Ahhh Southern Brasil

Already Planning My Next Trip to Brasil in February

2011-07-13T13:20:00.000-05:00

Most Brasilians will tell you that the red tape in their country is the worst in the world. I’ve witnessed that bureaucracy first hand and let me tell you, they are pretty much on the money. However, with that said, there is one process I have to go through every two years that I actually don’t mind at all…traveling back into the country to renew my permanent resident Visa. To others, this may be a bother, but to me, it is a very good excuse to save my pennies and go back at least every two years to visit friends, family, and some of the places I love.

Whenever it starts getting close to traveling time, I find myself taking a walk down memory lane and deciding before I get there what places I simply must re-visit. There are so many, and my husband and I usually only have ten days to fit them all in between all the parties everyone will give to welcome us back. So here is my short list, time permitting:

Taking a drive in one of the prettiest rural areas in the valley, Estrada Bonita. Here is where we stayed in a cabin at the Pousada Vale Verde on my very first trip to see my husband’s wonderful hometown, Joinville, in the State of Santa Catarina. I remember getting to the cabin around dusk and looking around before settling on the bed to take it all in when the bed totally collapsed beneath me. There were no other cabins and only bunk beds in the other bedroom. I remember how sorry the caretaker and her husband were for our problems and they stayed for over an hour replacing the bed with one more stable, and instead of getting angry or anxious, we all just laughed through the whole ordeal. That’s Brasil.

In the morning, we woke up and we met the owner, Angela. She spoke just enough English to make my stay there more enjoyable. We had breakfast outdoors under a chickee hut overlooking the hills and a beautiful pond. There was bread and meats and cheeses and jams and spreads and real butter and guava, mango, watermelon and grape juices, and coffee and tea, and of course cakes and pastries. The whole experience has left such an impression on me that I can still go back there in my mind when I’m having a rough day. It was one of dozens of like experiences I had that first trip and subsequent trips to Brasil.

The City of Curitiba is one of the coolest cities I’ve ever been to. I’ve stayed at 5* hotels (when the dollar exchange rate was 3:1) and lesser hotels when it was not. I can honestly say that staying in a 3 or 4* hotel in Curitiba is also nice. What impressed me first and does to this day is the way everyone who deals with the public, especially as far as tourism goes, is extremely polite, helpful, and dresses and grooms themselves impeccably. For instance, it is common to see hotel employees wear uniforms, but in addition to that, the women all pull their long, dark hair back into a bun. The look is stunning and it shows how small details are so important to the Brasilians. And it is rare to see someone not smiling or giving a little dance or going out of their way to be helpful even if they can’t speak my language. I’ve never felt so welcomed in my life anywhere.

Oh, and I can’t forget the architecture in Curitiba. Some of the most fantastic buildings I’ve ever seen, from historical to contemporary. If you are an architecture buff, this is definitely a must-see city on your list.

A drive up the mountains to see my husband’s family. That is the most favorite thing to do. There are two main roads up the mountain, one via Corupa and one via Serra Dona Francisca. The drive via Corupa is quite beautiful and it is one that allows you to look down over the valley in all its splendor at some of the most daring landscapes I’ve seen. My favorite view is that of the tres Marias mountain peaks. I always know I’m about halfway home when I see those mountains.

Driving up Serra Dona Francisca is a bit hairy, especially due to slow trucks and fast motorcycles. I drove a portion of it once and decided I’ll just sit back from now on and take in the view, which, by the way is breathtaking. One of my favorite memories is going ‘up the mountain’ in late afternoon and noticing the intricate patterns the pinao (pine) trees make on the rolling meadows in Happy Field (Campo Allegre). And the hydrangeas are everywhere. Yes, I’ll say it again…breathtaking.

But the thing I look most forward to when traveling to Brasil, besides seeing the people I love and meeting new friends, is the food. Oh my gosh, do those people know how to cook. The Brasilian churrasco (grilled meat) is amazing, as is the pizza. They have a style of serving in the restaurants called rodoviaria. Usually, you get a buffet of salads and then waiters bring entrees around to your table. For churrascaria, it is meat, meat and more meat--steaks, roasts, sausages, chicken, duck, ham, etc. on long spears that they cut and serve right at your table. All you can eat for a ridiculously low price (generally $4 US lunch/$10 tops US dinner).

