Voting Machines

Half a million of these machines were at work this Sunday in Brazil for the municipal elections. I have used one of them a few hours ago and I already know who is the new Mayor of São Paulo, one of the biggest cities of the world. The machine is very simple to use and the results can be quickly known. In the future, these beauties will identify the voters by reading their fingerprints.

Buying Books

I loved the idea of The Book Depository  sharing with us what books people are buying around the world. It was amazing!  The ones who love literature, just love, no explanation. Some may wonder what’s the point of looking at a map with names of books popping up all the time. However, I find it absolutely fascinating trying to figure out who those people are and why they’ve chosen this or that book. Were they motivated by personal interests? Is there any connection with current events in their countries? Media influence? Buzzword? Any connection with age? Profession? There is someone from Malta who bought Animal Farm , a fellow from Australia has just grabbed Waking The Tiger, whereas someone from Chile preferred Rede de Computadores and Ice Man was the favorite to someone in Poland, Cliffs of Insanity was just purchased  in Ireland, Art of the Japanese Postcard – Masterpieces  from Th Leonard A Lauder Collection (Hardback) has just been bought in Germany (might be gorgeous this one, I am curious). My choice was Once Upon a Time: on the Nature of Fairytale which I strongly recommend. That’s enough for a while, before they find out there is a crazy lady spying on their books, check the site, you might enjoy it  http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/live

Yes, I’m From Brazil

Yes, I’m from Brazil and for heaven’s sake, I couldn’t dance samba to save my life. I do not support any football team; I do not watch TV because I love reading. I speak Portuguese (and a great deal of English). I’ve never been to the forest; I am an urban creature who lives in one of the biggest cities of the world. Yes, São Paulo is in Brazil not in Argentina and Buenos Aires is definitely not the capital of my country. Yes, I have to tell you that ‘feijoada’ is really delicious (you should try it with ‘caipirinha’) and that our coffee really tastes like coffee. Just in case you’re afraid of being mugged, you have to fear our politicians, much more than our people (like any other country, by the way). Brazilian music is fascinating and yes, we have all sorts of landscapes here from jungle to incredible modern cities besides spots that can remind you of heaven. Before I forget, I don’t have macaws in my backyard and I hate thinking they’re on the verge of extinction.

Yes, I recommend  http://yes-butno.tumblr.com/

A Day at the Beach

Wonderful and historical pictures of an ordinary day in the lives of people who are definitely not ordinary. Visit the link http://goo.gl/8ebkh

Yes, I have experienced London Weather!

Sunny London is lovely. The sunlit city with its squares and gardens can really illuminate the worst of moods. It’s a delight to eyes and soul.

Rainny London can kill your dearest hopes of a good day. Rain comes out of nothing, it is sudden, unnexpected. Be prepared to buy an umbrella (a good one) in case you have forgotten yours.

Cold London is … well, your skin and bones will never be the same anymore. Never had I seen my face that red before, and I am not white to get so red. Scarves, coats and gloves and you’re still cold. Hot chocolate, hot soup, hot tea and you’re still cold. So, be cold.

Even your thoughts will fly in windy London, together with your belongings if you’re not alert. I saw umbrellas going into orbit.

Useful sites to get along well with the city http://www.weather.com/weather/right-now/UKXX0085

Sunlit day in Cambridge.

Right after the rain in Candem Town.

Redfaced and happy in Canterbury.

Jubilee day, I still haven’t fully recovered from that cold.

You can get this card on  http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/37444422/BRITISH_WEATHER_LONDON_POSTCARD_USED.html

Poetry by Sérgio Vaz

While they capitalize reality I socialize my dreams.

LONDON DIARY, May 25.

Curiosities about the city

‘Ladies and gentleman, we are delighted to informe you that…’

It is amazing the way ‘the city’ interacts with people. Listening to public transportation announcements is one of many ways to notice that you are at a unique place. London reveals itself to people as we walk on the streets in summer time.

History is told by its numerous buildings to the eyes of foreign people like me and little by little, we also find ourselves entwined with its history and its many streets.

No matter whether you go by bike, by bus, by car,by tube or on foot. Just go, and enjoy the day.

London, the city made of bikes and books, invites you to read the city and discover a London for you.

Learn more about london by ‘reading’ the photographs in the site http://brazilianfriends.multiply.com/photos/album/67