Brazil 2015 Part 4

On the Saturday, the main event was to be a Pontifical High Mass followed by a march through the streets to a rally at a Plaza.
We were asked not to take cameras into the Mass so I was an obedient chappie.
The Mass was dignified, lovely music and singing from the TFP choir.
The main celebrant was Bishop Schneider. The Mass lasted about 2 hours, which was difficult for the celebrants given the heat in the Cathedral. It was also being filmed.

Then we assembled outside where crowds were gathering as the TFP Pipe band in Scottish Dress were playing and about to lead off the march.

We marched through the streets attracting much attention but no trouble.
I was carrying the sign in Portuguese for Great Britain. Each country was represented by a sign.

It was not a sunny day but it was quite oppressively hot. At the Plaza there were some speeches and some more music before we disbanded and returned to our coaches.

We returned to the Hotel where we had a delicious lunch.

In the evening, we were taken to the Club Homs down town for a meeting.
We then returned to the Hotel for a reception where we had the chance to talk and drink Brazilian wine.

Brazil 2015 Part 3

On the Friday morning after breakfast we boarded the bus to go to large shop which sells items made of semi precious stones. It covers 2 large floors and a huge range of items from the small to the enormous.
It was the only opportunity for buying presents that we had in the busy schedule.
We spent about 90 minutes there before re boarding the coach.
The coach took us to the Sao Paolo Jockey club where there was going to be a gala dinner for the men, while the ladies returned to the Hotel for lunch and well earned afternoon off.

Champagne and Brazilian nibbles were served before dinner while we waited the arrival of all those invited, including Prince Bertrand, Prince Louise and Duke Paul, and numerous clergy.
After  group photo, we retired to the 2 dining rooms for dinner and after dinner speeches.

Then we returned to the hotel for about 5pm. A break from the activities and the heat was most welcome in my air conditioned room.

In the evening, we walked a few blocks to a Pizza restaurant, where we were served a  variety of tasty  pizza and some glasses of deliciously cool beer.

Then a leisurely stroll back to he hotel about 9.30pm, and the chance of discussions or an early night.
Another busy and very warm sunny day.

Brazil 2015 part 2

On Thursday morning I awoke about 5am local time....9 o'clock UK time. Sao Paolo is 4 hours behind UK time.
My hotel room was very comfortable. The hotel was very comfortable. After my ablutions it was down to breakfast.
The choice was huge. All sorts of bread and pastries....not for me...eggs, bacon, fried cheese and the like....just a little......continental breakfast....not for me....and a huge selection of fresh fruit and yoghurt....LOTS FOR ME!!! Choice of juices...do not recommend cashew nut juice....and coffee, though getting milk for it was tricky. They like coffee black here.

At 9 am there was a fascinating talk by Mr Nelson Fragelli on the Papacy. After a coffee break we had a talk on the early life of Professor Olievera.

After lunch, we headed off into Sao Paolo to visit a Church and a Religious Museum.
The Church was typical of those we saw in Sao Paolo.
The museum contained the collection of an Archbishop of items from Churches and Convents and Monasteries.

All in all an interesting day. It is always quite something to drive through the city to see the different areas. Rich and Poor. Totally different from home. And everywhere, the street people, a growing problem in Sao Paolo.
The weather was hot and humid. Air conditioning is a necessity.
Back at the Hotel, I skipped Mass as I was in need of some respite.
Dinner in the hotel was delicious.

some views of hotel, streets and museum.