For pizza it is the same concept, with added pasta dishes and sometimes steak and the ever popular fritas (French fries). I know, it’s kind of funny, but Brasilians love French fries. On the pizzas, I’ve seen every topping imaginable and some I could not have dreamed up if I tried, such as corn, mussels, tuna, beef stroganoff, even ice cream! My favorites are white and dark chocolate with strawberries and banana nevada (banana topped with meringue).

If I continued to list all my favorite places to go in Brasil, it would fill up ten Blogs, so I’ll stop here. Suffice it to say, I can’t wait until they require that I go back and get that Visa stamp. Poor, poor me.

Anyone who wants to learn more about wonderful Southern Brasil, or are even thinking it’s time to take your own trip down there, let me know. I can help you plan one of the most unique and amazing vacations of your life.

Til then,

Tchau

If I Close My Eyes and Listen to the Birds Outside…

2011-03-25T15:11:00.000-05:00

In my mind I’m back in the beautiful country of Brasil, high on a hillside, sitting at our little party area, having a beer and just realizing that dreams can come true. Every special moment in my life has not gone unnoticed.

When we finished building our pool and churrascaria, I remember sitting there one day, sunlight sparkling on the pond, watching the carp jump around in the water…I looked around and gave thanks for just how lucky I was at that moment. The day was remarkable, not a cloud in the sky, which was also perfect…a robin’s egg blue. The view was to die for, and the pool, while it was still too chilly to swim, was inviting me to dip my toe in and make use of it.

Later that day, we grilled steaks and we chatted about life, what we were going to do next and I remember being just about as happy as a person could get. Sure, it was about what we’d built, but more importantly, it was about doing it together. It was a common goal that we’d attained.

We didn’t stay there long, unfortunately, because jobs are hard to come by in Brasil and even harder to come by when all you’re doing is sitting up on top of a hill enjoying nature. So, it was back to reality we went, but not before I snapped one or two photos to share with friends.

Até a próxima vez (till next time)

Had a Wonderful Trip to Southern Brasil

2010-03-26T17:18:00.002-05:00

Being a permanent resident of Brasil is nice. There’s something about pulling out your Receita Federal I.D. Card and showing it to anyone who asks that makes you feel even more a part of the whole Brasilian living experience. However, the visa is another matter. To keep it current, if you are not presently residing in Brasil, you must travel back to Brasil at least every other year. But I’m not complaining. If it weren’t for this little bit of bureaucratic red tape, I might not get to see my friends and family there so often.

And so it was with the latest trip back just this month. The trip was enjoyable, even though my husband and I both suffered with terrible colds. We saw our friends, we spent quality time with family and we finally got around to seeing Iguacu Falls. Attached are a few photos for you to see the splendor that we were fortunate enough to witness first hand

I have offered many times to take friends and family to Southern Brasil to see for themselves what a wonderful place it is, to experience the warmth and friendliness of the people. I know money is tight for many and it is a bit of a hassle arranging for a visa, etc., but honestly, if you save your pennies and you really have a desire to go to Brasil, then it is within your reach.

I’m not saying this because I’m prejudiced, although I truly am, but I know firsthand how close death can be, and I now live my life not worrying how I can afford something, but knowing that if I want something bad enough, the money has a way of just showing up. And a trip to Brasil I know is on many a friends’ wish list. Just say the word, folks, and we’ll find a way together to let you experience what I will never be able to get enough of.

Till Next Time,

Tchau!

Another Carnaval Come and Gone

2010-02-25T21:02:00.000-06:00

Boy, how do you like that? I totally missed all the great holiday events between Oktoberfest and now. I have to apologize to my readers for taking so long to get back to this blog. It is not for lack of love, I assure you, but just have had my hands full with other projects. I’m gonna try to post at least 3 times a week if I can.

