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.


Ask a Brazilian: Differences and Love

June 23, 2008
This is our regular column called "Ask a Brazilian", the idea being that you can quite literally ask a question of a Brazilian - for those issues you aren‘t sure about but perhaps dare not ask someone else. It is meant as a bit of fun and answers should not be construed as expert opinion or the definitive reply on the matter. For that reason we ask you to please send comments and experiences in order to add to our replies.
I find Brazilian women to be very beautiful, and I wouldn't mind having a few dates with them. However, I don't know the difference between Brazillian culture and North American culture. I want to know the differences between the 2 cultures on subjects like, courtship, sex, friendliness, etc. I know that not all Brazilian women are easy, so don't mistake this email as me asking if they are. I'm genuinly curious, I study different cultures around the world and I simply want to know. I also want to know what kind of differences there are between classes and what to do and not to do.
-- Zod
Olá!
I love your question.
I'm not an expert and I don't think you should be. We are from a different country not from a different planet. Dating a Brazilian is like dating anyone else.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>


Article Writers - Gringoes.com Wants You!

Are you a "Gringo" or Brazilian interested in writing for our site? Have you...

Photo of the Week

The photo of the week is titled What's For Lunch? taken by Mike Stricklin in Pedro II, Piaui. Click here to see the photo.
Thanks to all those who've sent in photos based on our request, but we can always do with more. 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 traditional shots of beaches and sunsets. Please 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.


Brazil Through Foreign Eyes

Jun 13, 2008
Meet Johnnie Kashat from the USA who has very recently travelled to Brazil. Read the following interview in which he tells us about some of his most memorable experiences 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 a 26-year-old, first generation American, born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan to a family that came to the U.S. with practically nothing. I was the first in my family to attend college at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, where I graduated with a bachelor‘s degree in political science in 2005. I plan to attend Northwestern University for a master‘s degree in public policy in the fall. In the meantime, I help manage a small retail business that provides a key service to the residents of Saginaw.
2. When did you arrive in Brazil and what brought you here?
I arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on April 30th, 2008, and since returning to the U.S. I have desired to go back. My trip to Rio started on Thanksgiving, when I introduced the idea to my college roommate and longtime friend. I convinced him that a vacation was in order, and after some slight hesitation on his part, I pulled out the beauty and richness of Brazilian culture card, with particular emphasis on the elegance of Brazilian women, and he agreed to come along.
…click here to read the rest of the article>>


Brazil: Pousada dos Quatro Cantos, Pernambuco

By Alison McGowan
June 12, 2008
Pousada dos Quatro Cantos is located right in the heart of historical Olinda, walking distance from nearly all the best bars and restaurants. The pousada itself occupies a grand mansion and listed building, dating back 120 years, and all the original features have been retained, from the high ceilings and huge floor to ceiling windows, to beautifully tiled floors. As with all old houses, things don't always work here, but the staff are all charmingly helpful, and in the end you just stop worrying.
There are 18 suites but only six which really do justice to the beauty and charm of the pousada. Reserve the luxo, luxo superior, or the suite rooms for a chance to experience the past in grand style and comfort. Then relax and unwind in the swimming pool and leafy gardens. You‘ll definitely appreciate it after all that hill walking visiting the sites!
About the location
Olinda is a world heritage city, around 5 miles north of Recife which appears to have changed little since the 18th and 19th centuries. Like Tiradentes (Minas Gerais) and Parati (Rio de Janeiro) streets are all cobbled, but just to make finding your way around slightly more complicated streets follow the contours of the hills, and the city is full of steps and nooks and crannies all waiting to be discovered.
…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! If you've got some burning question about Brazil, or just want to discuss a particular topic, then you're bound to get an answer there.
There's also a forum which allows you to comment and give us feedback on Gringoes.com, either with your views about past articles, areas of the site, or to make suggestions for future articles and content.
Note that foul language, abusive posts and certain types of advertising in the forum will not be tolerated. Make sure to check the Read This First area first before posting. The forum is intended to be a constructive and lighthearted place for discussion about Brazil.


Forex

The US Dollar has dropped over the fortnight, from R$1.64 to R$1.60. The Euro has also dropped, from R$2.55 to R$2.49. The British Pound continues the trend, falling from R$3.22 to R$3.15.