An Afternoon at the Park - Sao Paulo

Did you read Taylor's post about Sao Paulo and how he didn't like it's dirty, graffiti, beggar offerings? His description of Brazil's biggest city is spot on. It was none of our favorites and we would probably categorize it as one of our least favorites.
However there were a few redeeming things of our time in Sao Paulo. First, Robert returned to us safely from two weeks back in Alaska. Second, the staff and owner of the hostel were so lovely, helpful and accommodating. At times I felt like I was hanging out in a friends kitchen rather than a hostel. Third, we spent one semi-sunny afternoon enjoying a downtown park - Parque Trianon.
This park is tucked away right in the center of the main commercial and shopping area. The guide books call Avenida Paulista "Sao Paulo's principal promenade" and is home to some of the most expensive real estate in all of South America. Although from the looks of things as we walked this avenue before finding the park I don't understand the real estate attraction. The buildings are old, dirty and almost every building has an Eiffel tower looking radio antenna on its top. Not attractive at all!
Anyway, we walked though the park and came upon a playground. The boys ran over to play on the equipment and Robert and I sat down on the park bench and participated in nostalgia watching our boys play like they were pre-schoolers. They only have each other to play with so to hear laughing and encouragement instead of fighting and name calling was almost too much to handle.
They took turns pushing each other on the swing seeing who could jump off and land the farthest. Here are a few photos of that sweet, sweet afternoon that for me will make me remember Sao Paulo with a smile.

Enjoy the sequence of Cameron's jump.