| Getting
Around Town: Be cautious in Sao Paulo and use
cabs called by the hotel bellman. The subway system
is good but be wary of pickpockets. It is best to
travel in groups and avoid late nights unless traveling
in groups. |
| Restaurants
We Like:
-Hotel restaurant is good - offers crew discount
-Rascals - typical buffet - moderately priced -
walk
-America - similar to a TGIF - walk
-There is a McDonald's just off of Paulista
-Mestizo - very good - reservations are a good idea
(Thanks, Sondra C.!) on R. Fernando de Albuquerue,277- moderate - cab phone (11)3256-3156 or 3259-1539
-The White Horse - typical Brazilian churrascaria
-expensive (cab)
-Brazilian restaurant - 3/4 block on the right
The local mixed drink "Caipirinha" is
a concoction of sugar cane liquor (Cachaca), sugar,lime
and ice. There is no "mix" in them to
dilute them, in otherwords they are straight liquor.
They look pretty and tempting like a Margarita,
but pack a much stronger punch - people have been
known to do some very weird things after enjoying
a few of these. They are cheap, potent and deliver
a nasty hangover, so watch out...don't say we didn't
warn you.
Tipping:
- A 10% service charge is likely already included
in the bill. In bars and cafes, 10% tipping is also
normal if the service charge has not been already
added.
|
Shopping
Finds:
Coffee. Gem stones. ("Gepedras" is popular. phone:2178-9900)
Shoes, shoes, shoes, but are much more expensive than we remember. Native wooden
crafts. Handloomed knitwear.
Across the street from "Extra" supermarket
is Dr. Scholl's - great pedicures (no polish) for
approx. $20 US for approx 45 min. There is a drug
store on the corner. Music, books, videos 2 blocks
away. Local art and craft markets close to hotel.
Inquire with concierge for days and times. |
| What
to See:
| Museu
Arte Sao Paulo (MASP) |
Antique
Market by the MASP - Sundays 10-5 |
| Ibirapuera
Park - free concert on Sunday a.m. |
Asian market on Sunday - small but close |
|
What's
On Around Town:
|
| Travel
Time to the Hotel: 45 min.+ |
| Flight
Time from IAD: 10 hours (+ or -) |
| Nearest
ATM : at the bank across the street from the hotel |
| Nearest
Grocery: small grocery "Pao de Asucar" -
5 min walk; large supermarket/superstore "Extra"
- 10 min walk. Both take credit cards. |
| Closest
Gym: There is a good gym in the hotel. Pool on roof
top. |
| Best
Place to Run: In the gym |
| Good
Walks: There are local parks close to the hotel, but
we have to emphasis situational awareness here. |
| Easy
Day Trips: |
| Safety:
***ALERT*** Dengue (mosquito) fever is a serious concern! See our sister site Realworldsafety.com
and check the US State Department Travel Page at www.travel.state.gov |
| Hotel:
Coffee makers, water bottles (2), Crew room with computers,
T.V. with English channels (including CNN, BBC, Fox
and others). Charge for in-room high-speed. |