So, last week was Carnaval, and what a time it must have been. Evidently, in Rio de Janeiro alone, upwards of 730,000 tourists plunked down almost $300 Million dollars to attend one of the biggest parties in the world. One can only assume that Sao Paulo did just as well or better.

I think in one of my earlier posts, I described attending a much smaller version of Carnaval in the little beach town over from where we lived called Picarras. Although there weren’t the elaborate floats that you see in the larger celebrations, the spirit, from what I saw, had to be every bit as lively or more as any of the larger Carnavals. Everyone singing, dancing in the streets, girls made up in glittery costumes and dancing their hearts out.

You looked around you and everywhere there was laughter and happiness and you knew that no matter how poor some of those folks were, they were there in the moment that night and having the time of their lives. And I was right there alongside them happy as anything for the opportunity to celebrate with them the Brasilian way.

It's Oktoberfest Time Again in Blumenau

2009-10-13T14:26:00.004-05:00

Be sure to click on pic for video

Yes, it is that time of year again in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Oktoberfest. And every year it gets bigger and bigger.

Blumenau is nestled in the Itajai Valley and is a perfect place to party for the better part of two weeks. Beer flows freely (literally) and everyone has a smile on their face.

There are several pavilions with all kinds of music, but the Oom pah pah kind is the best. Polka, polka, polka.

Although I’ve never visited Blumenau during the Oktoberfest, I have been there numerous other times and it is a great city next to the Itajai River, nestled between the mountains.

If you are ever in southern Brazil, Blumenau should definitely be on your list of places to see.

In Blumenau, all year round, alles gut, alles blau (everything good and everything blue).

Brazilians Love Candy!

2009-09-29T00:54:00.003-05:00

As always, click the titled for a video. The video you'll see has little to do with Brazilians, but it is cute. Access the blog by going to www.southernbrasil.blogspot.com, and sorry for taking so long to get another article up.

Brazilians of all ages love candy—any kind of candy. If it is loaded with sugar, they will eat it. Just like in the United States, chocolate is the preferred candy, and there are three companies that offer up the majority of candies in Brazil, Lacta, Garrota, and Nestle, S.A.

The bon bons that you get in a box of assorted chocolates are also different than those you get in America. They come in fancy, colorful wrappers and are larger pieces. Some of the most popular kinds contain ingredients such as hazelnut crème, coconut, and cashews.

When we had our café on the beach, we had the end of our counter encased in glass and within that glass were built several cubby holes, all filled to the brim with individual candies, hard candies, bubble gum, lollipops, and miniature candy bars. Brazilians rarely will be seen with a full-size candy bar in hand, but you’ll find most kids (who can afford it) with pockets full of little candies to eat while playing soccer and to share (or sell to) friends.

And I believe I mentioned it before, but we served ice cream in our café, and every person who walked out with a cone or a cup of ice cream had some kind of candy placed on top. The most popular topping was gummy bear dentures. Weirdest thing I ever saw, but they loved them. I did too, as a matter of fact, as they were strawberry- flavored.

Even cough drops, such as Halls Eucalyptus, Strawberry, Mint and Cherry flavors were eaten as candy and breath mints, but never as a cough suppressant.

Yes, candy for the Brazilian is almost as important as food.

Cats (Gatos) in Brasil

2009-08-30T21:25:00.002-05:00

It was my observation while living in Southern Brasil that (1) most Brasilians prefer dogs over cats as pets probably 2 to 1; and (2) most of the cats I saw in Brasil are skinny and have short hair. That is not to say that they aren’t cute and it's not to say there aren't the same types of cats as in America, it's just that the short hair variety is predominant. I’ve never met a cat or a kitten I didn’t like, and the ones in Brasil are no exception.

Those of you, who know me and my cats, know that they are huge and they are long hairs. Everyone in Brasil who saw my cats could not believe how big they were and how gentle. I had many people ask me to breed them, but darn it all, they’ve all been fixed. I might have had one great business down there breeding my type of Maine Coon cats.

