Cheery Chinese

The usual Friday dilemma (can we get away before the worst of the traffic?) and the usual Friday answer, “No”. HH was getting nowhere on his computer, which I suspect of having more viruses than a Chinese chicken, so he commandeered mine (with strict instructions not to insert device that might have been connected to his). ‘

I went to get lunch – and then found that the clock was an hour fast. Left it on the stove (the lunch, not the clock) and went out to buy cat food. There were two minute black kittens in a cage for giving away and I would so have loved to take them home with me. Black cats are my favourites, and there’s always a danger in Brazil that someone will take them to use in a black magic ceremony. But I had to control myself, and just took a photo instead.

After our early lunch, with HH still hogging my computer, decided to head for the Saara, the warren of streets crammed with stalls, shops and an amazing variety of goods in downtown Rio. Sky-high humidity and a temperature of around 38 degrees weren’t the ideal conditions, but had a lens to take in for cleaning and needed new cushion material, World Cup knickknacks for the grandchildren, etc.

I met Ronaldo the handyman at the gate and he offered to come with me – to protect me? No, he said, just for something to do. So off we set, and spent a couple of hours ducking in and out of the shops. I love it, it’s so colourful, but it’s not such a novelty for Ronaldo. When he started flagging, I teased him about coming in the first place, but eventually packed him off home with the parcels and dived back in among the stalls to root around some more.

Thirsty work, so I stopped for some fresh pineapple juice. The Chinese girls in the photo were so friendly and smiley and seemed so happy in their job. The girl who took my order told me she has been in Brazil for seven years, but in Rio only for 3 months. She was finding it expensive and very hot. Business was quite brisk and I had to wait a while to get a shot, but I think they were rather pleased to have their photo taken.