Just to finish the festive theme, here is the baby J in his manger adorning the clock tower plus some rather warm santas looking somewhat out of place

New Year went with a bang as we were entertained with a six hour barrage of fireworks and air bombs over the city. The beach was fully booked as most folk seem to head down for New Year which was a blessing as heavy rain washed away the bridge and route back. Those that went took 18 rather than 2 hrs to get back. A local village was also submerged but I believe thankfully no loss of life. It's rained nearly everyday since I arrived which was to be expected in such a tropical area but the duration of the downpours is way above the norm and has resulted in many landslides and floods across a lot of Sao Paulo State and Brazil in general.

After a two hour drive east you hit Ubatuba and the beach, one hour west and it's up into the mountains to Campos do Jordão, a sprawling Alpen styled mountain retreat with fine eateries, designer clothes shops and obligatory German beer. A playground of the wealthy set and a good spot to flee the heat of 1500m below. Surprising what a drop of a few degrees can have. This "chilliness" brings the locals out in their fashionable coats, hats and gloves. True brits stick to shorts and sandals (it was still 20 odd degrees!)

One of the many bizarre sights in this town

The wheels. Ford Ecosport Flex. Runs on petrol or alcohol so either depleting a natural resource or ripping down rainforest for sugar beet fields. Either way polluting the atmosphere!

It's Christmas time...

Christmas is celebrated in a similar british/american style here with lights, decorations, presents and cards. Seeing houses decked out with enough lights to put vegas to shame in 90 degree heat is very disorienting.

Christmas although family oriented is number three behind mardi gras and new year for drinking and getting away. Myself and two of the other brits out here, Jody and Matt, ventured to the beach to indulge our festive spirit. Santa followed suit.

Christmas Eve is celebrated here rather than the 25th and a sumptuous buffet was laid on for all the hotel guests.

Spent Christmas day soaking up the beach scenery.

The Adventure Begins...

Arrived 27/11/09

So the brazilian adventure has begun. Due to various issues my arrival here to start my work assignment at the Ford Taubate Engine Plant was probably 4 months later than expected. Had to play catch up, working long hours and 7 day weeks which has precluded any real exploring or R&R but now have 4 days off for Christmas to recharge.

Did squeeze in a works BBQ a couple of weeks ago and skillfully aided the England team to a dismall 4-2 loss against the home nation. .

A "Gaucho" was hired for the barbie to serve up to an attentive audience a range of traditional meats all cooked to succulent perfection. The key, apart from the meat quality, is the wood and salt rub used. This carnivore was left in seventh heaven. Vegetarians struggle in Brazil.

The after effects of the local firewater Pinga which will no doubt be making recurring appearances in this blog

Portuguese lessons have started so I wish one and all a Feliz Natal e Próspero Ano Novo!!