Hmmm, gotta go. I think I saw an ad on Craigslist for some Maine Coon kittens…..

Til Later, Tchau!

Clouds in the Mountains

2009-08-15T14:32:00.002-05:00

I think one of the prettiest sights in Southern Brasil is when you are standing on the side of a hill and looking down over the landscape and see long lines of white clouds nestled between the hills. It’s a surreal feeling to know that it is raining where you are looking but not raining on you because you are above the clouds.

As much as I love looking at the clouds in the mountains, I don’t like going through them, especially when you are going up the side of a mountain where there are no rails and only two lanes. It can get dangerously scary.

We were caught a couple of times on mountain roads when the fog rolled in and your visibility drops to zero in no time at all. You can’t just pull off the side of the road because there is no side of the road. Fortunately, there’s always a daredevil truck driver who knows the roads like the back of his hand and you get behind him and just follow the tail lights.

Best advice I can give is don’t travel early morning or toward evening or at night and you’ll fare well traveling up and down the mountains.

Til Later, Tchau!

Pirabieraba (Peer-ah-beer-ah-bah

2009-08-08T10:21:00.005-05:00

I come back to this place in my mind all the time for the calmness it brings. From the small, quaint town of Pirabieraba with its many shops and cafes through rural areas where the mountains meet the road, and on up into the mountains on a winding road that brings you past waterfalls and roadside stands ready to sell fruits and homemade goods to all the travelers. There is so much beauty, that sometimes it overwhelms.

This is a magical place to me. Never once was I bored living there and never once was I unhappy to be there. And if the situation were right again in my life and I was asked where I’d like to live in Brasil, it would be this beautiful corner of the world that took my breath away the first time I saw it, and continues to do so today.

My First Shopping Trip in Brasil

2009-08-02T14:58:00.003-05:00

Some memories of my first trip to Brasil are etched forever in my mind. One such memory is the first time I went shopping in Brasil for clothing. Upon arrival in Brasil, I noticed that the women were wearing very colorful fashion tops with their jeans, and I wanted to see if I could find something for me in that style. In my mind’s eye, I knew what I was looking for, and so, when the opportunity presented itself, I began my search.

My husband and I were in a small shopping center with his mother, brother, sister, brother-in-law and two nieces. We were all window shopping when I saw a shop that I wanted to go into. Have you ever seen those clever graphics on some internet pages where the mouse is set up to have a group of something follow it as it makes its way across the page? Like if you are on a site that talks about honey bees, a swarm of bees follows your mouse pointer’s every move?

Anyway, that’s what it reminded me of. As I turned to go into the store, everyone just changed the direction they were headed in and followed me into the store. I went to the first rack, they went to the first rack. I pulled out a blouse, they pulled out a blouse. I went into the dressing room (a curtained area in a corner of the store), they went into the dressing room. I yelled, they all stopped.

No, seriously, I didn’t yell. I was too surprised to yell. Charles told them in Portuguese to back off and they did. All of them except his mother. She stayed like she belonged there, going about the task of handing me tops that she personally thought would look great on me and waiting for me to try them on. Once we got it straightened out, I was left alone to try on the tops by myself and the family went about their business outside the store. I can’t help but think that I hurt their feelings that day. They were so eager to share in my shopping experience and I was too wrapped up in modesty to understand and thank them for their help.

I’m no less modest today but I do know enough in Portuguese to personally thank them as I gently nudge them out of the dressing room.

'Til Later, Tchau.

Vendedors Ambulante (Street Vendors)

2009-07-26T11:01:00.001-05:00

There are many poor Brasilians in Southern Brasil. Most of them are poor not because they don’t want to work, but because jobs are scarce. They are an industrious and inventive people, who won’t take “no job” lying down. They will do whatever it takes to feed their families.

One of the most common sights you’ll find, especially during the holiday season on the beaches are street vendors (vendedors ambulante). They carry anything from fruits and vegetables to sunglasses, to beautiful hand-made jewelry, toys, etc. Anything that can be carried on their backs, on their bikes or on their hand-crafted carts will be offered up for sale to anyone taking the time to listen to their sales pitch.

