Robbed in Brasilia
Day 28 Sun 26/9 Brasilia
Brasilia central bus station (rodoviaria) is huge and confusing. Have to wait an hour for the bus. I watch the crowds. It might be the Central west, but people didnt seem very frienly here. They also have the annoying habit of throwing things on the floor around them and not in dustbins. Arrive at the HI hostel in Brasilia around noon.
After a shower, I head out as the intrepid explorer that I am.
Brasilia apparently is built for cars. There are no bloody pedestrian walk ways! I like walking and I dislike it when cities make it hard for pedestrians. A mark against the city. I tell myself that I am in the city to enjoy the architecture, mostly Oscar Niemayer’s creations. After wandering around for a while, I head to the food stall near the Torre del TV to have some Açai. This time it is natural, and the lady feeds me a big bowl! Off then for more walking – museum, Metropolitan cathedral all the way down to Praca dos Tres Poderes. By the time I got back to the hostel, my feelings for the city are not very kiind and I decide to leave the next day for Lencois.
Run into a very nice chap from Fortaleza who is in town for an interview for his master’s degree and have an enjoyable conversation. The only enjoyable thing outside the Açai and the architecture.
Day 29 Mon 27/9 Bus from Brasilia
I pack and head to the bus station to purchase my ticket. I find that I am R600 (USD 400) short. Someone stole the money from my bag when it was in the locker. I last checked it in Campo Grande and I have been tracking my expenditure. I think that the key to my locker must have fallen down from my pocket while I was asleep and a roommate had the audacity to use the opportunity to his benefit. The %¨%$$ bastard also stole my torch (flashlight). I am a bit sad, but it is too late to do anything and while I have a suspect, I have no proof! It spoils my day and doesnt help my memories of Brasilia.
I finally manage to purchase the ticket, but feel very tired. I have been very careful with my things and surroundings. Also been pretty careful with my money. I can only rue my misfortune. The loss of $ means I leave Brasil a week early; I’ll have to skip a 2-3 day trek in Diamantina. Oh well, c’est la vie.
My mood is improved by the helpful dealings of a couple of Brasilian strangers, one a very pretty lass 🙂 I remind myself not to be soured by the experience and comfort myself with the fact that it could have been worse! I only lost some cash. My documents are intact.
The bus left the station late cos someone had enormous amount of luggage. Then we got stopped for an hour by the Federal Police while they looked at documents of all the passengers. Twice this trip I looked dangerous enough to be stopped 🙂
Tags: Travel
Damu