Students' lounge
July 25, 2006
I wrote an enormous post, then TravBuddy didn't publish it and I lost it all. Even if I hit 'back'. There's a bug that would be nice to see fixed, even if we all should be used to ctrl + c, ctrl + v by now. Sorry, my mistake.
I said some things about Campinas being a college city and an excellence center for medicine and technology in Brazil, though I'm not near any of those universities (like UNICAMP and PUC-Camp). There's not much to do downtown other than basic downtown stuff - which only works during business hours.
Still, with most of the things we had to do here already done, we intend to have dinner tonight at the allegedly largest mall in Latin America. And for tomorrow, a little anxiety with the perspective of going back to Hopi Hari, one of our biggest theme parks. Then, São Paulo, to visit some cousins and friends.
The funniest moment of our trip, at least for my mom, was when a cab driver asked if she was my wife. Smart way to get a fat tip!
I said some things about Campinas being a college city and an excellence center for medicine and technology in Brazil, though I'm not near any of those universities (like UNICAMP and PUC-Camp). There's not much to do downtown other than basic downtown stuff - which only works during business hours.
Still, with most of the things we had to do here already done, we intend to have dinner tonight at the allegedly largest mall in Latin America. And for tomorrow, a little anxiety with the perspective of going back to Hopi Hari, one of our biggest theme parks. Then, São Paulo, to visit some cousins and friends.
The funniest moment of our trip, at least for my mom, was when a cab driver asked if she was my wife. Smart way to get a fat tip!
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Allegedly the largest mall in all Latin America, Parque Dom Pedro is a better experience to the shopaholic kind than your average consumer. Too many things to do, see, buy, and everything is on the same (huge) floor. Everything is big and roomy, and even with a crowded mall, you can't feel trapped.
The food court has lots of options, from your average fast-food to high-class restaurants and pastry shops. It also has free wi-fi internet access, a great thing for people always on the road. And lots of roads around Campinas can lead you to it. Just ask some locals: they might not be the best in sense of direction, but people around Campinas are extremely friendly and helpful.
There are some megastores for buying books and discs, and all the main chain stores and fashion brands in the country. They are also very concerned with the environment (of the mall, at least), and every trash bin has specific recycling compartments for food, paper, metal and plastic - something that should be made a standard, but unfortunately isn't.
Outside there's a huge parking space, but you still might have to look around for a spot - since everyone in São Paulo drives. Or you can just leave it on the hands of the valet and pay a little extra for the VIP parking.
Since it's a big mall, prices range from very low to outrageously expensive, sometimes, in the same square meter. If you have the time, do look around, 'cause it might save you a few bucks when shopping.
The food court has lots of options, from your average fast-food to high-class restaurants and pastry shops. It also has free wi-fi internet access, a great thing for people always on the road. And lots of roads around Campinas can lead you to it. Just ask some locals: they might not be the best in sense of direction, but people around Campinas are extremely friendly and helpful.
There are some megastores for buying books and discs, and all the main chain stores and fashion brands in the country. They are also very concerned with the environment (of the mall, at least), and every trash bin has specific recycling compartments for food, paper, metal and plastic - something that should be made a standard, but unfortunately isn't.
Outside there's a huge parking space, but you still might have to look around for a spot - since everyone in São Paulo drives. Or you can just leave it on the hands of the valet and pay a little extra for the VIP parking.
Since it's a big mall, prices range from very low to outrageously expensive, sometimes, in the same square meter. If you have the time, do look around, 'cause it might save you a few bucks when shopping.
Food court exit stairs
Brother and grams enjoying the h...
"Treated water non-drinkable"
Recycling for a cleaner world
Located on the food court of Parque Dom Pedro mall, San Thomas American Grill offers traditional american dishes, such as steaks, burgers, fries, onion rings, baked potato - the whole nine yards. Too bad the food doesn't live up to the pictures on the menu.
I ordered a steak with provolone gratin and bacon, with a baked potato aside. The bacon was pre-fried, and even though it was crispy, it didn't taste right, it was kinda old. The provolone gratin actually was just some fat rubbery slices of the cheese on top of the steak. The potato was ok, but the bacon on top was also weird.
The prices are kinda high for a mall food court, specially because the food isn't great. And even with very little people on the line, and lots of people working, service is still slow. But polite and helpful, I must say.
I suppose the burgers taste better than de plate dishes - those are the ones you should be avoiding.
I ordered a steak with provolone gratin and bacon, with a baked potato aside. The bacon was pre-fried, and even though it was crispy, it didn't taste right, it was kinda old. The provolone gratin actually was just some fat rubbery slices of the cheese on top of the steak. The potato was ok, but the bacon on top was also weird.
The prices are kinda high for a mall food court, specially because the food isn't great. And even with very little people on the line, and lots of people working, service is still slow. But polite and helpful, I must say.
I suppose the burgers taste better than de plate dishes - those are the ones you should be avoiding.
Íbis is one of the Accor Hotels' brands in South America. Every one of them look the same, so it's kinda like a fast food chain. Clean bathrooms in every room, hot water and great showers, excellent bed and cooling/warming system.
The price is a little high if you are only used to hostels and cheap hotels, but still, cheaper than your average "executive class hotel". Great choice if you're only gonna stay a couple of nights. Parking and (great) breakfast is outside the stay price, but cheap enough.
This one in Campinas is located right downtown. There's plenty to do if you like window shopping, and lots of cheap places to eat, too. But it's a little far away from the campi of Unicamp and PUC-Camp, two very big universities in Brazil.
It's not far from main sight-seeing places in the city, and exit roads, though. But since it's more of a business area, there's not much to do at night, and it's not safe enough, too.
