WTF!

Yesterday I was at the Lonely Planet web site. As soon as the page is loaded to your computer, if you scroll all the way down there is one section called "postcards". Every week one different country appears there. Last week was Brazil's turn. Basically, tourists from all over the world post there testimonials about their experience while visiting that specific country. Unfortunately I couldn't read one single positive feedback about visiting Brazil - mainly Rio de Janeiro. All types of scams/violence were listed. One German tourist describes his experience as follows:

"Me and my friend were robbed on the first day we arrived in Brazil. We strolled along the Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro and had two or three beers in one of the Barracuas at this beach. When dusk was falling we started to walk back to our hotel. Five black young men jumped from behind a bush beside the famous sidewalk of the Copacabana and the leader held a knife at my neck and said,'Give me your money'. I did (fortunately I had not much with me) and he searched through all my pockets while he was still holding the knife at my neck. My friend's watch was stolen as well. Joggers and bicycle riders passed us but nobody cared about what had happened to us. So don't walk around at dawn on Rio's beaches. It is still too dangerous. We heard of other people who were robbed too. Reiner Kloecker, Germany

O Brasil só tem três instituições estáveis: o Foro de São Paulo, a Receita Federal e o narcotráfico. O resto é ilusão.

Olavo de Carvalho "O Globo - 12 de marco de 2005"

Who said money can't bring happiness??

On my situation, it cost 300 bucks. I finally bought my Ipod!!! Never thought that such a small gadget would make me so happy.

St. Louis - March 2005 - cold, very cold 

New Orleans - February 8th 2005 - Mardi Gras