Something that I didn't mention here is that almost upon arrival to Brazil, I developed allergic pink eye. I blame it on the car we were using to drive around in. Anyway... I get this every now and then and use Patanol or Tobrex to clear it up. Who would think to pack this stuff??? In the U.S., these are both prescription drugs (one has a steroid for example). Well.. a little trip to the pharmacy and they hooked me up. What's more amazing is just how cheap they were. In the U.S., Patanol would set you back $60 without insurance for a little tiny bottle of the stuff. A bottle cost me R 27.42 ($11.28) in Brazil. My COPAY is higher than that! Sorry, there was really no better place to put that story. I just wanted to make sure it got in.

Many people worked very hard to make sure that my trip went well. Cecilia's meticulous planning and interpreting maximized my tourism capabilities. Her family took me out to see things and took me in as one of their own. It was a great trip and I'll have to go back to see the things that I missed - i.e. the currency exhibition at the Banco do Brasil Cultural Center.

This chunk of the web site has taken nearly two months to assemble. Since I started, the power rationing in Brazil has indeed come to an end. To the people of the nation of Brazil, I have two words for you: You're Welcome!  And to all those who helped make my trip as memorable as possible, I have two more: Thank you!