I once had a guy selling ice cream treats right next to my café, where, of course, I also offered ice cream for sale. But I didn’t begrudge him because he needed that money to feed his family. I stood there and watched--me with no customers and him selling ice cream right and left right under my nose. But it did not make me angry. It made me happy that he was going to have rice and beans on the table that evening. That is the Brasilian way.

Til Later, Tchau!

Dia das Almas (All Souls Day)

2009-07-23T18:27:00.004-05:00

Every November 2nd in Brasil, families gather at gravesites for the purpose of praying for their departed, cleaning the gravesites and placing new flowers on the graves. It is a sight to behold. Since it is mainly a Catholic tradition and the majority of Brasilians are devout Catholics, there are scores of people at the cemeteries this day. Sometimes they stop for treats or ice cream before or after their individual ceremonies. You’ll see women with scrub buckets and mops walking down the streets.

You don’t see that here in America. Everyone maintains the gravesites at separate times. Although I prefer to remember my loved ones as when they were living and not in the ground, I still appreciate the trouble these people go to keep the eternal resting place of their loved ones’ bodies in as nice a shape as possible.

Til Later, Tchau.

Dia Nacional do Fusca (National Day of the VW Bug)

2009-07-18T11:35:00.007-05:00

The Brasilians love their Fuscas. You see them more than any other auto on the street and there are some very cool ones in Brasil. They love them so much, in fact, that they've honored them with their own day...Dia Nacional do Fusca. I've found a great little video to click on for today's blog, so be sure to click on the title to see it.

Fuscas come in all colors. I was envious of the guy who painted the inside of our cafe. He had a Fusca painted a really cool color that looked like a mixture of chartreuse and pea green. One day, he was coming from work and someone ran into him. He wasn't injured too badly, but his Fusca really took a hit. Of course, when I heard, I asked if he was ok, and when he said ok, I then asked...what about the Fusca? He smiled and said it would be ok. Since he didn't speak English, and I very little Portuguese, we did alot of sign language, but we got the gist of what was being said. About a month later, his Fusca was finally drivable again and was the same color. What a relief.

If I ever go back, I'd love to own a Fusca.

Til Next Time, Tchau!

Breakfast (Cafe da Manha) in Brasil

2009-07-15T09:43:00.003-05:00

I know I've talked about food in Brasil before, but it seems no one tires of hearing how wonderful the food is. Breakfast is no exception. Juice, fruit, meats, cheeses, breads, cakes. You have it all in a typical colonial-style breakfast.

Now for the but part. But...

If you are looking for an American-type breakfast with eggs, hashbrowns, toast, there is no place to find it, and after a while, you begin to miss the things you once took for granted.

I think one of the first places I went after coming back to America was a place called Tee-Jay's in Columbus, Ohio, famous for it's barnbuster breakfast. I didn't have that exact breakfast because it is way too much food, but I did have eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and toast, as I always had before moving to Brasil, and I loved every bite. Now that I'm back in the states, I miss the typical Brasilian breakfast. See? There's just no pleasing some folks.

Til Next Time, Tchau!

Gauchos of Southern Brasil

2009-07-12T21:04:00.005-05:00

When it comes to cowboys, and country music, Brasil isn't really that much different than the US. They have their country songs, their wide open spaces, and their love for horses.

What is different is the cultural mix in the southernmost State of Brasil, Rio Grande do Sul. You have people of spanish decent from the Gauchos in Argentina, you have Italian winemakers, and you have whole cities settled by Austrians.

The music is as diverse as the people. In one song you may hear a steel guitar mixed with an accordian, in the next, you may hear an Austrian waltz, and the next a Flamenco guitar. It would not surprise me if there are some who mix all these mediums together at once.

As you can see by the video attached to this blog entry, Rio Grande do Sul has some striking similarities to the region we call home to our own Rio Grand. Enjoy.

Til Next Time, Tchau!

