São Paulo Recap

Will get to the SP visuals here in a sec, but first I need to address the rumors surrounding the death of Design Dilemma Fridays...

Yes, it was originally my hope to work through a DD for every Friday, but then I realized just how much darn ownership I took in each "virtual design" project, and found out I can't physically or mentally pull one together each week. They are still very much on my plate, but I'm thinking in order to do adequate research, and design something I'm proud of, I might be able to get out two per month. Of course, all of this hinges on having some fresh challenges thrown my way! ;)
I'll give you a head's up during the week a new Friday DD is set to post. I hope you all understand...

O-Kaaay! On to the São Paulo mini-vacay. It was very nice. I was rested and relaxed after a couple of days of only having to account for my own time. I'll admit though, I found myself thinking things like, "Oh, it's Avery's naptime," or "I wonder if she's taking a bubble bath" quite often - occupational hazard of a WAHM, I suppose...

This was a work-trip for Ben, so unfortunately, this is how he spent most of any time we had together...

Bound to the Blackberry...

São Paulo is so huge, it's beyond my comprehension, but the area where we stayed (the Jardins) was the perfect combination of bustling-Big-City with a touch of Euro charm.

One of the attractions in the area is the Museu de Arte - an imposing structure that appears to hover above the street.

Across the Avenida Paulista from the museaum is the Jardin de Trianon - A Brazilian equivalent to Central Park - it was beyond beautiful, tranquil, and tropical!
Here...random conversationalists...

And me, trying to escape Ben's aim

Tuesday, I was on my own to wander about. I hit up some local shops (Avery snagged a couple pair of cute shoes!), a quick bite, and perused a bookstore or two...

In case you're wondering...espresso con chantilly (yes, I was being "bad"), and a little savory dish called a pastana (I think!). It consisted of a small tart pastry topped with a not-too-cheesy custard and a big dollop of sundried tomato. It was a perfect respite to get me through 'til dinner!Oh! Before I forget: SP is a fab place to dine if you're a sushi fan - beaucoup de sushi restaurants, and THEY. ARE. GOOD!

So, I've been looking for a particular Brazilian-published coffee-table book - a compilation of photographs of Brazilian ballerinas. Amazon has been no help {gasp}, so I wanted to scour some local bookstores...
I didn't find said book, but I DID find this...

Um...yeah, don't go blaming that overly-handled cover on me - I'm completely innocent! ;)
BTW, If any of you need me to pick one up for ya, just let me know. I won't charge shipping!