SAO PAULO — HERE WE ARE
It was not the best of trips, but the important fact is we arrived none the worse (though diverted to Brazilia for five hours) while the fog was trying to lift from Sao Paulo. We left Las Vegas at 9 a.m. yesterday and arrived here in Brazil (after an hour and a half cab ride from the airport) at 3:30 p.m.the following day — utterly exhausted but happy to be safe and settled. Lots of familiar faces in the lobby when we arrived (P.O., Zia, etc.). Isn’t it nice to have one name and everyone recognizes your moniker? The hotel seemed lovely and we are readying to meet Dan and Joan Morse for dinner. They had the same fog problem and landed in Rio for five hours — but all’s well that ends well. I’ll be reporting in and trying to cover some of the bases till Linda and Ray arrive next week and have asked Barry Rigal to keep his eyes and ears open for good stories and hands that he won’t be using.
I must add despite all the aggravation of the trip, it was nice to be warmly greeted at curbside quite coincidentally by Jose Damiani, WBF Chairman, and Ernesto D’orsi, a native who will be hosting this extravaganza. Tomorrow is the opening banquet and Jose always goes all out. Everyone will be there in full regalia to kick off the event which begins 11 a.m. on Sunday. Till then ….
Subscribe to our feed
Bridge-related
Glad you made it now the worse for wear… best wishes for all of us in Toronto. Ray and I look forward to seeing you next week.
Linda,
The hotel is lovely and we are all looking forward to the Opeing Banquet. I understand it is in the attached biulding which avoids the bussing we had to endure with other events where the
facility could not accommoodate that many people. We just had a lovely breakfast in the Gold Lounge (their version of the Concierge) which luckily happens to be on our floor — and didn’t
have to go very far. Ernesto and Cecelia D’Orsi were the next to arrive. I don’t envy him this week with all of his responsiblities, but he is always so pleasant and good spirited and seems to take everything in his stride.
Be sure to check and double check your travel list. When we arrived, we were missing Bobby’s
electric shaver (either customs liked it or it fell out in transit to the suitcase). I have my own ideas. This morning we are going into town (15 minutes away) to replace it. If not, by the end of the week, Bobby will be mistaken for Matt Granovetter. By the way, for those who have not been here, the hotel is an hour and a half from the airport in traffic. It seemed like a never ending ride but Ernesto sent a car for us and it was a welcome sight after the marathon from Vegas. Well, the worst is over (I hope). Totally unpacked and raring to go.
Will be keeping you posted.
Cheers,
Judy