Toucans

2009-07-10T09:02:00.005-05:00

Toucans are pretty plentiful in Southern Brasil. When we were living high up in the hills, we would see toucans fly from tree to tree. We'd leave a branch of bananas on a stump for them to eat from.

Contrary to what everyone thinks, or at least what I used to think, that Toucans are responsible for that sound in the jungle in movies that goes something like "ara ara ara," toucans actually make a weird clicking sound and when they fly, they make a loud noise like "eeehnt." Suffice it to say, their sound is not quite as pretty as their appearance.

It was really great to watch these birds in their native habitat, instead of in a zoo. As I mentioned in a past blog entry, Brasilians like their birds, and toucanos (toucans) are no exception. They can be tamed and make fun pets, but personally, I'm fine with just watching them from a distance enjoying their natural homes.

Tchau!

Oscar Niemeyer

2009-07-08T13:52:00.004-05:00

Oscar Niemeyer is a famous architect from Brasil. He is 101 years old and still designs buildings from his office in Rio de Janeiro. He married his most recent wife when he was 98, and she 63.

I don't have to tell you that some people are born great. We all, in fact, have greatness in us. Some are able to recognize, understand, and act on that greatness, abetting its materialization, for the world to see and appreciate. I was fortunate enough to visit one of his museums in Curitiba, nicknamed "eye" and was literally blown away by its shape, size, vision (no pun intended) and unbelievably creative design. Indeed, there is nothing else like it in this world.

Just as those who appreciate a fine painting or sculpture, I appreciate fine architecture. I would go so far as to say that when I see a beautifully designed and constructed building, it stirs something inside. As a child, I remember seeing pictures of Niemeyer's creations in Brasilia, and even then, I wanted badly to someday travel to that city to see those places close up. While in Brasil, I should have done that, but I didn't. I assure you, though, on my next trip, it will definitely be on my list of things to do.

Til Then, Tchau!

Rain in Southern Brasil

2009-07-07T20:22:00.006-05:00

http://www.southernbrasil.blogspot.com/

When I first decided I wanted to move to Southern Brasil, I was assured that it didn't rain that much down there. I'm not pointing any fingers, but that information proved to be wrong. Quite wrong. But it's my own fault really. I must have been asleep in geography class the day we were discussing the attributes of a rain forest. "Rain" being the operative word. Southern Brasil is smack dab in the middle of that country's second largest rain forest, The Mata Atlantica, or Atlantic Forest.

I got to thinking about it I guess because where I'm living now, in central Texas, we celebrate a rainy day. Everything is so dry. But with the dry comes more sunshine and that suits me just fine.

Anyway, just wanted to point that out to you. Southern Brasil rainy, very rainy. Texas dry. That's all I got.

Til Later, Tchau!

Brasil Delivery System

2009-07-05T10:39:00.004-05:00

Today's video doesn't have alot to do with this blog, other than it has a horse in it and this blog is about horses and carts in Brasil.

You see horses and carts on a daily basis in Southern Brasil. It is a common mode of transportation for many, as well as being a way to make extra money by hauling things and delivering things. I the picture, the owner of this horse and cart was picking up gravel from our yard that we didn't want anymore and hauling it away. We used this guy a couple of times for bringing us wood for our fireplace in the winter. Every time they'd show up, I'd pay the driver and I'd give the horse an nice apple or carrot. The horse probably liked me more than the guy, cause I always made sure the horse got a reward.

When we were getting ready to move back to the States, we sold alot of stuff, and one thing was a vertical freezer. The German neighbor who bought it came and picked it up with his horse and cart. It's nice to know that some folks in this world still do things the old-fashioned way. Southern Brasil was doing eco-friendly before it became a media catchphrase, and continues to use this very efficient form of transportation.

Tchau!

Brasil's Independence Day

2009-07-04T13:44:00.005-05:00

http://www.southernbrasil.blogspot.com/

The video today is of the Brasilian National Anthem, a very long, complicated anthem, that appears more Austrian than Brasilian. Nonetheless, it is interesting.

