City
Created by Robert B
Fri 01/25/08 (day 2)
Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
I am sitting by the passenger pick-up area. It is open to the outdoors (though there is a roof) and the fresh air is welcome after 11 hours of sale airplane air. It is a large modernist concrete facility - drab, but clean. I had no problems getting through customs, or getting here at all for that matter. My flight was 45 minutes late arriving at the gate in Sao Paulo, however my connecting flight to Belo Horizonte was also late, and thankfully I did not miss my connection.
I've been awake since 8a.m. Wednesday morning (it is now Friday, albeit 2a.m.). I had to move as much of my belongings out of my condo as I could prior to my departure. The bank will most likely be foreclosing on the property while I am in Brasil. I am going to mail them my last mortgage statement with my condo keys included, to make their job easier. I'll mail the envelope from Brasil, so they at least know I'm having a good time during the foreclosure process. I've told everyone I've put the condo on the market - how much more insane they would think of me knowing I've actually been foreclosed on!!
It was a difficult move, because more than in moves past (and there have been many), I've had to leave a lot of things behind. My disco ball, which I have had since high school, I sold; my big purple dog Chimo, which I won while on a trip to Canada in high school, I had to leave behind. It is not the most pleasurable (or proud) period of my life, compounded by my having to move (very) temporarily back in to my mother's basement at 28 years old (to her displeasure).
I packed my car up with all I could (I could barely drive it was so cramped with belongings) and drove to my mother's house Wednesday night. From there I only had about 45 minutes to eat and rest before we had to go to Hartford to catch the Connecticut Limo to JFK, scheduled for a 1:30a.m. departure.
In the van to JFK I met a most pleasant and funny mother/daughter couple also catching the same flight as I to Sao Paulo. We talked and laughed all the way to the airport. They had come armed with snacks and Capri Sun, so we did a bit of eating on the way (before airport security siezed all of their beverages). They even ended up sitting across from me on the airplane. It made the beginning of my journey much more enjoyable, and myself much less anxious. They invited me to visit them while I am in Brasil (they are heading to Paranagua, which is south of Sao Paulo state), and I hope to take them up on their invitation.
I've been impressed by the airline (TAM) throughout my trip. Maybe it is because I do not often fly internationally, but I was surprised by the complimentary breakfast and dinner, as well as the free wine (I had 3 cups full). The food was decent - I definitely am not picky when it comes to traveling. An omlet with sausage & fruit for breakfast, followed by lasagna for dinner. The staff has been very friendly, and my luggage arrived safely without issue (or things missing!). Of course, I still have one more stop: I catch a 6:30a.m. flight to Vitoria (a last-minute addition to my itinerary thanks to Eric and Sidnei's last-minute decision not to stay in Conselheiro Pena). That will be a short flight, and I do believe the most arduous part of my journey is behind me. I only hope they remember to pick me up!
The plane from JFK to Sao Paulo also had televisions in the seats, much like JetBlue, and I watched a movie in between naps. Even our small flight from Sao Paulo to Belo Horizonte offered us complimentary food and drink! I have not spent a penny thus far since embarking on this trip.
I am tired, though not nearly as tired as I would expect myself to be after nearly 48 hours of little sleep. I am in good spirits and am looking forward to seeing Eric, Sidnei, and Dude (their small white fluffy Coton de Tulear). I'll probably attempt to check-in for my next flight at 4:00a.m. Thankfully, the luggage carts here are free, so I'm not lugging three heavy bags with me by hand. I think the smell of the warm, fresh Brazilian air is proving to be invigorating. Then again, compared to the 19F temperature I left behind, this is paradise - even with the jack hammers. Here's to the beginning of an incredible journey, and an exciting new experience.
Planned Activities
Thu 01/24/08 (day 1) - Belo Horizonte
Fri 01/25/08 (day 2) - Castelândia, Serra
City
Thu 01/31/08 (day 8) - Laranjeiras, Serra
City
Fri 02/01/08 (day 9) - Jacaraipe, Serra
Entertainment
Sat 02/02/08 (day 10) - Vitoria
Entertainment
Fri 02/08/08 (day 16) - Vitoria
Shopping
Sun 02/10/08 (day 18) - Jacaraipe, Serra
Entertainment
Thu 02/14/08 (day 22) - Belo Horizonte, Savassi, Belo Horizonte
City
Entertainment
Fri 02/15/08 (day 23) - São Teago
City
Thu 02/21/08 (day 29) - Vila Velha
Thing to Do
Sat 02/23/08 (day 31)
Restaurant
Wed 02/27/08 (day 35) - Vitoria
City
Fri 02/29/08 (day 37) - Rio De Janeiro, Lapa, Rio De Janeiro
Thing to Do
Thing to Do
Entertainment
Sat 03/01/08 (day 38) - Rio De Janeiro, Copacabana, Rio De Janeiro
Thing to Do
Entertainment
are you back in the U.S. now?