Our first visit to Impacta and a run in with some NC locals!?!

As Jimmie and I continue to recover from the initial journey to Sao Paulo we both are beginning to feel a little more comfortable with our surroundings. Today, Valderes and his family took us to visit the campus of Impacta, the school we have been working with for about 2 years now. Teaching English to Impacta's students via video conference has had it challenges so it was nice to finally see the classrooms and technology first hand. We were able to talk to a couple of students and now understand how they have their classrooms set up.

After taking a tour of Impacta we ate at Casa da Costela which translates to house of ribs. Basically they bring 3 to 4 different types of rib meats on hot skillets and place them on the middle of the table on a flat stone so they don't burn a hole in the table. The condiments bar which looks like a salad bar in the states is more like a "sides" bar where you get your rice and beans to go along with your meats. A great meal with great company!

The journey continued when we took a longer driving tour throughout the city. We got to see the old downtown, historic district, and Sao Paulo's version of Central Park. Once we finished the tour we went back to the hotel and Jimmie was able to get a hold of some old friends who from Boone who now live in Sao Paulo.

You would think a small world in a city of 20 million would be hard to find but somehow we were able to find it. Trey and Ana Paula both used to work in Asheville. Ana Paulo is from Sao Paulo - she and Trey were recently web and now both live here. Trey as a matter of fact, worked with the City of Lenoir in helping develop the different GIS maps of the city back in 2006. They came by to take us out for drinks and listen to some music. A fun night was had by all.

2010-07-11