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Introduction
Welcome to the Gringoes.com email newsletter! This newsletter pulls together some of the articles, photos, polls and other information that has been published on the Gringoes.com web site over the last week or so. Don't forget to visit the Gringoes.com site to checkout our article archive, information pages, classified ads, services, forum and other pages. So read on and we hope you enjoy the newsletter. As always if you have any comments don't hesitate to contact us at gringoes@gringoes.com. Also if you're interested to know the origin behind the site name, then read the "Dear Gringo" article here by Dr. G.
Brazil: São Paulo Entertainment Guide
This week‘s entertainment guide for São Paulo features an Italian restaurant in Consolação, a Techno festival in Itupeva, a science park for all the family, this week‘s recommended film release, and a roundup of some other upcoming events.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>
Brazil: Curitiba - Not Like Everywhere Else
By Kyle W. Hedlund
Rio is an aging starlet with breast implants and dark roots. She still turns heads, but the make-up is applied quite thickly. São Paulo is a tough-looking guy in a bar. He has a blemished face and a scowl, but once you get to know him he smiles and buys you a drink. Salvador is the band. Commotion and the beat of a drum. Curitiba is the pretty girl sitting hopefully in the corner, ignored. The one always described with a but.
Curitiba can best be described as nice, with both the positive and negative implications of the word applying. Brazilians know it as their world-class example of urban order and livability. Former mayor Jaime Lerner famously pointed it in the right direction back in the 1970‘s. While the rest of the country, and indeed the world, was becoming more and more automobile-oriented, Curitiba managed to get people out of their cars and onto the busses and sidewalks. The result today is a pleasant "little" city of almost 2 million inhabitants.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>
Brazil: Hotel Cambridge Club
By Grumpy Gringo
Last Friday, I was invited to Hotel Cambridge, Avenida 9 de Julho, 216 - Anhangabaú by a friend of mine who had been resident DJ at Ampgalaxy last year, a place, I reckon, that simply rocks and rolls. So I went with high expectations, hoping to bop about and shake my arse to the latest, and in my opinion, best music of the moment, electro trash/punk/clash, whatever you wish to call it.
Hotel Cambridge, is, as the name clearly suggests, a hotel, lately part of which has been converted into a club. However exciting this may sound, thoughts of chandeliers, winding spiral staircases and four-poster beds should not be entertained. It is more two-star than five, but the place itself, the interior, wasn‘t unpleasant. It was cosy. Big enough to swing a cat. Small enough to look crowded with less than 200 revelers. It drew in a mixed, supposedly alternative crowd, straight, gay and lesbian; fat, thin, young and 30-yearsomethings, stylish and unfashionable, balding and fringed, black (1 or 2) and white.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>
Getting Work in Brazil
By Stephen Thompson
If you are one of the increasing number of English-speaking people with a Brazilian partner who is thinking of coming to Brazil to look for work, read this carefully. Getting well-paid, secure employment in Brazil is hard.
There are a number of points you need to be aware of:
1. The best paid jobs in Brazil are in the public sector, and only Brazilian passport holders are allowed to apply for these and sit the exams called "concourso publico". A foreigner's RNE is not enough.
2. Don't assume that that because wages are low, the cost of living will also be low as well. Unfortunately it doesn't work like that. Although accommodation, food and alcohol are relatively cheap, a lot of things are actually more expensive, in particular cars, telephones/cellphones and electronic goods. And you need a car in Brazil, because public transport is poor. Ditto public health care. Assume that you will get nothing for free, and that you will have to pay a lot of services and charges. There are also lots of other "hidden costs" and taxes.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>
Brazil Through Foreign Eyes
Meet Jonathan Abernathy, who has moved from the USA, and spent a few weeks acclimatising to Brazil in Curitiba. Unfortunately technology defeated us and we had problems getting a photo of Jonathan, hence we just have a shadow. If this is resolved we'll add the photo at a later date. Read the following interview where he tells us about his most memorable experiences from Brazil and gives some useful advice to newcomers.
1. Tell us a little about yourself, where are you from, what do you do etc.?
Well, they call me Jonathan Abernathy. I´m 27, and from the cold mountains of Pennsylvania. What I do here is nothing, and what I did in the States is nothing worth mentioning. But, I guess what I am here to do is to travel, relax, and and live a life I can be proud of and at peace with.
2. When did you arrive in Brazil and what brought you here?
I arrived in Curitiba about 5 weeks ago, and I´m glad to say it´s the best decision I´ve ever made. I don´t really know what brought me here; I have a million reasons, I suppose, none of which are very good. But, if I had to pick one, it would be for Passa Tempo cookies. Man, those little suckers are good! A Brazilian friend introduced me to them in Boston, and, since that day, I knew I would have to be part of the magical place from which they originate. (If there are any English teachers reading this, please let me know if that was a run-on...).
