Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Formula 1

There has been an upward spike in the number of guests in the hotel this week, most of them speaking in a language that is not Portuguese. A welcome change...its not often that I can understand the conversations that I overhear while inside the hotel. It feels a bit weird though, like I'm in the Twilight Zone.

Anyways, all these foreign people are in the hotel for one reason only: Formula One is this weekend. The final race of the season and, more importantly, the final race of one Michael Schumacher. Im pretty sure all these people are here to give him a rousing sending off and show their appreciation for his skills and for the entertainment that he gave fans throughout the years. Its only unfortunate that the final race became anti-climactic after such a tight contest the last couple of races.

Being that this coming race holds much importance, I was hoping to be part of it. To be part of history and be able to tell my grand kids one day how I saw an racing legend in his final race. People from the office actually invited me to watch with them. Therein lies the problem though. They had bought their tickets almost a year in advance and they were able to get it real cheap. I came in too late in the game and by the time I checked ticket prices, they were exorbitantly high already.

I enjoy F1, sure. But I am not passionate for it. Not like how I am passionate for football or basketball. I was willing to go all the way to Germany this summer to watch the World Cup live, only common sense and visa issues prevented me. But Formula 1, nope. A part of me is filled with regret. An opportunity like this doesnt come often. But I can think of better ways to spend the money I need to buy the ticket.

Come sunday, I'll still be giving Schumacher his sendoff and his deserved props. Only I'll be doing it from the comforst of my hotel room, not from Interlagos.

Monday, October 16, 2006

me namora





I had the tv tuned in to a music video channel the other day just to have some background noise playing. The music video above started playing and the catchy beat caught my attention...and ,damn, up to now the freakin song keeps playing in my head!

Sunday, October 15, 2006

The Beast!

Had the craving for picanha so I had lunch at Fogo de Chao today. Halfway through my meal I saw these two black guys walking to their table, one of them looking terribly familiar. Lo and behold, it was Julio Baptista!

Well, I wasnt sure at first since he didnt get the reception that I though that a famous footballer would get. There were no stares and no whispers, everyone just pretty much ignored him. Except me of course. After fixing my gaze on him for several minutes, though, I was pretty sure that it was him.

Too bad I didnt have my camera with me, else I would have mustered up my courage to walk up to 'The Beast' and have my picture taken with him.

I have to say he was smaller than I thought. And he wasnt as ugly as he looked onTV...