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, useful information pages, classified adverts, services, forum and other pages. So read on and we hope you enjoy the newsletter. As always if you have any comments, such as what you'd like to see more or less of on the site or newsletter, don't hesitate to contact us at gringoes@gringoes.com.
Please note that although we are based in São Paulo, the site and newsletter are for the whole of Brazil. We are particularly interested in hearing from people outside of São Paulo city, specifically Rio de Janeiro and the Northeast, so if you would like to write about your experiences or any topic related to Brazil see our request for "Article Writers" below.
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 Vila Madalena, an exhibition at FIESP, the world's tallest man (also visiting Rio de Janeiro), and a roundup of some other upcoming events.
If you have been to a restaurant, club, park, museum, or anywhere else in São Paulo that you would like to recommend to other readers in future Entertainment Guides then don‘t hesitate to contact us!
Also if you are a bar, restaurant, or night club owner (or hosting any other form of event that might be of interest to foreigners) that would like to be reviewed by Gringoes.com, as well as appearing in our entertainment guide, please contact us to arrange a visit. If you would like to submit an entertainment guide for your city we‘d be interested to hear from you also.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>


The Best Job in Brazil: Ankle Specialist?

By Ricky Skelton
Now summer is approaching, I am afraid of losing one of my main sources of amusement while patrolling the streets of Brazilian cities. As well as poodles-in-t-shirts, the other thing guaranteed to tickle me every time is seeing the platform boots that almost every brasileira between 15 & 50 wears. Same style, slightly different colour, same soles. They don‘t seem to realise that platforms were only invented for use by Slade and Elton John on stage in 1975! They‘re not serious! You‘re not supposed to wear them except at fancy dress parties for 70s nights! Platforms are comedy, not fashion, items. Remember what happened to Naomi Campbell.
If you come to Brazil for the first time, you could be forgiven for thinking that the girls here are even taller than the Dutch or Austrians. Look down! The answer is in the six inches of solid rubber or wood at the bottom. It‘s impossible to walk gracefully or to look elegant on those things. I know. I tried it. Purely for the purposes of science, of course. It‘s like walking with a ton of dried mud on your boots. The floor seems miles away. Your head brushes the roof or the doorframe. You never feel in control. The best you can do is to totter about like a stiltwalker waiting for someone to catch you. I would hate to be stuck in the middle of a dance-floor with hundreds of women wearing wooden platforms stumbling around me. Kiss goodbye to your toes. Even a cockroach couldn‘t withstand a stamp or two from those.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>


Understanding Brazil: CTPS - The Work Card

By Volker Ruther
This is one in a series of helpful articles by Volker which are a collection of information and experiences about how and where to get documents and permissions, or how to resolve bureaucratic subjects and matters in Brazil as a foreigner.
Note that although the best efforts have been made to ensure the information is valid, we cannot guarantee that it is 100% correct, as the article is based on a mixture of personal experiences and information that has been collected from various sources like Internet sites, official documents and an exchange of experiences with other foreigners in Brazil. Also even Brazilian law is subject to change, and often difficult to interpret.
Always check your own situation via a suitable source e.g. consulate or appropriately qualified lawyer, before proceeding.
To be able to work legally in Brazil it's necessary to have the Carteira de Trabalho e Previdência Social (CTPS, the Work and Social Security Card). This is issued by the Delegacia Regional do Trabalho (DRT, the Regional Work Delegacy) located in larger cities. When you get a job it is entered on the CTPS, which is also updated with new jobs, raises, and holidays/vacations.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>


Brazil: Her Name Was Lola, She Was a Showgirl

By Rodrigo Matos
Copacabana, one of the most famous beaches in the world, mentioned in songs around the planet.
Copacabana is the place where you must go if you are visiting Rio, not that this is my favorite beach, but it´s a symbol of Rio de Janeiro, and it represents the lifestyle of Rio. On one side you see the sea, and on the other the city, and this is how life is here. We work a lot, but at every spare moment we want to go to the beach, but can you blame us? Loot at the beauty of this place.
And just my opinion, but I find it even more beautiful in rainy weather.
Well, Rio is not just beaches, it has many more tourist attractions, and it also has great things to do at night, like little pubs and dance clubs.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>


