Alcohol fill-up

This is an automotive posting, rather than an alcoholic one! Out of necessity, Brasil has been a world leader in renewable fuels (which still have their own environmental impacts, by the way). During the oil crises of the 1970's, the government mandated the development of car engines that run on 100% alcohol. In Brasil, this is sugar cane alcohol, and the alcohol car's exhaust has an almost pleasant sweet smell to it. The alcohol fuel is cheaper (manipulated by lower fuel taxes than gasoline), higher octane, and supports local agriculture rather than oil imports.

During our week in Florianopolis, we rented an alcohol car. The "intermediate" car I (Felipão) rented was a little smaller than a Toyota Corolla, and the six of us squished into it with some fancy back-seat configurations. Fortunately Florianopolis drivers have the same "aloha spirit" as drivers in Kauaii, and I joined in the mellow driving style.

When we got back to Sampa (São Paulo) two nights ago, it was a different story. I rented a car for just a couple of days so that we could drive Hans and Tracy around my great city (getting lost in a very sketchy neighborhood in an industrial area I'd never been to before, but that's a different story) and so that we could take Hans and Tracy to the airport last night. I have never been so scared driving in my entire life. Very narrow lanes. Very fast drivers darting in and out, competing with very slow drivers, buses, big trucks, and lots of crazed motorcycle drivers. Radar speed traps every so often, so that everyone slows down suddenly and then speeds up again. Unfamiliarity with the roads. Almost missing several red stoplights (sorry about those sudden stops, guys). I'll be very relieved when I return the car tonight. Now I know why the rental car agency charged me US$1,200 deposit!