Sao Paulo, here we are

January 2,2009
We arrived today in Sao Paulo, Brazil this morning. It was a long overnight flight and we were so tired. We had a half hour walk looking to buy some water and then took a nap in our digs. We.re booked into the Hotel Real Paulista for the next three days. Our room is definitely very very cramped but welcome to South America and our slim budget. Our room is about $ 40 a night-- way over our budget in Bolivia. But despite the rooms tiny size and mean appointments, we do have a private toilet and hot water- both luxuries that Jim enjoys. And the location is wonderful and the area feels safe.
After the nap, Jim was in the shower and I headed downstairs to sketch. I did the sculpture in the little corner park right outside the hotel door. It felt so good to be drawing, surrounded by `park people`` beggars, infirm, cyclists and old men. It did cross my mind that I was the only female and definitely the park regulars (including the pigeons) were interested in this newcomer. I was having a really good time when the skies opened, the park emptied and the rain poured.

Jim and I set off in the rain exploring. We found a lovely garden and later a marvelous art exhibit. It was called 300% Spanish and was two floors of exhibitions. One was of lighting, one was posters and one was chairs. I just loved it and I``m inspired to design a lamp, a chair and a poster!! This exhibition followed on the heals of seeing the movie Helvetica in Texas. This movie about graphic design was just what these exhibitions were all about. Of course my favourite chair was designed by Salvidor Dali!!!

By 6 pm I was starving having only had a coffee and yogurt on the plane this morning. We went to a small cafe and couldn.t quite figure out how to get what we wanted but we did share a piece of crepe and buns and we bought some cookies and a bottle of wine. We may have to open it with our teeth.

Tomorrow is Jim~s birthday so anyone who is following this blog you might want to send him greetings, to wyatt.jim@gmail.com
and of course email me too if you want to.
xox