Bloggin’ in BraziL

Farewell Party

Sat, 1 Nov 2008 18:47:27 -0500

After the students took their final exam, they had mentioned we should have a happy hour together and drink some beer. I suggested Villa Moranda. None of the students had been there before, but were very pleased with the, ahem, selection.

Pictured directly across from me is one of my most enthusiastic students, Jose Emiliano. He has been a software guru working with Java for a long time, and is just now getting back into electronics. Hence my nickname for him became Java Man.

He also informed me that my laugh is quite similar to the one that Yogi Bear has in Brazil. I proceeded to inform him that I thought he bore a resemblance to Yogi’s accomplice, Booboo. He informs me one day he will write the guaranteed best seller, Specman for Dummies.

I am sad to leave Campinas and the many friends I made there, but will be glad to get back home to Austin. Tchau!

Belly dancing at L’Arabian

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:28:35 -0500

Continuing to find good places to go, we found a really good Lebanese restaurant in Cambui (a section of Campinas) called L’Arabian. On Friday and Saturday nights, they have belly dancing. We love the skill of balancing the sword on the hip. Que legal!

Doing the Prashanta

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:25:03 -0500

Our friend Amir claims he saw Prashanta doing his famous dance one time with a beer bottle over his head. We decided to pay tribute to him. Also met up with some more lovely Brazilian ladies. This one spoke about as much English as I can speak Portugese.

Villa Miranda

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:16:19 -0500

We’ve been finding some really nice places to go at night in Campinas. On Thursday, Everton, Solon, and I visited a new restaurant/bar in town called Villa Miranda. As you can see, a good time was had by all. I was even able to finally find a tabacaria and obtain some charutos. We also found some lovely Brazilian ladies. Everton claims that one of them thought I was handsome, but I have no way of verifying since they didn’t speak English.

Shots from the tower

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:45:02 -0500

There’s a tower in Campinas, much like the one in Portland, that overlooks the entire city. Pretty sweet place for picture taking.