Today is independence day in America, when we celebrate our independence from England. Brasilians celebrate their independence day on September 7, the day they gained their independence from Portugal unofficially. There are a couple of things that set Brasil apart from most other countries in their history of gaining independence.

First, Brasil was a monarchy, the only monarchy in South America. It was ruled by the King of Portugal, Dom Pedro. In 1822, when Portugal ordered King Dom Pedro back to Portugal, planning on returning Brasil to colonial status, the King, fearing a revolution of his people, defied the order, ripped the Portuguese colors of blue and white from his chest and declared these words "Independence or Death." That was the beginning of the process of independence for Brasil, without bloodshed. Just a declaration. On May 3, 1823, Dom Pedro and others met in an assembly to create the first Brasilian Constitution.

On August 29, 1825 Portugal finally recognized Brasil as an independent nation, and from then on, Brasil was a free nation. For many years after that, Brasil was ruled by Dom Pedro as Emperor, until April 7, 1831, when he abdicated the throne. On July 23, 1840, Dom Pedro's son, Dom Pedro II, took the throne as Emporor at just 14 years of age.

Who ruled Brasil between 1831 and 184o, I do not know. I do know that Dom Pedro II remained Emporor of Brasil for the next 49 years.

Then, on November 15, 1889, a new republic formed in Rio de Janeiro, and two days later, Dom Pedro II and his family returned to Europe, ending the monarchy in Brasil, leaving it a Republic.

I hope I got this right. At any rate, my purpose was to show similarities and differences between our day of independence and that of Brasil. I hope I succeeded.

Tchau!

Family Barbeques in Brasil

2009-07-03T11:41:00.004-05:00

http://www.southernbrasil.blogspot.com/

Since this is the 4th of July weekend, I thought I'd write about barbeque in Brasil. Almost every home in Brasil has some sort of churrasqueira (shure-has-kay-rrah) barbeque area either attached to to the home or built adjacent to the home as a free-standing structure. I couldn't miss the opportunity to show you the beautiful churrasquira and pool we built when living in Brasil. These are also called area de lazer (area dee laze-ear), which are areas of leisure or recreation. Barbeque is the center around which all celebrations revolve. Well, barbeque and beer, of course.

American free-standing barbeque grills do exist in Brasil but they are very rare. The closest thing to them are little green barrels (like oil barrels) stood on the side with a top opening and a grill plate inside. Charcoal is used with these grills. We had one and I loved it. They even make little aluminum stands to keep it up off the ground. However, most Brasilians make sure there is enough in the budget when building a home to include either an outdoor stone oven or a churrasqueira.

All this talk about churrasco (bbq) is making me hungry. I'll write more tomorrow...

Til then Tchau!

Moto Boys in Brasil

2009-07-02T10:19:00.005-05:00

http://www.southernbrasil.blogspot.com/

Moto Boys in Brasil--on the road--in traffic--dangerous--always. Brasilians are used to them, weaving in and out of traffic, making complete stops right in front of you for no reason. Speeding past you when you think there isn't enough room between you and the car next to you to fit a piece of paper, yet they squeeze on through. You could call them the daredevils of the working class. They make their money delivering anything from mail to auto parts to furniture. I'm not kidding. If it can be balanced, it can be carried.

And, they deliver lanches and pizza and groceries, water, gas, you name it. That's how they make their money, driving in and out of all kinds of traffic, seemingly impervious to the dangers they face, and the dangers which they impose on a daily basis.

There are no traffic laws for these guys. Even where there are speed bumps and speed stations, they find their way around them and through them, hardly ever slowing down until they reach their final destination. Many are injured, many die. That is the life of the moto boy. They are incredible to watch, and at the same time, you find yourself shaking your head wondering if they are as crazy as they appear to be. Nope, they grew up on motorcycles and I don't think they'd have it any other way.

Tchau!

