So my first visa is coming to an end in about 3 weeks and I can't believe that I've already been here on this visa for a full year. This year has really flown by and it's tough to think about leaving for an extended period of time, but Brazil makes it really difficult for you to stay in the country and contribute to their economy. The US on the other hand has only rejected less than 5% of all visa's for Brazilian's so welcoming foreign spending has never been more popular and I can attest to that as the flights have all been full when traveling to/from Brazil to the US and vice versa. New shoes, iPads, clothes, and electronics are still the rage even given the recent increase in the dollar vs the real (or the real weakening vs the dollar). In September 2011 the real lost 25% against the dollar and marked one of the largest swings in currency volatility in a given month. Good for me (I am still paid in dollars) bad for Brazilians (unless you hedged). Little tangent there but oh well....
I finally got the vistoria for my new apartment so I'll be working on that this weekend if I have time. I've got to take pictures of several things that were of course noted as 'new' in the apartment. Sony Bravia 46 inch 'new' TV although it was manufactured and bought in 2009, a 'new' table and 6 chairs but the chairs mysteriously showed up with foot pads to prevent scratching on the floor (false) and also with scratch marks on the chairs (again false). Other than that I think most of the things are in order, but I'll be taking pictures non-the less so and showing to the company paint marks and other issues so I am not liable again when I move out.
Went to Cirque du Soliel this week with Kelly and we saw Varekai in Sao Paulo. The law firm that represents us in Brazil was having a client night so the tickets were free so we headed to Sao Paulo for the night and the show was really good, but glad I got the tickets free and didn't pay the going R$400 per ticket. I think some of the shows in Vegas are better.
Tonight we are going to see Seu Jorge at an event near Campinas, tomorrow a churrasco (Brazilian word for BBQ) and on Sunday it's our last regular season tackle football game. It's either win or go home so it's a must win situation for both teams. It's a home game so we have that going for us, but both teams are 2-2 and in the same division so I am sure we'll both come out fighting for a chance to get into the playoffs.
Pray for a good last few weeks of 2011 here in Brazil (I am going to REALLY miss the hot weather) and also that my temporary visa gets approved in January 2012 so I can return to Brazil while my work permit is being reviewed and processed by the Brazilian consulate.
Cheers
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