Sometimes things you do on a whim turn out to be invaluable. Before I left I ordered a cheap Bluetooth GPS receiver on eBay from China. I thought it might be handy. Just stick it in your pocket and forget about it. I didn't realize it would be indispensable.

You are able to download maps on Wi-Fi only iPads and iPod touches but the problem has always been these don't come with GPS chips. A bluetooth GPS receiver solves that problem . I downloaded maps before I left for the places I will be. Because everything is backwards and street signs almost nonexistent this improvised solution has proven to be a necessity in in helping me get around. Yesterday it proved valuable when I ended up in the wrong place Today I went to Ibirapuera Park and because it is large and trails lead every which way it allowed me to navigate my way around. I'd probably still be wondering around trying to figure out which of the myriad of exits is the one I need.

One regret I have is not bringing the iPad. I knew it would be useful but again I didn't realize how much easier it would make life both on the plane and back in the hotel. Had I realized each room has it's own safe I wouldn't have hesitated.

And to prove that age does not indicate smarts I thought I had worked out a system to upload pictures. Because it worked on the iPad I assumed it would work on the iPod. Wrong! I won't have any pictures or videos up until I get back other than the odd one I will take with the Touch. But it's not great quality so most will be later.

Sunday is apparently a day the town shuts down and comes to life. (I said it was a city of contrasts). All the shops are closed but little markets sprout up all over the place along Paulista. Even some of the malls have flea markets set up in them with the regular stores closed. Everything imaginable can be found in these markets.

Today was a very warm day. Even the locals had their winter coats off before noon. It was the first time I've actually used the convertible part of my pants. It made a huge difference in my comfort level. I saw a sign indicating it was 33. The park was teeming with runners, joggers, bikers, families, and an old guy wearing a dorky hat. Oddly enough I wasn't the strangest looking person in the park. I have video to prove it.

It was a very pleasant afternoon despite the heat. Some threatening clouds rolled in later in the afternoon but there was no rain. But they did cool it down.

Tonight was busier than last night even with all the stores closed. I'm at a lost to explain that.

Most of the activity seems to be centered about four or five blocks either direction of the street my hotel is located. It is remarkably ideally located. I had no idea it would be this good when I booked it. Which just proves dumb luck triumphs over all.

One thing I have noticed is that there are very few homeless people around. There are far more in downtown Calgary. It does give one pause to think about what the authorities have done with them.

Tomorrow is a travel day and my feet are celebrating. I don't know how much Internet access I will have in Goiania. The hotel here has it in the room but I don't know about there. One thing I have not seen is Internet cafes. I guess Wi-Fi has killed that business.