to see around it at all which is a little strange.

Footnote:
All 24 of us went on to Buenos Aires (Capital of Argentina) for three days, and then 10 of our group returned home to Australia whilst the remaining 14 went on for a fabulous tour of Peru (Lima, Cuzco, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, etc.), and Bolivia (Lake Titicaca & La Paz).

Train - Machu Pichu

Machu Pichu

Intrepid Explorers...