Sao Paulo and catching up with an old friend.

9-13 Feb.
We arrived Saturday evening, cooked and slept. Sunday Vivian, my friend whom I met in India through work and her husband Raphael, picked us up and took us to this terrific restaurant that was a buffet but French. The best breakfast ever. The food and pastries and fruit were delicious. They then took us to this fabulous village, outside of Sao Paulo. Embu terra de Artes. It was full of stalls and shops selling the most amazing handicrafts. Tourists were few and far between and most were with a guide. We were very lucky that we had such fab friends. It was such a lovely day. Raphael was a mind of information. His dad loved history and passed on this to his son and his gift of story telling. His dad was a famous actor on the radio and his voice was used in many novellas or adds. Quite a character I think. Between Vivian and Raphael we learned about Sao Paulo. But also their story of where they met and went to school and where their parents worked etc. It was such a lovely day. It gave us a brilliant insight into SP. One few tourists get.
Monday, Alex and I tried to find the places Vivian and Raphael pointed out and tried to remember the stories that went with the buidings. SP is a fab city and the metro is superb. There are many fine buildings and fabulous museums etc.
Monday evening Vivian and Raphael took us to this lovely restaurant then on to this most elegant bar that was in one of the highest buildings in SP. It was like going into a gentlemens club. The panoramic views of the city displayed at its best as it was a clear night. We got some wine and chatted in this rather salubrious bar that would rival the best in many a top hotel etc in London. It really felt special. Mind you it didn´t come cheap but it was so worth it. We said our goodbyes until we would meet again in a few days. Vivian very kindly agreed to receive Alex´s credit card in the post and to hold it until we came back.