Michael Paulista, Part 1
Arriving at FWA, I was early enough to enjoy a final cup of Fort Wayne’s Higher Grounds roast coffee before boarding the flight to ATL. I sipped a cup and realized that I was heading to one of the world’s supreme coffee producers. The country produces 35% of the world’s supply. Naturally, maximum coffee consumption became one of my missions of the trip.
My overnight flight to Sao Paulo from ATL was 9 hours of patience. Sleeping whilst sitting in an aisle seat is an art - one that I have not mastered.
The flight was uneventful for the most part. The packed Delta flight provided everyone with a small screen for games, TV and movies. There were several TV shows available, but who wants to watch Will & Grace? I was too cheap to pay for movies so I simply read STOPSMILING and WIRED.
I had the privilege of flying into Guarulhos airport as the sun came up. I looked out the window to find houses situated in every possible angle as they covered rolling hills. The seasons in Brazil are opposite that of the US, so it was a delightful 70 F as I landed at 7 AM.
[Rest of story and short video after the break...]
There were no problems with customs after dealing with business-VISA paperwork and artifact collection for a few months prior to traveling. I breezed through and went directly to the currency exchange for some Real. I got about 40 cents USD on the Real.
The nice thing about business travel (and I will try to stop myself from using that expression too much) is that you get spoiled. After traveling on a shoestring budget years ago, I truly appreciate the pampering. However, there is definitely some benefit to traveling on the cheap. It is a completely different and more humble experience.
I had arranged an executive taxi from the airport to the hotel, so my driver Ari was waiting for me with a “Michael Barbato” sign as I walked out of baggage claim. We had a good chat about the city and family life during our 30-minute drive from the airport. He gave me a bit of insight into Brazil.
I got to the Renaissance, Sao Paulo around 10 AM. The people at the desk sent me up to the Club Level check-in desk on the 23rd floor. I had no idea that my room was booked up in the Club Level. As it turns out, I got access to a lounge with wi-fi, complimentary breakfast and a nightly happy hour. Nice one. (I am enjoying a few cerveja pilsen as I type this.)
Bruno at the desk hooked me up with access to the lounge as I waited for an early check-in. My first food impression of Brazil was breakfast including papaya and watermelon juice, fresh fruit, and of course, plenty of coffee.
It may take me some time to process all of the images, but here is a quick glimpse of Michael Paulista, Part 1. “Paulista” is a nickname for the people of Sao Paulo. It is also the main road near my hotel.
Michael Paulista, Part 1 from Miguel Barbato on Vimeo.
Photo/Video notes: I used the Nikon D90 for digital images and video. The HOLGA provided some analog photos, but processing will take a few weeks.
Nikon D40 | digital
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