Day 605 17th March 2018
12 miles (Jabaquara to Vila Madelina) Average speed 9.8 mph Top speed 23 mph
I got up at 9 and cooked omelette with cheese and bread with tea for brekkie. Then I made some calls and left at 12.45, after listening to the O’s first half 0-0 draw at Eastleigh. I found my way onto the main road to the river where there was a cycle path but I couldn’t get to it. After a while on the main road I found a route to it but it meant pushing my laden bike up 4 flights of steps and down the other side which was hard work.
Up
Over
And down
Once on the path I only had 2.5 miles of river cycling to enjoy before thankfully finding a path up to a bridge to follow paths to the hostel, but once off the paths I had to climb several hills in search of the hostel. Eventually I checked in and found a place for the bike by moving a bench. Once in my room I dropped my phone and cracked the screen again. Doh.
Hopefully that was the third (and last) bit of bad luck after losing my key to my lock yesterday and leaving my shower gel in the hotel last night. After a shower I went for a walk in trendy Madelina to see breca do batman and found a cheap locals bar amongst the trendy places to have a beer and watch some footy.
Cadeira de Vila was the choice for dinner and a contra file steak was much appreciated. Two steaks arrived with salad, beans, rice and chips, all for 40 reais inc a bottle of Brahma.
Why cook for yourself?
I started to wonder why I’ve been cooking when you can get all this in a city when it costs just as much to buy the meat. I’m now sat in a bar listening to Highway to Hell and many good English songs. No alcohol is allowed in the hostel so I have to enjoy local bar life in São Paulo but so far it’s pretty good.
Street life
I haven’t felt in danger like all of the websites and news and people’s advice said I would. Hopefully I’ll make it two blocks to the hostel without problem. I know it will be ok as this is a good area with lots of trendy places and fairly rich people.
Surprisingly it is cooler inland than on the coast and quite comfortable too . I am pleased to say, although a little crude, I’ve had my first solid poo for about two months. Hooray!!!
(Ermintrude: TMI, Brian, TMI)
Hostel Girossol 34 Reais per night.