In addition to my cards and cash I carry a spare R$50 note tucked away, a phone card, single edged razor blade, and I have a small tablet of paper that rides inside the fold that functions as my memory. I also have a cut down pen refill in the fold so my memory never runs out of ink.

One thing I have started doing here in Brazil that I never did back in the States is to carry a magnetized razor blade in my shoe. It is under the insole held in place with a piece of duct tape.

This is kidnapping insurance. Estrangeiros like me get kidnapped and tied up often enough that if it happens to me I will have the means to cut my bonds. The magnetized blade also functions as a compass when suspended from a thread. Thus may help to orient me as I would have arrived blindfolded or in the trunk of a car.

It is a slim chance this would ever happen but then again it is a slim blade in my shoe that is no bother at all. Mac