Introduction
This is my first time landed at Latin America. I had been tempted many times to pay a visit there and finally I made it. Qatar Airways offered a 10% off the airfare on her 10th anniversary. I took the chance to buy a ticket for the long haul to Latin America, either to Sao Paulo or Buenos Aires. It is the shortest path to go there. At last, I decided to visit Brazil first as I "thought" that Brazil would be a place of less expense. But I was wrong, I found it was expensive to stay in her big cities. My new Austrian friend said the price has been raised by about one-third due to exchange rate fluctuation. [When I was in Brazil, the exchange rate is 1 Real : 4.5 HKD, but as at 18-5-2012, the rate is 1 Real : 3.6 HKD]
Bolivia is a fascinated place in the centre of Latin America along the Andes. The landscape makes her a spectacular country with extreme climate and scenery. One of these unique places is Salta de Uyuni and I managed to cover it in this trip.
My trip fell in mid February such that I could join the Brazilian Carnivals in Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, an unforgettable experience.
As a solo traveller, I was so glad that I could meet many other travellers and had good sharing with them. Some of them are my Facebook friends now.
Flight
On Sunday, 12-2-2012 evening, after dinner and bath, I stepped on my journey. This was my first time that I missed the airbus, it passed the stop right before I got to the bus stop (may be because I followed the daytime schedule but the traffic was light in night-time that day). And I needed to take the next A12 airbus. Though it was still okay for me, I waited at the bus stop with my backpack on for 30 minutes!
I liked to take the night flight as I could take rest on the plane, it's easier for me to get used to the jet lag. This time, I boarded on the plane at 00:30, and I could sleep once I settled at my seat.
After few hours nap, my energy restored and I watched movies and the 9.5 hours passed very soon and I arrived at Doha.
The airport transfer bus ran around the airport terminal and passengers may get off at their own port - either arrival at Doha, or at transfer gates (or First Class passengers). It was a good design that we were given boarding pass with different colours and this helped the staff to tell whether the passengers got off wrongly. I found that all the passengers were going on transfer.
The local time was 05:30 and not much to see in the galleria. I went on to the transfer gate and kept on waiting. The transfer time was only 2 hours and should be short for me. This time, I fully used my Priority Pass, as granted together with the American Express card, I went into the airport lounge just next to my boarding gate. At there, I could have my teeth brushed and face washed, preparing for my onward flight.
My flights were on time and I could watch a total of 8 movies on both legs. I liked "The Big Year" acted by Owen Wilson, Jack Black and Steve Martin. Beautiful birds, and it's a good chance to reflect my life.
Sao Paulo Airport
I tried my first cash withdrawal at ATM of HSBC at the airport for foreign currency (Brazilian Reais). Then, I looked for the hotel shuttle bus and checked in the hotel. All-in-all in a smooth way.
Guarulhos
The international airport is actually located in a satellite city around Sao Paulo - Guarulhos . I stayed at Monaco Convention & Hotel.
View outside and inside my room. 
I rather not going into the city as I needed to catch a morning flight the following day. The breakfast was my favorite as there were many tropical fruits served.
On the next day, when I checked out, I was charged for the shuttle ride to the airport. It was stated when I booked the hotel that the ride was already included in the rent. I argued but the reception lady just did not answer me. As I was in a hurry, I could just surrender and jump into the shuttle.
It was so good that I had a walk around the airport yesterday that I knew WebJet was moved to Terminal 3. I could board on the plane as planned. Nothing served on the budget plane.
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