Hi everyone.

Vance and I are both sitting in the lounge room of a beautiful place on the
coast south of Sao Paulo. Bee organised it for us, and she is at the moment
swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

We have had an amazing South American adventure so far. Starting with Rita
and Jennifer and others in Buenos Aires. Since then we have spent a weekend
in the country with Bee and her husband, attended the BrazTESOL Convention in
Sao Paulo, and an EFL conference in Brasilia.

Carla and Erika were our marvellous hosts in Brasilia. They put us up in
their houses and drove us around to the many excellent sights – Brasilia was
a real surprise for me. I didn't realise that parts of Brazil were flat and
dry. Now that doesn't sound very appealing, but add a glorious blue sky, a
perfect temperature, intriguing modern architecture and planning, the company
of Carla and Erika and others and you have a great place!

We spent an afternoon at a local restaurant eating, drinking and listening to
samba music. I think some of the locals were disappointed that I didn't
dance, but they'll get over it ;) Besides, Bobbi and Vance did enough dancing
for all of us.

In short, if you are ever in Brazil, take the trouble to go inland to
Brasilia – it's quite a special place. And Carla and Erika and their friends
and families were wonderful hosts.

- Michael