Professional Documents
Culture Documents
AmSoc Forum April 2011 Issue
AmSoc Forum April 2011 Issue
Monthly Newsletter
April 2011
www.amsoc.com.br
Our Mission
Golf in Brazil is still an elitist sport, to the public on a walk-on basis. Being
even though they say it is the fastest privately-held, these golf clubs charge
growing sport in the country. There are high greens fees, however, the week day
a little over 100 golf courses in Brazil, greens fees are usually 50% less than the
The American Society of São Paulo with nearly all of them privately-held. weekends (and holiday fees), with the
promotes friendship by organizing And there are plans to build more courses weekend morning rates priced about 30%
social, cultural and athletic events for for the foreseeable future. São Paulo state higher than in the afternoon rates. Golf
its diverse membership; encourages has by far the most courses compared to carts are a real rarity, for they usually are
integration with the Brazilian society; the rest of the states in the country. either owned or made available to the
and supports the American traditions Even though there are no public or club members. Only a few courses have
of education, philanthropy and municipal golf courses in São Paulo carts and bags to rent to non-members, so
volunteerism. State, most private golf clubs are open (continued on page 7)
New member
The President’s Corner profile
Life is full of everyone N a m e :
surprises and These are great events which I am sure Kimberly
I welcome the you will enjoy. and David
opportunity Our corporate sponsor campaign Martin
to carry out is also off to a good start this year, Origin, time
Ti m S c o t t ’s Serasa/Experian has just contributed here: We
presidential R$10.000. Earlier in the year we are both
term for the received contributions from Cabot from the suburbs of Detroit Michigan,
By Joe Sherman, AmSoc president
next few months. (R$10.000); Opice Bloom (R$2000); but began our nomadic life around the
Tim was a great volunteer in our and Cisa Trading (R$5.000); so we United States in 1998. As for how long
organization and the Board recognized have a total of R$27.000. Thank you we’ve been here, let’s just say our sea
his contributions by presenting him to these American Society supporters. shipment hasn’t been delivered yet!
with a commemorative pewter plate The budget is R$130.000 so we have a Why São Paulo: David accepted the position
at his farewell dinner. Again, the long way to go. Richard Wegman and of South American Controller with his
American Society Board is made up his committee have just concluded the company, Visteon, which enabled us to
of volunteers and we are off to a great planning stages and are about to launch make São Paulo his home base. Never
start in 2011 ! this year’s campaign. Corporate having lived in an urban setting, we
Little League this semester has sponsorship is a key component for were excited to experience life in a big
about 100 children playing soccer, our philanthropic efforts, as well as city.
basketball, flag football and tennis. our office budget. Best things so far: We can’t get enough of
This is a great opportunity for those I would like to remind everyone that the expansive views from our apartment
with young children to volunteer. you do not have to be an American and the ever changing São Paulo sky,
Members of our social committee are citizen to join the American Society. spending weekends in Vila Madalena
busy organizing events for you: Irene As our mission statement states, “… drinking ice cold beer, and being able
Garcias organized the St. Patrick’s promotes friendship by organizing to drive to the world’s most beautiful
celebration last month. Eileen Tasso social, cultural, and athletic events for beaches for the day.
is coordinating the volunteer day at its diverse membership”. Invite your Early frustrations: Unbelievably, the only
the Consulate on April 9, a fantastic friends to join the American Society as frustration that sticks in my mind was
partnership between the American the feedback we receive is everyone the denial of our American issued credit
Society and the Consulate. Ruth enjoys our diverse activities. cards in the first days and the inability
Hollard is leading the effort to organize We have many new young Board to make major purchases without a
the children’s Easter party on April members and in the next few months CPF. Once we could spend money
17. Aline Ricardo is organizing our we will be working to have more freely, life seemed fairly normal.
traditional Annual General Meeting on happy hours; strengthen partnerships Have ‘saudade’ for anything back home:
May 5. The 4 the of July celebration with other groups; and improve our TARGET, where we could wardrobe
will be on Saturday July 2, and marketing communication on what the family, decorate the house, grocery
Richard Wegman has already started we do. shop, and gorge ourselves on popcorn
preparations for family fun day for Abraços, Joe and frozen Coke. For my kids, we miss
the back yard and the ease of playing
outside everyday. Eventually, I think
Forum is published monthly, with Lynn Cordeiro, editor and layout we’ll miss the change of seasons found
the exception of January and July, by Channtal Fleischfresser, in the Northern United States. How
About Forum
2 Forum April
The American Society
of São Paulo
Bernard & Eliane WOLPE Family Patron American Volpe Real Estate Advisors, Inc.
