Speech Patterns

In keeping with the theme of drama, in the Brasilian style caipirinha-induced stupor of a party in my hotel room, my baby got kicked off the table - 7 hours before I was due to speak. She didn't get any brain damage, or broken bones, but lost her sight completely. Along with my speech.

Was too smashed to work on it then, so I decided to sleep some of that cachaça off before waking up less than 3 hours before my panel was on. I took the opportunity to completely scrap the core of my original speech - on democracy and development in Singapore - to more closely match the panel theme: global democracy and youth.

I finished writing my last point as the speaker right before me was wrapping up his speech.

Whatever substance of my talk, if any, is a complete blur to me now.

I'm just glad the audience seemed to really like some of the stuff I said, and damn relieved it's over now.

Right now, as I fight the intoxication of yet another caipirinha, I must get some zz's before my flight to Curitiba in 9 hours.

Before I go, Parque Ibirapuera is just gorgeous - truly an oasis of calm and lush greens in the mad bustle of the city traffic. And the Museu do Afro-Brasil is amazing! I was particularly intrigued by the darkness of an installation by José Maria, and the earnest, most intricate African masks and sculptures that abound.

São Paulo, for the glimpse I caught of it, is an amazing city.


Ps. More insights on SP from touch-down, as well as on the conference, will be posted once my baby emerges in tip-top shape from the hospital. After I hit the States on 3rd Jan.