Brazilian town sends first card

"What an odd thing tourism is."

- Bill Bryson

What would you do if you found yourself far away ... say, in Piapora, Brazil?

I know what Harry Mercer did. He sent us a postcard and wrote: "Bet this is the first postcard you received from Piapora this week."

You're right, Harry. First of the week, month, year, decade and millennium.

Pat Vanhooser, of North Augusta, sends a card from Phoenix, which is apparently warm this time of year. Also in the sun is Janelle Janssen, who sends her hello from Delaware's Bethany Beach. Jim and Barbara Hogan, of McCormick, S.C., also send a card from Delaware.

Linda Edmonds and Jean Etheridge are hot and cold on traveling. They write: "Visiting Denver and have seen record highs and a record low - all within seven days."

Frank and Dora Lea Nagles, of Evans, are watching a lot of baseball this summer. They write: "Just about completed our baseball road trip. Seven baseball games in six different major league stadiums."

Also following my favorite sport are Ed and Shirley Wilde, of North Augusta, who send a card from St. Louis, where "we came to take the grandchildren and their parents to the Braves vs. Cardinals game Aug. 5 and see old Busch Stadium one more time. Too bad the Braves lost."

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TODAY'S JOKE: Speaking of travel, a tourist staying at an expensive hotel in New York City thought an order of soda crackers would ease his upset stomach. Although it was late, he called the front desk and soon, a small tray of crackers was brought.

The next day while checking out, he was surprised to see a notation recording six crackers for 200.

He was furious. "I know I'm in a luxury hotel," he said, "but $200 for six crackers is ridiculous!"

"The crackers are complimentary," the clerk said coolly. "I believe you are complaining about your room number."

Reach Bill Kirby at (706) 823-3344 or bill.kirby@augustachronicle.com.