Brazil: International Money Transfers

By Jose Santiago
"Banco Central do Brasil" is the government body that regulates and oversees all international money transfers coming in and out of Brazil. Due to the increase in international money laundering operations related to terrorism, contraband, and drug trafficking, and other illicit transactions "Banco Central" has a complex set of rules and regulations which every person and every bank in Brazil must follow in order to accomplish any international money transfer. Such regulations can be viewed at their website at: http://www.bcb.gov.br (under section: "Cambio e Capitais Estrangeiros").
There are many different types of transfers; the most common one are those executed from abroad to Brazil for personal maintenance, executed via companies such as Western Union and others. By Law, these transfers cannot exceed R$10,000.00 per wire/transfer. For transfers above R$10,000.00, "Banco Central do Brasil" requires corroboration documents depending on the nature of the transaction. The bank or institution executing the wire and the exchange in Brazil must collect these documents, as per provisions 10, 12, and 13 of the Banco Central‘s International Capital and Foreign Exchange Market Regulation, Title 1, Chapter 13, Section 2 (http://www.bcb.gov.br/rex/legce/ingl/ftp/rmcci-1-13-i.pdf).
…click here to read the rest of the article>>


Two Brazilian Charmers Part 4

By Joe Lopes
Here is part 4 of Joe's article about two famous personalities from Brazil, Bidu Sayão and Carmen Miranda. To read the previous parts click the relevant links at the end of the article.
The Bombshell Bursts Onto the Scene
Amazingly enough, Bidu Sayão was a close contemporary of another popular Brazilian attraction, the exceptionally-gifted Maria do Carmo Miranda da Cunha, better known by her professional name as Carmen Miranda.
Born in the town of Marco de Canavezes in Portugal, on February 9, 1909, Carmen came to Brazil with her family when she was not yet two, and grew up in the city of Rio, at about the same time that Bidu was learning to climb trees in her backyard.
Her parents called her "Carmen" in honor of the Spanish protagonist made famous by the eponymously titled opera by Georges Bizet, or so the story goes. Otherwise, her connection to the art form was minimal a best, if non-existent.
…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 explain about Brazil to foreigners, and help give advice on what to do, and where to go? Perhaps you just write a frequent blog about Brazil, and would be interested in publishing some of this on our site. If you are interested in writing an article, or series of articles, or posting your blog content on Gringoes.com we are interested in hearing from you! Don't be shy! 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.
We are particularly interested in hearing from people who want to write about areas other than São Paulo, specifically Rio de Janeiro and the Northeast, although other areas as well. If you are unsure about a topic then drop us an email or a draft article. Send your articles or any questions to gringoes@gringoes.com with "articles" in the subject.


Interviews

Thanks to those who responded to our request for interviews. We're building up the queue of interviews, but can always do with more, so if you would like to be in our Brazil Through Foreign Eyes, or Foreigners Through Brazilian Eyes series please send us an email. As you can see it doesn't matter if you're a foreigner to Brazil, or Brazilian, we're still interested to hear from you. The interview series is a fascinating look at how real people are enjoying Brazil, and equally how Brazilians really see foreigners. They also give various tips on what to see in Brazil, and how to survive here.
The interview itself is a set of around 15 easy-to-answer questions, and ideally we like a digital photo of you as well we can place with the interview.
So if you're interested, don't be shy, send a blank email to mark@gringoes.com with "Interview" in the subject. We will then send you the questions, and instructions on how to complete. We'd love to hear from you!

A gentle reminder to those who have been sent questions. Please don't forget to complete and return them!


Book Donations

If you are leaving Brazil and/or have any unwanted books, and are happy to donate them, then Gringoes.com would be glad to receive them! We are considering setting up a book club for Gringoes.com readers if we can get sufficient interest. For details of how to donate your books then please contact gringoes@gringoes.com with "Book Donation" in the subject.
A special request: we've had an offer of around 200 books from a Gringoes.com reader in Belo Horizonte, but we are unable to get the books to our office in São Paulo. If any readers are travelling between São Paulo and Belo Horizonte, and are able to help with transport, then please contact us at gringoes@gringoes.com


Gringoes Poll

Unfortunately there's no change in the poll this week until we can resolve if there is an issue with the database system.

