Tyler Schleich and the Three Chairs.....

Now you have all heard of the Story of "Goldie Locks and the Three Bears" right? If you haven't, you are either reading this blog because you are from Sao Paulo and did not read that as a child, or you have been living in the United States, but under a rock. Its a story about a girl who wanders into a small cabin where three bears live and she tries out three chairs, three bowls of porridge, and three beds. Even if you don't know the story, you can understand the concepts of "everything bad happens in 3's" or perhaps "the third time is the charm"?

The Nebraska Blues......

Nebraska? How on earth can Nebraska make its way into a blog about Sao Paulo, but if you give me a few moments I will clarify. So back to my story, it's now day 6 in Sao Paulo and I'm getting entrenched in the culture full steam. I'm putting together full phrases at times rather than just one word wonders. Breakfast was solid again today and I hoped into the taxi to see what could become of my adventurous trip to and from work each day. Today's taxi was a special one.

Steve Jobs heads to iHeaven.

For the man who revolutionized the way we buy music, store music, listen to music, and interact with other humans, this day was not unexpected. Steve Jobs, (1955-2011) Apple co-founder and mastermind, had one of the best outlooks on products, but had a better outlook on life. Check out the video below from the Stanford commencement speech.

Enjoy iHeaven.

My day visiting Ernst & Young Terco

Taxi issues to start the day? Not for this guy. I was headed to the E&Y office on Avenida Juscelino Kubitschek which is a very large office building with several towers of offices in it. However, along the way sitting in the backseat of the taxi, I saw one of the funniest things of my life. Stopped at a red light it was perfect time for "People Watching", one of my favorite pastimes. I saw a girl smoking a cigarette leaning against a wall while waiting for a bus. The top of the wall was adorned with flowers and plants in pots, which flowed down the other side of the wall to a nice shop. There was a gardener watering the flowers in the flower beds on the ground. What happened next?

Reader Mailbag: What is the hardest thing you have had to do so far?

One of the fans of this blog wanted me to post on what was the hardest thing I have had to do in my 5 days here in Sao Paulo. I first want to say that nothing is "hard" unless you allow it to be, however certain things can challenge you and if you are not challenged each and every day then chances are you are not making any progress in any aspect of your life. Now that I've clarify my stance on "hard", I can analyze a couple things that have been challenging.

Sao Paulo loves Lil Wayne and ..... Huey Lewis?

Today, the second day on the job in Sao Paulo (4th day in the city overall) started similar to the first. wake up, get ready, and head down for the continental breakfast at the Mercure Jardins Hotel. The breakfast spread is rather good including the daily staples of Sucrilhos (seriously you have to visit that website so click the link) eggs, deli cheese and meats (that's right just like Europe), yogurt, bread, scones, and a lavish spread of fruit. The hotel also changes up some of the offerings which have thus included bacon, sausage, waffles, and today the "spicy sausage".

Other Fellows Blogs

For those of you not satisfied with my blog, I am here to inform you that you are in luck!

Jamie Schafer, one of the others Fellows here in Sao Paulo also has a blog. Jamie will have a lot more (and better pictures than I, as she has a passion for photography and abtract art. Most of you know I also like those things, Im just not any good at it, so we are all in luck.

You can read the blog and see the photos here at "With Love from Brazil"

In addition, there is a Corporate Responsibility Fellow in Mexco City writing a blog. Brendan Maher, is writing at "del Maher" , for quick photos and blogs on his location click on the link.

My first day on the job and Sao Paulo's Traffic

Today was like my first day of first grade all over again. I had my clothes laid out the night before and my backpack was stuffed with the things that all great accountants carry (note: I use a backpack rather than a computer bag as suggested by many who said its an easy way to not draw attention that you have a computer). Supplies included a ten key, calculator, multiple flash drives, a notebook, a few pens and pencils, and the ever dependable Dell Lattitude E6410 with privacy screen.

Becoming a Paulista

Today was exploration and discovery. After a much needed full night of sleep, today was the first full day in Sao Paulo. It started with a continental breakfast here at the hotel about 9am and then we set out to find some essentials that we needed to make our stay more enjoyable. Most store in Sao Paulo are closed on Sundays, similar to many US stores, so it was quite the challenge.

Links and Shortcuts

Just as a quick update, the orange links within my posts are actually links to other sites with more information. I cannot figure out how to open the links in a new page so just keep the address of the blog handy http://www.timeirado.blogspot.com/ and you can get back here in no time at all.

enjoy!

Brasil a gosto and Caiprinhas

Today was my first day in Sao Paulo, and it was rather uneventful. Worn out from the trip and getting to the hotel, I was ready to relax as much as possible. We are staying at the Mercue Jardins Sao Paulo which is a nice place, even if they do not have an iron or an alarm clock in the room. Wood floors and an awesome rainfall shower head make up for the iron and alarm clock. These confines should work nicely for the next few weeks despite the internet connection being less than impressive.

Room at the Mercure Jardins

Wheels Down... Sao Paulo Style

Some quick thoughts, a geography lesson, and minor comedy from my travels to Sao Paulo.

Continental Flight 31 from Newark to Sao Paulo got a late start after being delayed about 40 minutes (1040p take off time), however landed safely this morning just before 9am local time. Thankfully Katie (Sao Paulo CR Fellow from New York) had Continental Elite Access which allowed her early boarding and access to the overhead storage bins. Me, being her "travel companion", since we are both CR Fellows and all, was able to board early as well, and the large duffel bag and my backpack full of goodies were able to find a home before the mad rush to claim space began. I sat down in my seat, buckled in, and watched the melee we call stowing your carryons. I was also able to be a good Samaritan and "pay forward" Katie's good deed by switching seats with a young couple, not once, but twice in an effort for them to sit next to each other. I was still afforded an aisle seat which is a necessity after four knee surgeries (not to mention tweaking my back just days before takeoff).