Went on Serra Verde Express train through the Atlantic rain forest to Morretes. 110km on a 125 year-old track through very rugged terrain. Pretty amazing views through the mountains. Photo below (not one I took, because can't find cable to hook up phone, but you get the idea). Took about 4 hrs to get to Morretes, then we had 3 hrs walking around pretty little town and having lunch. A pack of stray dogs not only provided some entertainment but also reminded me that I didn't get my rabies vaccination done before I left.
The trip was facilitated by Paloma and Nima from Cheer for Peace. I was accompanied by Duncan, who is originally from Ireland and recently moved here with his wife. They have lots of interesting things going on in relation to the environment and development. They will also be distributing the soccer equipment I've brought with me to some kids from a favela in Curitiba.
Observations on World Cup Preparation in Curitiba
The international arrivals area at Sao Paulo airport is brand spanking new (Armitage Shanks sinks I noticed). There are loads of people to meet arriving travellers, and many seemed to have received some training in English. It will make a really good first impression on visitors.
Curitiba has/is clearly being tarted up as well. The airport was good and the luggage was at the carousel before the passengers, which is a major logistical achievement for any airport I would imagine. The highway from the airport to the stadium is being renovated. It is nowhere even close to being finished. Interestingly, signs are provided in Portuguese and English, and there are a couple of FIFA "Fan Zone" direction signs. I have to wonder whether the public investment in making a good impression is worth it. Of course there will be millions of visitors for the world cup, and I suspect there will be a bump in tourism after the world cup, but will that equal or surpass the amount of money being spent to host the tournament? Not a chance in my opinion, or the opinion of the thousands of protesters who have taken to the streets around the country in the past few weeks.
Balls!
I was asked by the folks at Cheer for Peace to bring some soccer equipment over with me. At short notice my colleagues at the U of A came through. Special thanks to Brian Maraj and Liz Jepsen for lots of the stuff. Probably got over a hundred balls and maybe 250 shirts, plus about 20 pairs of boots. Here is a photo of all the stuff in my garage before I left:
And here is a photo of the stuff I managed to cram into my luggage and actually bring to Curitiba with me. About 4 sets of shirts, 20 pairs of boots, and 20 balls. Hopefully the rest of the stuff will be brought over next week and we'll be able to get all of it to the kids in the favela we are going to. And here's a good story about one of the favelas in Curitiba.