Fazendas - Rural Vacation Hotels

2009-06-30T10:13:00.006-05:00

www.southernbrasil.blogspot.com

A fazenda in Brasil is a large piece of rural property used either as a farm, a farm/ranch combined, or a farm/ranch combined with a hotel for visitors. For purposes of this blog, we are interested in the latter. There are some beautiful fazendas in Santa Catarina to spend a weekend or a week, just getting back to nature. Accommodations at fazendas vary widely, from the primitive—a room with a bed and a shared bathroom down the hall, to a beautiful suite with full bath, hydro-massage, and garden views.

Fazendas offer their guests many activities which allow them to fully enjoy the outdoors, such as horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and swimming. Guests are surrounded by farm animals, and have the feeling of being at home on a farm. It is all very relaxing and a great way to make everyday stresses disappear.

Many businesses use fazendas to host corporate retreats. It is a very popular thing to do in Brasil.

The food at a fazenda tastes especially good when you’re dining in the open country air. Home-cooked meals are the mainstay of fazendas, stews, meats, cheeses, homemade breads and desserts, are all beautifully displayed for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

In all, staying at a fazenda is one of the nicest things anyone could do for themselves.

http://www.donafranciscafazenda.com.br/index.htm

Public Phones in Brasil

2009-06-29T14:10:00.006-05:00

http://www.southernbrasil.blogspot.com/

Today’s blog entry is going to be a little different. I’m just going to throw a bunch of pictures on here and let you see for yourself what a charming country Brasil is. I mean, seriously, any group of folks who take that much time to design and create such whimsical phone booths have to be the most fun group of all to hang with. Each region seems to have its own idea of what animal or thing they think someone would like to make a call from, be it coconuts, parrots, or fish. And the ordinary phone booths serve two purposes in Brasil, public communication and shelter from the rain. Next time you use an ordinary public phone, think about writing to your local phone service provider and telling them that from now on, you want to make all your public calls from a parrot. And don't forget to click on the title for today's video. Everyone needs a laugh!

Til then, Tchau!

Police in Brasil

2009-06-28T14:34:00.005-05:00

www.southernbrasil.blogspot.com

When it comes to matters dealing with the police in Brasil, there are a few differences from their American counterparts. Let me say, up front, that all of the officers with whom I've come in contact in Santa Catarina with are really nice guys. They appear to be caring professionals who try to maintain peace within the communities they serve with kindness and understanding, albeit also with a firm hand.

With that said, I would suggest that you always treat an officer of the law in Brasil with the utmost respect. They demand it. Their very presence commands it. There are usually three levels of police protection in most cities--city police, state police, and military police (policia militar). Do Not Mess With Policia Militar! They are hard core devotees to the letter of the law in Brasil.

I remember my first trip to Brasil--we were staying at a hotel in Jaragua do Sul--and we went out after breakfast to go see family. There were policia militar stationed at the front of the hotel, swat vehicle in plain view and M-16 rifles drawn. My husband told me not to look at the officers and so I kept my head down. We got in our car and drove off. My husband explained that there was probably a tip that drug runners were on their way in or out of town and the military police were looking for them. You see police officers with guns drawn everywhere in Brasil. They are always ready for action. It's a little unnerving at first, but you eventually get used to this regular sight.

While traveling by car, truck or motorcycle in Brasil, you better be sure to have your license, registration, title and insurance information handy at all times. There is no such thing as "Oh, officer, I forgot it at home." Believe me, they will confiscate your car on the spot, no questions asked. Police in Brasil regularly conduct what is commonly referred to as "blitzes" and they are just as you think the word implies. They will set up alongside the road and flag down cars at random, and if you don't have your paperwork, you are in for a rude awakening. Many blitzes target motorcycle drivers as there is not only alot of corruption in buying and selling stolen motorcycles (same for autos), but many drug dealers hire motos to deliver the goods. Sometimes you'll see blitzes set up alongside the road and right before they get there, motorcycle drivers will turn around and take another route. Once caught, motorcycles are confiscated and if the drivers are caught with illegal substances, they are arrested. You'll see sometimes ten or more motorcycles by the side of the road waiting to be taking to the impounding lot located next to the policia militar station.

So beware!

Til then, tchau!