Ding Dong Merrily on High

Passion. The local Chandon sparkling wine which mixes the very nice bubbly with a bit of passionfruit. Had my fill. Of that. Of it. Happily High. Presents for the little man, the big man, and the parents, friends, security guards, swimming instructors, pool guys, school teachers, local friends, driver, maid, and their respective families.... EVERYONE is included. Hey - it's Catholic here or so I've been told. Very little indication of it in this neighborhood. Families at the local Paderia this morning, strolling in the park, and generally chilled out. In fact, I have learned recently that it is pretty much considered a quiet day. From the noise volume coming from the neighbors last night, I now understand that Christmas Eve is the chosen day here - for dinner and celebrations well into the night. And of course gift giving. Our noisy day was today. And now it's pretty much over - presents unwrapped - food digesting - and feet aching! Merry Christmas until next year....

Surreal Sao Paulo Christmas

I'm dreaming...
Recently coerced into joining the St. Andrew's Society Committee, I have been introduced into the surreal and lively world of Scottish Country Dancing, Whiskey, and the Brazil-Scotland connection (you guessed right; there is none). The new chair of the committee for 2006 hosted Christmas drinks at his "house" the evening of the 23rd. House, a word I use loosely, does not really describe the abode of this man who is posted here to close down a bank whose name will remain undisclosed. Probably, rock stars like Mick Jagger, or rich guys like Bill Gates have underground tennis courts and 3 levels of security necessary to venture near their abodes - but THIS WAS UNREAL. The meal was pot-luck HUNH?- definitely not appropriate for the surroundings; sprawling garden, large pool, spacious barbecue pit, dining table for 20 (26 at a push) and the grand living space with two storey Christmas tree and 10 foot high blow up Santa. I am getting my feet and head around the dancing, and learning about how the social circles move in Sao Paulo (you gotta be RICH - Sing to the tune of "I've got to be me!") - BUT BUT BUT..... just get me out for a divey drive to the Samba bar with the driver, place an ice cold beer in my hand, and let me go.

Fresh Air

Ok, well actually the title of this post is a bit mis-leading. There really is no fresh air in Sao Paulo. However, the Birthday party we attended Friday night was absolutely a breath of fresh air. The venue was down to earth - no blasting disco music, no video games, and no Disney garbage. Just simple, Amazon-themed wooden play toys, environmental games, and lots of fun and traditional music to dance to for the kids. The parents (for the most part) were hands-on, and what babas there were kept out of the limelight and out of the kids' hair. A few beers, and few deep fried delights, and a few great conversations later and we really felt like we finally have found a crowd where we fit in. Joy!

Bulletproof

After jumping through a few hoops and wading through seemingly miles of red tape, I finally have my Brazilian driver's licence. I now have the priveledge of cautiously weaving my way through local traffic, dodging pedestrians and street performers and beggers, and trying not to get caught by one of the numerous radar traps lurking around town. But more than anything else, I try to keep my eyes open for dangerous situations. Young women driving alone in this city (especially in expensive cars) are targets for petty crime, car theft, fraud, and at worst armed robbery and rapid kidnapping. Almost everyone has a story. So far, I have been lucky enough to be bulletproof - driving a car with kevlar tires (difficult to shoot or slash), bulletproof windows and doors, and a kick ass engine which can accelerate through almost anything. The only problem is trying to stop with all that weight behind you. And feeling overconfident. So I'm off to the grocery store now, with my eyes open and my rear view in clear focus. Brum brum!

RUSH

Remember them? Probably not. But here in Brazil, Rush feels contemporary. Turn on the radio and you get a trip back to high school (if you're my age). Rick Astley, Led Zepplin, Stevie Winwood, and countless other 80's wonders. Go to the CD shop and it's the same. Dead or Alive! Supertramp! The Cure! Where is the Beautiful South? Where is Texas? Why can't I find my favourites, but Level 42's entire works are readily available? I believe the answer lies in a section of the shop called MPB (Most Popular Brazilian I think). Start to explore this music and you get a taste of why Brazilians haven't had to move forward with popular music outside of their own borders. I'm starting with Jorge Ben Jor, and moving on with Ulraje Rigor, and now trying out Lulu. But when I'm driving here, I'll always be back at the high school dance, wondering whether Todd Bulmer will look my way. Sigh.....