Todd & Sophia WOLK Family Patron American Open Link Financial
Ulrika & Jacob STJERNFALT Family Swedish E.F. Viagens e Turismo Ltda
2011 Forum 3
How long ‘til 2014?
By Channtal Fleischfresser, staff writer
As Brazil asserts itself as a rising legend Pelé sharply criticized the event STADIUMS
power on the world stage, perhaps its organizers for their lack of preparation
greatest test lies in its ability to prepare for the World Cup, saying that the With three years to go before the first
to host the world’s two largest sporting country would suffer widespread World Cup game, none of the arenas
events: the FIFA World Cup in 2014, embarrassment if they did not complete are ready to host. Stadiums typically
and the Olympics in 2016. In addition preparations in time. need four years’ preparation: 2 years of
to the construction of stadiums and In an effort to encourage tourism planning and 2 years for construction.
athletic facilities, these events will throughout the country, the World Five cities have yet to break ground.
require a massive mobilization of Cup organizing committee set itself Natal will shortly submit a second
resources to create the infrastructure the ambitious goal of readying 12 host proposal for its arena, after the first one
necessary to host the millions of tourists cities. This means not only ensuring that found no interested parties. São Paulo
that will pour into the country. the cities’ stadiums can accommodate is currently the farthest behind in its
Brazilians’ attitude about their the games, but also upgrading local preparations. Its proposal for renovating
country has always bordered on self- infrastructure, including air travel, Morumbi Stadium was rejected by
deprecating, as in the oft-repeated urban transportation, hotels, restaurants, FIFA in 2010. The organizing body
maxim: “Brazil is the country of the and producing a workforce that can eventually settled on the construction
future, and it always will be.” effectively communicate with visitors of a new stadium outside of São Paulo
These days, the country can change in English. in Itaquera.
that perception. Its moment is here: With the exception of a few cities Despite the situation, São Paulo
Brazil has the ability not only to upgrade including Curitiba, whose preparations hopes to host the World Cup opening
its infrastructure for its citizens, but are well under way, several of the 11 game. FIFA President Joseph Blatter
also to show the world that it is up to other host cities are lagging behind. maintains that the location of the
the task of hosting not one but two Some blame the fact that 2010 was an opener has not yet been decided. In
large-scale sporting events. election year, so investment decisions a recent statement, Blatter criticized
In preparation for the World Cup, the were put off for political reasons. Others the rate of progress in both Rio and
country expects an investment of R$33 blame corruption for the inefficiencies, São Paulo, both natural choices to
billion to be used to build stadiums and as well as an oppressive bureaucratic host the championship’s opener. He
improve infrastructure to accommodate system that further complicates the questioned whether the cities would
the influx of visitors. Renovation and planning process. even be prepared in time to host the
construction of arenas are expected to Whatever the reasons, the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013.
cost about USD$1.1 billion, slightly Championship begins in 3 years and São Paulo’s new arena, known as
more than what it cost South Africa to 2 months. The Confederations Cup, “Itaquerão,” would eventually be used
build five new stadiums for the 2010 held in Brazil a year before the World for the Corinthians soccer club. São
FIFA World Cup. Cup and seen as a test of the country’s Paulo’s Mayor Gilberto Kassab and
So far, preparations are unfortunately preparedness, will begin in little more Governor Geraldo Alckmin announced
falling short. Construction of stadiums than two years. On and off the field, in February that construction on the
and transportation infrastructure, the 12 cities have their work cut out for stadium was set to begin in April 2011.
specifically airports, is woefully behind them. The Brazilian National Development
schedule. In February, Brazilian soccer Bank (BNDES) has agreed to invest
4 Forum April
The American Society
of São Paulo
R$400 million in the project, while be ready for the influx of tourists. community of Brazil’s commitment to
São Paulo state would commit to The good news is that the World preparations for the 2016 Olympics.
