South America 2019: Trip Notes # 3
Jerry's
Uber-USA App works here - it's so easy once we figured things out. Each
ride might be $3-$5 or perhaps $6 if the travel time is > 20 minutes. This
is so much better than renting a car and looking for a place to park. We book a
car, it arrives within a few minutes, we get dropped off at our destination and
the process keeps repeating. Maybe, we spend $20 for the day - no stress, no
strain...
We
needed more water - returned to the market and discovered that the entire neighborhood "loves' takeout.
Uber Shops - Uber Delivers
The local market is quite large and believes in service. If a customer needs information or forgets something, a customer service person takes off on - skates!
The Customer Service Position Knew When An Opportunity Strikes
She Fixed Her hair And Angled Herself For The Best Photo Op Possible
Waiting To Be Discovered!
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While walking throughout the multi-storied market complex, we discovered an "Inter-Active" experience. There are paintings or other art-type items that encourage a visitor to be part of the art item.
We also found a variety of restaurants located on different levels - stumbled onto a "Portuguese-style" restaurant - met the owner - decided to return later for dinner. When
we returned, the owner sat down with us providing an opportunity to learn about
her restaurant, some of Brazil's politics and to share life's experiences.
"Christina"
changed professions. She was a high-tech marketing manager (knew many of PMI's
customers) and wanted to make more money. She (and her husband) started a
restaurant and catering business. They work 12 hours each day. It's hard work.
We learned that there was a political parallel between USA and Brazil. The new
president was elected as an anti-vote against the previous (very) corrupt
president. The new president (offering opportunities for small business growth)
has not met his many promises causing (very) recent protests/riots in nearby
areas.
We
had a local dish: Chunks of sausage, slices of ham and beef with grilled
cheese, piled high on large pieces of crusty bread and smothered in a very tasty tomato-based type soup. Scalloped french-fried potatoes accompanied
this dish. We each ordered one of these monster sandwiches. Too much to eat in one sitting.
A large bottle of local beer was perfect for this meal.
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Sunday's are "Fiesta Days" in the town center. The main boulevard (Av. Paulista) is closed off providing a lengthy pedestrian and bicycle zone
Our next stop on Paulista (one of the main boulevards) is MASP - (Art Museum of Sao Paulo).
Although small, this museum was a
- WOW! This is the only art museum in the world that places the art pieces on a glass stands allowing visitors to walk around them. The stands are called -
"Crystal Easels."
Although a small collection ranging from the 1600's to the present, still there was a wonderful representation of famous artists and styles.
We Love The Impressionist Artists
 |
| Close-ups of pieces is permitted |
 |
| Complete Painting Close-Up Permitted - See Picture To Right |
More close-ups
 |
| Complete Painting Close-up To Right ----> |
Modern Art - Material Woven Around Driftwood
A different style...
There are many art and food vendors lining the streets.
We wanted to try something really local. A young English-speaking couple (lucky us) introduced us to a Northeastern (West African) Brazilian concoction - a bean/pea-type "shell" -- filled with chopped veggies, soft-shelled shrimp, an unusual saffron sauce and exotic spices. It was quite good.
Dish Was Called "Acaraje"
There was a very unusual happening at one part of Paulista - Street Dancing! Hundreds of locals were all doing line dancing and circle dancing. This must be relatively common. Most of the people knew the hand motions and steps. Think in terms of the "hustle" with a modern, quick samba-type beat.
Locals buy, eat, dance, drink and have fun. Although there was a "police presence" (along with other security people), no one was acting stupid or causing a disturbance. It was a warm and beautiful day - locals wanted to have a good time.
There was one band with a woman lead singer that sang "What's Going On?" by 4 Non Blonds. It was a perfect rendition. There was quite a crowd listening to her sing. (Google the song - it's a good one!)
This leads to what the radio stations are playing - Everyone listens to American music - all types from famous easy listening to the latest rap. The focus is more 80's to the present.
Time For a Treat. Maracuja is "Passion Fruit" ice cream - a little sour and seedy but very good. It goes well with dark chocolate.
Also time for a rest in a nearby park. It has been close to 90 degrees mid-day.
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