Please send this email to anyone you think might find it interesting. If you have not yet registered with gringoes.com and would like to receive future newsletters click here. If you have mistakenly received this message, or would no longer like to receive mail from us, then please reply to this email with the word 'take out' in the subject line. If you are unsubscribing because the newsletter doesn't meet your needs then please let us know how we can improve it.

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Weekly Quiz

Last week's quiz question, from David Long was: at the turn of the last century, what did a US and a UK traveller to Brazil have in common? (aside from speaking English) David managed to stump the readers as no-one got the correct answer, that both US and UK travellers used to arrive on the same boat, as UK travellers came via the USA.
This week's quiz question, again from David Long, is: the first automobiles assembled in Brazil were VWs. Few Brazilians could afford the full price and bank financing was non-existant. So, how were the cars purchased? Send your answers to mark@gringoes.com with ‘Weekly Quiz’ in the subject line.
Thanks to all those who've been sending quiz questions, we've built up our reserves a little but more are always welcome! Do you think you can stump the Gringoes.com readers, then please send them to mark@gringoes.com with ‘Weekly Quiz Ideas’ in the subject line. Don't forget to send the answer to the question also! Remember it needs to be relatively difficult, and not something that can be found from a simple Internet search.


Photo of the Week

The photo of the week is Boat Bar and was taken by Blanka Homolova at Praia do Flamengo, in São Paulo state. Click here to see the photo.
We're running out of photos for our "Photo of the Week, so if you have a funny or unusual photo depicting life in Brazil please send it to gringoes@gringoes.com with ‘Photo of the Week’ in the subject line. Ideally we are after photos that are of something a little different, not normal shots such as beaches and sunsets. Try to send relatively high resolution images (0.5 Megapixel / 640 x 480 or bigger), and let us know where you took the photo and if you have a title for it.


Tip of the Week

This week's tip comes from Karen, thanks Karen! When making a hotel or resort reservation on the web, on sites that have an English version, check rates on the Brazilian version. Some places are 20 to 50% more expensive for foreigners, and charge in US Dollars! If you send an email, stress that you're a resident in Brazil. If a resort or one of those exclusive inns has a very expensive rate, check what operators (travel agencies) charge for the same accommodation.
Is there something you wish you had known while travelling, or something that makes life easier while living here in Brazil? Then share it, and let our readers know. Don't worry about the subject, it can be either a big or small piece of useful information. Send your tips to mark@gringoes.com with ‘Tip of the Week’ in the subject line.


Brazil's Stock Market: the Path to Riches or Rags?

By John Fitzpatrick
I have just read an interesting book called "Emerging Markets" published by the Economist. It is aimed at companies considering doing business in emerging markets and covers topics such as political risks, interpreting economic indicators and dealing with corruption and crime. Unfortunately Brazil is only treated in passing as the authors concentrate on Eastern Europe and Russia. This is a pity because foreign companies have been investing in Brazil for over a century and have amassed vast experience on how to remain profitable in the midst of crisis and instability. Despite this, there is still great ignorance abroad about the business environment here. By coincidence, while reading this book, I was contacted for a quote by a journalist from The Times of London who was writing an article on whether private investors should invest in Brazil´s booming stock market. My advice was that the foreign investor need not be afraid of the Brazilian stock market but should be aware of the pitfalls, of which there are many. Always remember Tom Jobim´s advice - Brazil is not for beginners.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>


Brazil: Daylight Savings Time

By Mark Taylor
So for some of those in Brazil the clocks have sprung forward over the weekend, that is Summer Time, also known as Daylight Savings Time (DST, or hora do verão as it's more commonly known in Portuguese, which translates to something like "hour of summer") is in effect.
DST in Brazil only affects what are deemed to be non-equatorial states, that is Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul and Distrito Federal. The practice of using DST started in the 1930s and also include Bahia, although Bahia stopped using it in 2004.
Some of those out there using Microsoft Windows may well have had extra confusion, as in Brazil the date that DST occurs is not static. Microsoft Windows has a set point at which it will change (going forward at 2AM on the third Sunday in October, and going back at 2AM on the second Sunday in February), which is at odds with the actual date.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>


