4 weeks on the road

Well after 4 weeks, three conferences, three cities, many conversations. A few highlights -

Vitoria - (14 hrs) too hot but a nice, air conditioned office. Attending the new members conference on a beach side site. Going out on Saturday and Sunday. Vitoria is a beautiful city (island, beaches, brilliant views... typical Brazilian views and style!). Discussions - why are English people so cold? (point - they are not cold, just more reserved, but why is this?) Many thanks for Andre's hospitality.

Belo Horizonte - (10 hrs) My first Brazilian Conference! Excellent conference venue (very modern) but again too hot (notice a pattern?). Brazilians really liked the conference although my lack of Portuguese was an issue. Using my strategic analysis and theory from university to its maximum as I plan and run "Regional Day" (are we a region? if so how?). I remember GN days at IC / XPros as a basis! Thanks to Elvio for accomodation etc. (again, full food, beds made, clothes washed, ironed and returned to me withing 10 hrs.... you don't get such service in 5* hotels do you?)

Goiana - (11 hrs) Too hot - a nothern city (and it shows) it is noticably less developed than the other cities. Stayed at Pedro's house with a true "Northern Brazilian Family" plates and plates of fresh food every day (when I return to Europe I will miss the choice of foods on one plate and the tonnes of meat!). Conference at a holiday camp was also rather good. I enjoyed it! Then after the conference at 6am the next morning get woken by bangs and big bangs (gun shots? bombs) etc. has civil war broken out as a result of the guns referendum? No it is just the start of state independence day... back to sleep for now!

Back to Sao Paulo - 15hrs on a bus! (depart 9pm, arrive 1.30pm the next day!). Nice to be home... a place I can do my own cooking, wahsing, use my own space. Read the lettes from my family. It is nice to be out, then you like coming back also!