…click here to read the rest of the article>>
Article Writers
Are you a "Gringo" (foreigner) living in or travelling around Brazil with experiences you would like to write about, or with advice to offer? Are you a Brazilian who would like to write about Brazil, and help give advice on what to do, where to go etc. to "Gringos"? Don't be shy! If you are interested in writing an article, or series of articles, for Gringoes.com we are interested in hearing from you! All we ask is that the articles are focused on Brazil, will be of interest to foreigners either travelling or living here, and are written in English. If you are unsure about a topic then drop us an email or a draft article. Unfortunately we can't offer payment for any article, but if you offer a service or have a website we can give you a free plug within the article. Send your articles or any questions to gringoes@gringoes.com with "articles" in the subject.
Gringoes Poll
Last week's poll was on on your favorite city in Brazil. The winner with 30% of the vote was São Paulo, followed by Rio de Janeiro in second place with 20%.
In this week's poll it's that problem topic, age. We're curious about the age of the readers using the site, so don't be shy (it's anonymous anyway) and let us know your age. If you haven't yet voted go to our homepage and look for the poll in the left-hand column.
If you have an idea for a future poll then send it to us at gringoes@gringoes.com with "Poll Idea" in the subject.
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Weekly Quiz
To try and keep our readers on their toes, while drinking Caipirinhas and relaxing on the beach, we are running a quiz every week in the newsletter (if we can think of enough questions!). The bad news is there are no prizes, but the good news is we'll publish the name of the first person to reply with the correct answer, so you can feel proud knowing you're a smartarse! We'll also publish the most amusing incorrect answers (anonymously if necessary!).
Last week's question was on the origin of the Brazilian Portuguese word for spare tyre, "estepe". Congratulations to Ian Turnbull who was the fastest to respond with what we understand to be the correct answer, that it originates from the Stepney Wheel invented by Welsh mechanic Walter Davies. Others added that the name Stepney originates from the name of the street where the factory was located. We received an amusing alternative from Jennifer: 'I think it comes from the English "step" as in step-mother meaning an extra or "spare" mother.' Another amusing alternative explanation came from Marion: '"Estepe" Historically, the first recorded use of this new Brazilian Portuguese word was when an Englishwoman was told that she had a flat tire and she would have to "estepe" out of her car.'
This week's quiz question is why do Brazilian's substitute the word "meia" for "seis" (six) when discussing numbers? e.g. when asking for a telephone number. Send your answers to gringoes@gringoes.com with ‘Weekly Quiz’ in the subject line.
Also if you have any ideas for a Weekly Quiz question (help, we need them!), then please send them to gringoes@gringoes.com with ‘Weekly Quiz Ideas’ in the subject line. Don't forget to send the answer to the question also.
Photo of the Week
The photo of the week is Fisherboy and was taken by Jason Bermingham (www.jasonbermingham.com) in Salvador, Bahia (the photo was previously published in Speak Up magazine (article: Salvador, BA - January 2006)). Click here to see the photo. If you have a funny or unusual photo depicting life in Brazil please send to gringoes@gringoes.com with ‘Photo of the Week’ in the subject line.
Brazil: Get Your Own Insider's Look at Carnaval
By Kyle W. Hedlund
Did you know that it is possible to experience Rio`s Carnaval from the inside? Most of the samba schools allow the general public to purchase fantasias (costumes) and dance along with them in the parade. For upwards of around R$300 you can participate in one of the alas (sections) that contribute to each school`s enredo (theme).
This year Caprichosos de Pilares, a samba school from the carioca suburbs, will be the fourth group on Carnaval Sunday to parade down Marques de Sapucaí, the avenue that runs through the Sambodromo. Their enredo covers the culture and tradition of Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro`s neighboring state to the north. Chico Spinosa, the author of this creation, intends to present what he defines as the cultural antropofagism* of Espirito Santo, a place of diversity. *(Antropofagism?! Something along the lines of assimilating elements of artistic expression from other cultures.)
…click here to read the rest of the article>>
Walk Like A Brazilian
By Robin Sparks
I‘d been to every country on my list except for one, Brazil. The Brazil in my head was passion, romance, the samba, fresh fruit, tropical beaches, and the bossanova. When I heard that in Brazil it‘s rude to show up on time, I thought that this just might be the place for me. How could I not love a country where I‘d never be late? There was also the hope that in Brazil, I could blend in more easily than in Bali, my other favorite place on the planet. There‘s no way I‘ll ever look Balinese, but maybe I could pass for a Brazilian.
