My Dear Glen.... such a seasoned traveler like yourself should already have learned to be less "colonial" in your assessments of countries that are less developed than your homeland. Look at what China did with their Olympics.... you shoud know better than to be so condescending... tsk tsk...

You will see for yourself, soon enough, what sort of an Olympic Games and a World Cup the Brazilians will host. You underestimate the pride of the Brazilian people... and, my dear friend, you are dead wrong about douting them. But beware... you better travel to Brazil soon and very often or else it will price itself above your comfort zone...

I suggest you sell a Colonial stamp and travel more often to MercoSur.... heck, your prayers have been heard and the reciprocity fee for Ozzie passport holders is now a better value.... ^