overhauling the region’s urban Cup promises to increase investment While most of the games will be
transportation, including the subway in Infraero, Brazil’s state-run Airport held in Rio, the soccer competition
line. But Corinthians’ director of Infrastructure Company. Competition will also take place in four other cities:
marketing warned that the stadium’s between businesses marketing Belo Horizonte, Salvador, São Paulo
construction costs could easily surpass their services to Brazil’s airports in and Brasília. Much of the infrastructure
its proposed budget of R$600 million anticipation of the World Cup increased needs in these cities will already be in
by as much as 40%. the company’s profit margin. The state- place, as they will also have been host-
Still, among the dire predictions run organization’s net profit in 2010 cities for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
are signs of progress. Curitiba’s was more than 40% larger than what it
construction is well underway, and in brought in the previous year. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
a recent visit, Orlando Silva, Sports According to the president’s office,
Minister, suggested that if all goes as Infraero is expected to invest about R$5 In addition to significant investment
planned, the city could be well on its billion in airport construction related in stadiums and infrastructure, a by-
way to hosting the 2013 Confederations to the World Cup and the Olympics. product of Brazil’s position as host of
Cup. President Dilma Rousseff has also the World Cup and the Olympics is the
pledged to allow private investment in virtuous cycle that is likely to propel
INFRASTRUCTURE the country’s airports in preparation for the country’s economy over the next
the events. several years. A recent projection by the
Preparing for the World Cup Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES)
involves much more than the stadiums OLYMPICS at the end of February suggests that
themselves. Brazil’s host cities will R$825 billion in annual resources will
have to rehaul their airports, public In early March, Dilma asked former propel the economy until 2014.
transportation, highways, hotels, Central Bank President Henrique In particular, this virtual economic
and energy capacity in order to Meirelles to oversee the Public cycle promises to be a boon to small
accommodate the expected influx of Olympic Authority (APO) for the 2016 businesses, as cities prepare to welcome
tourists. Olympics. At the time of going to thousands of tourists. Between stadium
Several of the host cities’ airports press his appointment must still first be construction, hotels, restaurants, and
are in urgent need of expansion approved by the Senate. In accepting other services, a study by Sebrae (a
and renovation. Both São Paulo’s the position, Meirelles spoke of the private organization that supports
Guarulhos and Rio’s Galeão airports event’s importance to the country and entrepreneurship) shows that nearly
need to be able to accommodate 20 to Rio de Janeiro. “The Olympics 8,000 small businesses are expected
million more passengers each per year. are the affirmation of a country’s to benefit from the World Cup –
Unfortunately, airport projects require evolution,” he said, “not just from an particularly in relevant sectors, such as:
the same 4 year planning period as economic, financial, and organizational construction, information technology,
stadiums. standpoint, but in the country’s ability tourism, production, agro-business,
While the Chinese took 5 years to organize a project of this magnitude, and clothing, among others.
to build an airport that would adhering to the International Olympic President Dilma Rousseff has
accommodate 45 million passengers Committee’s rigorous specifications.” expressed confidence that Brazil
each year for the 2008 Olympics, at Orlando Silva, Brazil’s Sports will host a successful World Cup,
this point many Brazilian airports will Minister, said recently that the creation emphasizing that the event’s
likely have to rely on extensions rather of the Public Olympic Authority preparations will help the country’s
than full-scale renovations in order to (APO) is a signal to the international overall development, through income
generation, jobs, and infrastructure
investments. She estimates the World
Fellowship Community Church Cup will create 330 thousand new jobs
and 400 thousand temporary jobs.
The Welcome Place since 1921 Despite all the difficulties in
Phone (11) 3253-7609 www.fellowship.com.br preparing for these events, a successful
World Cup and Olympics would be
09:00 am - Walking in Faith Classes (English and Portuguese)
a huge accomplishment for Brazil,
Sunday’s 10:30 am – Worship Service (English only)
both economically and in terms of
06:00 pm – Culto em português
its international reputation. Whether
the country can overcome the
delays, allegations of corruption, and
Conveniently located on Rua Carlos Sampaio, 107 – Bela Vista bureaucratic hurdles, and ensure that
Just a block and a half from the Brigadeiro Metro station on the Avenida Paulista
the country is well prepared for the
events, remains to be seen.
2011 Forum 5
Sporty Toddlers
By Kristin Barbieri
While sports activities for older through early competitions. If you are
kids are available through schools in the Pinheiros area I recommend
and activities with the American Dolphins Academia.