Brazil is a colossal country with more beaches than all of California and Florida put together, so where to begin? I started by emailing expatriates who lived in Brazil. And that is how I came to meet Jim and Debbie, and how I came to be not on a Brazilian beach, but in the mountains in Teresopolis, 3,000 feet above Rio. Jim and Debbie spent years trekking in Brazil before purchasing a home last year in Teresopolis.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>
Brazil: Feira Food
By Mark Taylor
In a lot of neighbourhoods throughout Brazil, particularly in the larger cities, it's common for a fruit and veg market to visit once a week. In Brazil this market is called the "feira". The feira usually has cheaper and fresher products than your local supermarket. Normally they are bought in the early morning from a central market dedicated to those involved in the feira, that receives products directly from the farmers. However it is always worth comparing the quality with the supermarket. Prices tend to drop during the day, so those after the best quality go early but pay more. Feiras often sell more than just fruit and veg as well, and can have meat, fish, and household items.
There are a couple of foods typically sold at the feira, which most Brazilians will ritually partake of. The first is Pastel. Pastel itself is very simple, it consists of two thin layers of puff pastry with a filling. Like a lot of Brazilian food this is then deep fried for a minute or two. It's hard to define a similar tasting food, but the likes of sausage rolls and vol-au-vent aren't far off, primarily because of the puff pastry. What makes a huge difference though is the filling that is used, which can vary between savoury and sweet, and within those categories there are almost infinite combinations varying from cheese, meat, poultry, and sweet with banana, chocolate, and doce de leite (cooked condensed milk), as examples. Often the pastel stand is festooned in pieces of paper with the various possibilities and price, aside from being festooned with lots of people munching pastel.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>
Brazil: Charles Miller‘s Official Biography Part 2
As promised in our previous article, Brazil: Charles Miller's Official Biography, we are serialising the first chapter of John Mill‘s official biography of Charles Miller. Although the book is in Portuguese, this is an English translation for Gringoes.com readers. Continuing from Brazil: Charles Miller's Official Biography Part 1 here is Part 2...
In Sao Paulo, Henry was a watchmaker, and installed his shop on No. 6 of the Imperatriz Road. Apart from this, Carlota´s father also sold musical instruments, glasses, shoes and saddleries, and even vegatables, flowers and seeds. After the Proclamation of the Republic in 1889, the Rua Imperatriz Road was renamed as the Rosary Road, and years later became the popular XV of November Road, as it is still known today.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>
Discussion Forum
If you've not had a chance yet then pop over to our web forum, register, and start joining in the discussion about Brazil. The forum has many discussion areas such as Living in Brazil, Teaching English, Visas and Documentation, and even a place to Vent Your Frustrations! There's also an area which allows you to comment on Gringoes.com, either with your views about past articles or other areas of the site, or to make suggestions for future articles or other content.
Forex
The US dollar weakened significantly earlier in the week, but rallied against the Real somewhat, and is now trading at R$2.20, compared to R$2.21 last week. The Euro weakened similarly and is now at R$2.63, down from R$2.68 last week. The British Pound has also dropped, from R$3.93 last week to R$3.84.
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Classified's
Oceanfront Homes
Oceanfront homes, beachfront lots, and private islands for sale in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Please check out our site at www.investmentsonthebeach.com or call 1 (866) 772-8760 (toll free)
Home for sale in Marica, RJ
Oceanfront home for sale in Marica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. $65,900 including closing costs, purchase taxes, transfer fees, and CPF card. Please check out our site at www.investmentsonthebeach.com or call 1 (866) 772-8760 (toll free)
Condo Hotel Units
Condo-hotel units near beach in Porto Seguro starting at US$16K.
For more information or to request brochures, please send an email or visit: www.josesantiagohomes.com/b2h/en/ jsantiago@eliteinternational.com
Office Space for Rent
Located in the 2nd floor of a charming 2-story house. Quiet & bright. Ideal for architects, web designers, lawyers etc. Parking lot nearby. Easy access to Paulista Av & 9 de Julho Av. No condominium fees. Please contact Ms. Eugenia at 11-38852609 (business hours). R$550 Reais/month. akasaka@uol.com.br
Brazil's Best Kept Secret - Joao Pessoa
Beachfront Townhomes and Condos for Sale, Private Upscale Community, Vila dos Amigos - Village of Friends. An International Communtiy of Americans , Brazilians and Europeans. Unique in Design with Oversized Rooms and Suites, American Kitchens, First Rate Construction. This will be a Private Gated Community in One of Brazil's Most Beautiful Cities yet to be Discovered. Buy Now before it is Discovered and Prices Soar !! Airport a mere 15 - 20 minutes from the property. Everything you could possibly want and more close by within minutes !! Do Not Wait Units are Limited. Click the link to see more. Link : http://realestate.escapeartist.com/P-2001068
Computer Support
Problems with your home computer? Need computer support or consultancy for your small business? I can help with IT strategy, hardware install and upgrades, wireless/wired networking, computer crashes, broadband, virus/spyware removal, email problems, ongoing maintenance and more. No call out fee - competitive rates - no job too small. 10 years Professional Experience. English and Portuguese speaking. Within São Paulo city. Tel. 8505 6428. Email marktaylor@uol.com.br
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