Brazil Through Foreign Eyes

Meet Philip Wigan, from the UK, who is currently living in Brazil, and had a love of the country since studying it at university. 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.?
I am from London, but now live in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. I work as a translator and teacher. I have also worked in travel and tourism for many years (hotels, guiding) and still do some freelance at times.
2. When did you arrive in Brazil and what brought you here?
The answer I tend to give as default is my partner, but it is too easy. I became interested in Brazil when I studied its literature and cultural history at university, and was hooked while living in Salvador for a year. I have been in the Brazilian diaspora for twenty years in the UK and Brazil. The country has a strong hold on me and I feel fortunate to have been able to know closely and have an emotional relationship with another country's people and culture.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>


Brazil: Carjacking and Theft

By Mark Taylor
The fact that an attempted carjacking in Brazil hit international headlines a week or so ago would ordinarily be very unusual. In this case though the carjackers picked four members of the Toyota F1 team, here in São Paulo for the Grand Prix at Interlagos. The twenty or so carjackers had actually attempted to steal several cars, which the Toyota team's car was one of. At one point in the attempted theft a gun was held to the head of Fernanda Villas-Boas, a Toyota spokesperson, although despite this they managed to drive away and escape, even with shots fired at the car. Fernanda has said that the thieves could not have known who or what was in the car due to blacked out windows.
Ordinarily I'm wary of sensationalising events that happen here in Brazil, as the country already has an arguably overrated reputation with reference to crime. For example a quote from one recent article regarding the above topic was: "the chance for a run-in with criminals is good". This conjures up the image that the average Paulista, a citizen of São Paulo city, is running the gauntlet on a daily basis fighting off criminals. Whereas the reality is quite different. One reason this media image frustrates me is because in almost three years in Brazil I have never been attacked or mugged once, nor have I even felt threatened. I am wary though, and apply a modicum of common sense when I'm out and about wherever it is (there's also some common sense advice here at Gringoes.com on the topic). My wife, a Brazilian citizen who has lived in São Paulo over thirty years, has been the victim of a successful carjacking in the past though, as well as an attempted theft. I also remember shootings in a neighbourhood I used to live in, therefore I'm equally wary that it can happen. My Portuguese teacher even told me a memorable tale of when her children's expensive trainers/sneakers were stolen while they were on the bus. So clearly there's a balance to be struck between being oblivious and over cautious.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>


Brazil Blog: Job Problems, Financial Blues and Decision Time

By Gringo Blogger
By way of introduction I'm a foreigner who's lived in São Paulo city for a few years. I came here for romantic reasons with the hopes of finding a job, like many gringos (only to find out that getting work in Brazil is a near impossible task). So I'm not your typical wealthy gringo. Thankfully I am now working part time in a great job, but am still on the Holy Grail-like quest of finding full time work. I married my girlfriend early last year, so have some idea of the highs and lows of a multicultural relationship.
In my blog I'm just documenting some of the day-to-day events that happen to me, amusing or not, to give an impression of what it's like for a gringo living in the bustling metropolis of São Paulo, and Brazil in general. It's at times also meant as a tongue in cheek look at gringo life, so shouldn't be taken too seriously.
The past couple of months have not seen any change in the employment situation, that is nothing in terms of full time and decent paying work. There have been one or two tantalising opportunities, one better than any to-date, at least both seemed that way at first.
The past couple of months have not seen any change in the employment situation, that is nothing in terms of full time and decent paying work. There have been one or two tantalising opportunities, one better than any to-date, at least both seemed that way at first.
…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. There are many forum areas such as Living in Brazil, Teaching English, Visas and Documentation, and even a place to Vent Your Frustrations! There's also a forum which allows you to comment on Gringoes.com, either with your views about past articles, areas of the site, or to make suggestions for future articles and content.
Each week in the newsletter we will choose a Post of the Week to give you some idea of what's happening in the forum, and a good thread to visit and read. This week we recommend the post "Does living in Brasil make you happier?" started by the user Austguy in our "Queries on Brazil" forum. The post is discussing the topic of people butting into queues.
If you have a recommendation for the best Post of the Week then send an email to mark@gringoes.com with "Post of the Week" in the subject.
On a serious note, foul language and abusive posts made in the forum will not be tolerated. The forum is intended to be a constructive and lighthearted place for discussion about Brazil.

Forex

Despite a drop in the last day or two the US dollar has rallied slightly and is at R$2.15, up from R$2.14 a week ago. The Euro has also dropped in the last couple of days, but again rallied to back to the same rate as last week, R$2.74. There's been a similar trend for the British Pound, which is at R$4.09, the same as last week.