Society (soccer, baseball), parents of Tennis: I for one grew up on a
smaller children (under age 5 or 6) tennis court. More as a target than
may be harder pressed to find places as a player, but even as a baby I was
to help burn off the toddler’s extra around my parents on the court, first
energies. As the mother of 4-year old in a playpen then as ball girl. The
twin boys, I am always on the lookout culture here is different—at my club
for new activities for them so let me at least, kids are not allowed on the
share what I have found. court at all until they are six. Over
Generalized sports: check into the past weekend I learned of Le Petit
your local club to see if ex-patriate Tennis which is available to 3-5 year
(or long-term!) memberships are olds—a method that uses fun and
available. At our club, they offer games as part of the classes. Check
“Escola de Esportes” which meets out www.lepetitsports.com.br if you
twice a week for two and a half are interested.
hours, and the kids do gymnastics, Football: If your club does not
“football” (very basic), tag and other offer football to the little ones, and
activities. It is available to kids age you have a kid with a kick like
3 and above. The only other sports Ronaldinho, you may want to look
offered to small children are ballet at the professional football clubs.
and swimming. Tennis and organized The São Paulo football club, for one,
football start only at age 6. offers something called “Baby Foot”
Capoeira: I checked into a for kids age 3-5, and is offered on
number of the martial arts activities Saturdays in Butantã.
but decided on capoeira to start. Ballet: Yes, it is a sport, folks! As
It’s quintessentially Brazilian, and mentioned above, many clubs offer
includes physical challenges, music classes and there are a number of
and dance, while encouraging ballet and jazz academies that offer
discipline like all of the martial classes for boys and girls starting
arts. Not to mention, it’s absolutely at the age of 3. Before you dismiss
beautiful. Classes begin at age 3 ½, the level of sports activity, join a test
and are available in many specialized class yourself. Ouchie, ouchie.
academies and sometimes through Running: There are a number of
schools (Graded for one). kids running races that are open to kids
For little kids, I also was 2+. Last year, my kids participated in
recommended judo, but I did not the Pao de Acucar kids race—at age
investigate that one. Ask around for 3, the distance was 50 meters. A good
a good academy in your area; if you giggle for the parents too as kids go
are in Pinheiros I can recommend running in all directions. Next one is
Academia Uru Brasil; Mestre Bruno May 14 (http://www.pakids.com.br/),
also teaches at Graded School. but before that , you can catch my
Swimming: With so many bodies dynamic duo in the 100 meter Adidas
of water in and around São Paulo, Kids Race on March 19. http://www.
it seems almost irresponsible to not diamundokids.com.br/2011/
get your toddlers in swim class. These are the main sports that I
Baby classes are available at most have discovered in and around my
swim clubs—starting with parent/ area of São Paulo. If you know of
baby involvement and moving on to other good spots for toddlers to learn
where my kids are now (leaping like teamwork, discipline and to work off
lunatics from the side of the pool) and some energy, please do share!
6 Forum April
The American Society
of São Paulo
Golf clubs within and around the from São Paulo. You can also negotiate course is Vista Verde just off kilometer
city limits of São Paulo city are few a low weekend rate at a small hotel in 50 of the Castelo Branco highway. This
and the most expensive. However, the town of Itu to play more regularly is a challenging course, very hilly, and
clubs in small towns and cities on the there. Another option is the Paradise lots of rough. You will also most likely
outskirts of São Paulo city are growing course in Mogi da Cruzes, and it has need to rent a cart. If you are used to
in numbers and competing for golfers. a hotel at the course managed by the fairly flat courses with little trouble, I
Some of these clubs offer monthly dues Blue Tree group. Lago Azul just past recommend you try Fazenda da Grama.
without the requirement of buying a Sorocaba is a nice course but has only Below is a list of golf courses within
share. One popular one is Terras de 12 holes but the final 6 should be ready about 1 hour from Faria Lima that we
São Jose in Itu, about 100 kilometers by the end of this year. A relatively new recommend playing.
