Safety

This post is more for the adults than the children, but I know some of you are concerned about my safety here.  We are actually very close to the protests.  Tonight in São Paulo, over 300,000 people are protesting.  As the protests grow, so does their proximity to the hotel.

On our first night, we were enjoying a meal in a restaurant and looked out front to see protestors congregating.  The tour staff were more than a bit concerned.  We safely boarded the bus and returned back to the hotel.

Some of our dining destinations have been moved because of the protests.  Tonight we had a beautiful meal in the dining room at the hotel to make sure we stay safe.

Because the police are focused on the protestors, the doors have been opened for crimes such as pick pocketing.  We are not allowed to go any further away from the hotel than across the street to the convenience store. It might be an over-precaution but the organizers and sponsors of this trip want to make sure we are safe.

Traffic is a whole different issue.  Because of the protests, there are roads that are backed up 40 or more miles.  It impacts everyone's ability to get around the town, especially when you are in a large tour bus.

We will not take part in the protests or join them for pictures, etc.  It is incredible to think that we are here during such a historical moment.  Brazil came out of dictatorship rule in 1985.  It is amazing to think about the impact the protesting could have on governmental decision making.  We have had many wonderful conversations with Brazilians on their perceptions of the protests.

If the protests are still going when we travel to Rio, I  will update you.  As of right now, no worries.  Stanley and I are safe.