This image illustrates the state of telecommunications in Brasil. Somewhere inside those messy cables is the copper wire which carries our ADSL. Because of the rain it stopped working. (I am now in another building where there still is a line). A decent always-on-internet connection costs a fortune here in Rio. If you consider the lower income level this makes it even more expensive. Mobile phone tariffs are punishing, 10 Euros went up in the air just for two or three short calls. So how can you have a knowledge society with such a cost structure? This is a question we will put forward to the many digital enthusiasts we meet on this trip. The Pontos de Cultura are maybe a good idea but only a drop in the ocean. At the bottom right you can see one of the omnipresnet satellite dishes. For those with the many of course every service is available.