Quinta de Baronesa about 1 hr from SP city exclusive, links layout & very well maintained
Lago Azul about 1 hr from SP city 12 holes, flat & open, not too challenging
Terras de São Jose about 1 hr from SP city old fashion course layout, get a good workout
Fazenda da Grama about 1 hr from SP city wide open, modern greens, not too challenging
Vista Verde about 1 hr from SP city very hilly, narrow fairways, lots of rough
Paradise about 1 hr from SP city new 8 years ago and interesting
To join a country club is prohibitively Guarapiranga is a bit more flexible and John Kennedy at john@kennedy-
expensive and a relatively illiquid has a six month temporary membership partners.com If we can get a good
investment. However, if you want to and the dues are twice what a member group together we will organize a golf
consider joining one we suggest you pays. The temporary membership is outing, probably on a Friday or Saturday
consider the following: São Fernando renewable several times if you behave afternoon. And this year AMSOC will
(Cotia); Guarapiranga (Parelheiros); yourself. The cost to join these clubs be organizing the 6th Challenge Golf
São Paulo (St. Amaro); and Clube de starts at R$ 45.000, and green fees at Cup, a traditional tournament between
Campo (Interlagos). The first three are R$ 450 on weekends. the Americans and the Scots of the
golf clubs whereas Clube de Campo In the past AMSOC has organized St. Andrews Society in October or
offers other sports such as sailing, several golf outings per year. If you November.
horseback riding, tennis, among others. are interested in playing please contact
2010
2011 Forum 7
Venturing out of São Paulo and into Nature
By Maark Abrams, AmSoc board member
in Jequitiba offers a number of Eco- or phone 12-3664-7145 or 11-9686-9564.
tourism opportunities for the whole Last November we experienced a
family (some activities have minimum two-night camping trip in Campo do
age requirements of 7, others 12). It Jordão´s Horto Florestal. Led by our
is possible to drive out on a Saturday Outward Bound instructors, we divided
or Sunday and ride the rapids, slide up the gear and food for the following
along on the zip lines traversing the 48 hours and headed off into the 8,300
river, do the arborismo course, play hectares of uninhabited, yet beautifully
sports, mountain bike and have lunch. maintained State Park. Each day the
There are places to camp and inns for scouts shared the responsibilities for
those who wish to spend the weekend. setting up the camp site, preparing the
The 5.2 kilometer guided trip down the meals, finding and purifying water and
river over at least 3 waterfalls (Class I for navigating our way through this
to IV) takes a total of 4 hours (2.5 hours desolate preserve that combines stands
on the river). Check out the site, www. of araucaria trees and natural forest
jequitba.com.br for more information with expanses of wide rolling fields.
on the programs and costs. (The Sítio With no established campsites, latrines,
can be reached by taking the Regis cooking facilities and conveniently
Bettencourt Highway, accessible from located water faucets, we were really
Av. Francisco Morato. ) on our own. At night, we walked up
It is now midnight and I’m hunched a grassy knoll, above the tree line, and
over my Blackberry jotting down notes Campos do Jordão´s Horta Florestal and São Bento
on the adventures taken by the Graded de Sapucaí
Boy Scouts. Although we´ve had a
number of near-to-home campouts like We had a number of exciting
this one (we´ve taken over Joe Sherman´s adventures in the Serra da Mantiqueira
expansive backyard practically on the - the mountain range that divides the
bank of the Guarapiranga Reservoir), states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais.
most of the time we´ve been guided to Once we camped at the Refugio de
exciting adventure sites by Outward Montanha Pedra do Baú in São Bento
Bound do Brasil, the largest outdoor do Sapucaí, (on the way to Campos do
education program in the world. Our Jordão). The first night we settled into
band of brave souls have gone white camp and the next day we backpacked
water rafting in Jequitiba (www. up to the three rock formations: Ana
jequitiba.com.br), rappelling and Chata, Baúzinho and the ever-present saw the explosion of stars above us.
