Wondering if breakfast was still served (it was already 10:00 a.m.), I went to the 28th floor dining room. Yes, they serve breakfast until 11:00 a.m.! So I enjoyed a leisurely buffet breakfast -- crusty rolls, ham, cheese, ham and cheese pie (quiche), soft cheese, fruit (papaya, watermelon, pineapple, melon), yogurt, little cheese rolls, and, of course, strong but not at all bitter, fragrant coffee... All tables have an incredible view of the city because one wall is just glass... Very nice...
We were supposed to pick up laundry tomorrow but, since we are leaving early for a trip to Santos (a coastal town), I checked on it today. Even though I had to wait a few minutes (no big deal, people watching is always fun), I was given a nicely wrapped package of laundered and folded clothes.
Laundry by the kilo...
I still had plenty of clothes to wear but I don't like to carry dirty things around. Even if I don't have a chance to do laundry for the next couple of weeks, I will be fine. Having traveled around the world, I learned to pack plain T-shirts in various colors, a couple pairs of jeans, a plain skirt and/or dress, and several plain cardigans that can be worn with a dress or over T-shirt. The key factor here is plain and interchangeable! :) This way, there are many combinations, plus plain clothes are much easier to clean. I also usually bring four pairs of shoes -- running shoes (wear on the plane because they are comfortable and more difficult to pack), dress shoes (again, plain -- can be worn with anything), open-toe shoes that are both somewhat dressy but still casual and comfortable (can be worn with jeans or a skirt, if needed), and flip flops. I always bring lots of underwear and several pairs of socks -- they don't take much space and it's critical, as far as I am concerned. Of course, ubmrella and rain poncho are important, too.
What else? Adapters for appliances (not needed in Brazil), rechargeable battery charger, foldable duffel bag in case there are luggage problems, duct tape (you can even fix a luggage handle), phone charger, and, of course, my laptop! :) About four years ago, I also bought a portable wireless router. It comes in a small pouch (maybe 2'' by 6"?) and contains router and ethernet cord. No installation is required -- just plug in and go! For example, Internet connection here is only possible through ethernet cord; however, because of my router, I have my own network and can curl up on the couch instead of sitting at the table. :)
OK, looks like I have written a travel column, lol. After picking up laundry, I just wondered around the Jardin district where our hotel is located. It's fun to walk around, stop in little shops, etc. I bought a picture book in Portuguese to use during presentations when I return to the USA and a cute heart-shaped alarm clock. They are selling lots of flowers, chocolates, and other gifts because June 12th is Brazilian equivalent of Valentine's Day. So the clock is my Valentine's Day gift! ;)
There are lots of coffee shops around but, until today, haven't see any of them serving coffee to go. It's a very different culture -- if you stop for coffee, you sit down and enjoy, instead of grab and run. It's nice... I don't like sitting by myself, though, so I was happy to get a cup of coffee to go in a little shop less than a block from our hotel.
Girls in a coffee shop...
Now I can sip my coffee and get some work done, in case there is no Internet access next week...
We might go to a music show tonight but we'll see... For now, I will just relax and enjoy some peace and quiet...
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