STILL IN THE SKY
Slept until morning. When I pushed up the hard plastic window shade, I saw we were flying over land. Low brush, winding rivers. No sign of civilisation beyond the wing of the plane. I was finally hit with the realisation that it was all "really happening". Elation.

Remco and I talked about movies that morning, specifically the importance of sharing movie experiences with others. His friends have a semi-weekly Tuesday night gathering to watch and discuss films. I praised the film scene in Portland.

SAO PAULO
Dropping out of the clouds for our descent into Sao Paulo, I saw twisted roads and residential areas ranging from midwest suburban to shanty villages. Parted ways with Remco at the passport booths.

Our plane was late into Sao Paulo so I missed my connection to Porto Alegre. Nothing a well-placed set of six American dollaritos couldn't fix! I was put on another Varig plane a couple of hours later and dozed in the aisle seat while pretending to understand the Portuguese spoken to me. The only words I was compelled to speak the entire 90 minute flight were "Coca-(Cola)" and "obrigado".

PORTO ALEGRE
It was raining in Port(land)o Alegre when I landed. We were kicked out of the plane onto the tarmac and handed complimentary guardaxuxas (sorta Portuguese for "umbrella"). Brady, Ive and Lenara were waiting inside for me, holding signs and wearing homemade Star Wars masks. Ive drove us over to Lenara's where I showered and napped while they went out to take care of last minute concerns with Ive's thesis paper.

The night faded in thesis frenzy and talking to Brady about Portland. Somehow I passed out on the couch and then got to the floor before dawn.

Next - Porto Alegre.2 (as it happens)