São Paulo Series - Here, there and somewhere

I've to admit that I have not explored much of São Paulo, partly due to security reasons, partly due to the hot weather, and partly due to a lack of interest. But the times that I ventured out of the hotel and had the camera with me, I saw a glimpse of the lives of people around me.

Chateau Margaux

The wealth of the residents in the area near the hotel is evident. Here, people live behind 2 to 3 tiers of security gates, with security guards patrolling day and night in their walkies talkies. Some of these security guards even wear a suit in the hot summer months. Some have fountains and carefully manicured lawns at the front, all have underground car parks that have two security gates to prevent tailgating, and some have brightly lit trees during Christmastime. Today, I saw a white Rolls Royce emerging from one of these condominiums. Premium cars are a rare sight in São Paulo probably because of security concerns. Next to the hotel is Edificio des Arts: one building called Monet and the other Rodin. In this photo, the grandiose complex is named Chateau Margaux - it is a statement of wealth.






A man mending wicker-backed chairs near the hotel. I was surprised to see this local enterprise and the fact that people in the area actually care to mend the chairs rather than buying new ones. These chairs are hardly antiques.

A store in Morumbi shopping centre selling bean bags and some cute stuffed neck support. I was tempted to buy one but then desisted as I would not like to care one of these bulky things back to UK.

View of Paulista from the hotel balcony. I like the balcony, a place to step out of the air conditioned room to check out the temperature and to enjoy the feel of an apartment. It's not much of a view but it's a view nevertheless.

 

The waiting room of my ophthalmologist - a medical captain who is full of joie de vivre, trained in Paris and combined treatment with a glorious sense of humour. The locals who have medical insurance don't have to pay. For a visitor like me, each consultation is 280 BRL plus prescription charges when buying the medication from a pharmacist.

 

 

The newly-opend TAM lounge at Guarulhos International Airport, Terminal 3. Previously there was only one Executive Lounge which was less than adequate. This new addition has made the wait more pleasant, with better selection of drinks and canapes.

 

 

Local guys practising ta-kwan-tao in slow motion at Ibirapeura Park. Sometimes the space is taken up by atheletes or other types of martial arts followers.

 

 

I post this photo because I found it so cute that two small dogs were being ferried in the pannier by their owners. Dogs at Sao Paulo are beautifully groomed. This pair surprisingly has no hair ornaments.

 

 

Ahhh, what a lovely way to relax.