Interesting article in Gringoes.com that links Brazil’s econmic growth to China’s, whilst dodging the US credit crisis.

“There has probably never been a better time for a worker to find a good job in Brazil than at the moment. The economy is growing, shrugging off most of the fallout from the crisis in the United States, consumers are buying as if every week was Christmas, real pay is rising and millions have been moving up the social ladder into higher classes. Unemployment is virtually at a record low and jobs are plentiful.

“Social inequality and misery are still around but millions have been taken out of poverty or given a helping hand thanks to the economic boom and government social security programs. How much credit should President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva take for this situation? Quite a lot but the truth is that Lula has had a lot of lucky breaks and he knows it.”

As for Sao Paulo I guess everyone has their fav places to go, these are just the ones I stumbled upon:

1. 1940s skyscraper, with some nice old-tech features.

2. Municipal market, with nice inner terrace cheapo-ish cafes.

3. Modern art, with a funny little park opposite.

4. Sao Paulo Jockey Club, very nice restaurant over looking the track.

5. Posh resturant with tree included, on Rua Haddock Lobo, in the posh area not far from the Jockey Club: Jardin.

David Beckham marks the announcement of his plans for a new academy near the resort city of Natal with a display of fancy footwork on a Brazilian beach. Hmm, wonder what Kaka thinks of this? Surely it’s about time he opened his own acaemdy in Taguatina.

Fantastic news that Brazil is to host the 2014 World Cup, with Kaka centre stage no doubt!

“Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has announced a plan costing over $3bn aimed at tackling the high levels of crime in the country’s cities. The plan will focus on improving the quality of policing and social programmes and education.” Hmm, something to share with the British Government?