canoeing in Nazaré Paulista (www. monolith, Pedra do Baú. When our There were shooting stars, and satellites
pousadafazendinha.com.br), rock Outward Bound guide described the zipping by, the Southern Cross and
climbing in Bragança Paulista, and three seemingly insurmountable peaks all manner of constellations shining
had extensive backpacking trips in the and asked which one we wanted to down on us. The Horto Florestal is
Serra de Mantiqueira mountain range climb, the decision was unanimous – only available for day visits unless
and in the Horto Floestral in Campos Ana Chata – the one where you had to you are participating in an educational
do Jordao. As I listen to the chatting, pass through a cave first and then raise program. The Graded Scouts took
laughter and even singing from the yourself up out of the cave onto the an orienteering course organized by
nearby tents that house the 16 scouts summit. On another hike with younger Outward Bound Brazil. Should you
and 5 dads on this trip, I´m convinced participants we chose the neighboring wish to camp in the Horto Florestal,
that whether it is through the scouts, Baúzinho, a fairly easy trek up to the I recommend you contact Rodrigo
a guided eco-tourism trip, or on your summit. Both have great views of the Bastos, General Manager of Outward
own, venturing out into the wild is great valley and Minas Gerais in the distance. Bound Brazil (Rodrigo@obb.org.br
for everyone. Here are a few ideas that Pedra do Baú can be climbed but it is or 12-9732-2212) to see what kind of
are within a few hours of São Paulo: recommended that a guide lead the outdoor educational program you can
group with all of the necessary safety develop. The Park offers many trails
White Water Rafting at Jequitiba equipment. For information on this and if interested in hiring a guide, try
great, but rustic, facility that offers www.zoomaventura.com.br. When in
Only 90 kilometers from São Paulo, simple lodging or camping in an open Campos do Jordão take advantage of
just past Embú das Artes, the Sítio field, email refugiodobau@uol.com.br the many activities this picturesque
8 Forum April
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of São Paulo
2011 Forum 9
Put on your running shoes!
By Ruth Hollard, AmSoc board member
For a newly arrived expat, running in Some other general hints before you run: only after 8H00) or Rua Macau (free
a city known for it’s high crime rate is a parking if you arrive early). Go into
daunting thought. Actually it is pretty - Start with a medical checkup www. porta 6, take the dirt path on the right
common for expats to spend months einstein.br or www.fleury.com.br to run the perimeter counter-clockwise.
(or years) within the gates of their - Run early to avoid pollution, traffic, The path is pretty well-marked using
closed condominiums or on treadmills heat, rain & harmful UV rays. wooden posts except for one little loop
at the gym, and only venturing out for - Keep a “zona azul” parking coupon in the middle of the park (why it is there
a run when at the beach. But actually book in your car. is a mystery to me) where it is easy to
very few crimes in São Paulo are lose the path. Generally if you get
committed against runners (like, lost, just keep running as close to
what kind of robber actually wants the perimeter as you can until you
to run AFTER a victim? ) Using find the dirt path again. There are
a few precautions, it IS possible to 2 water fountains along this run.
run in São Paulo, and, if you are I make a point to stop each time
like me, you will grow to love São around so I don’t get de-hydrated
Paulo once you discover the joys of during long runs. This park fills
running in this fantastic city. You up on the weekends so it’s best to
will discover that the public parks go early. www.parquedoibirapuera.
are full normal people just like com
you and me, and São Paulo will
suddenly become a much friendlier, Parque Alfredo Volpi
more human place to live.
Obviously, you need to use (also known as ‘Bosque do
some common sense. Here are a few - Take a little cash to pay the guys that Morumbi’) Rua Eng. Oscar Americano,
no-brainers: rip you off by “watching your car”. 382 6H-18H
- Take a snack and beverage and keep it Tel. 3031-7052
DO NOT: in your car for after your run I drove right by this little jewel for years
- Wear your Rolex. - Don’t forget hat/sunglasses/sunscreen before realizing that it was a public
- Wear your Gucci sunglasses. if running in the afternoon. park! ( The entrance is on busy Rua
- Talk on your iPhone 4g while Oscar Americano, if you miss it just
running. Once you’ve checked everything drive around the perimeter until you
- Text on your iPhone 4g while off the above list, you are ready to come back to the entrance.) The thick
running. run. Where? Depending on your ‘mata atlantica’ vegetation drowns out
- Run at night on the street (parks are neighborhood, you could run on the the sounds of traffic and the tropical
OK until closing hour) streets by your house (ask the security foliage is a veritable wildlife refuge.
guards from your building if they think There is even a natural spring and
DO: this is a bad idea- they know of all the small ponds. There are 2 paths, one for
- Run early in the morning (I like to think local crimes). Personally, I like to run walking and one for running. Both are
that the robbers are still sleeping) on the streets by my house during the very short, only around 1.5 km. But
- Run with a friend until you are at ease week and on the dirt trails in the parks the hills make up for the short distances
running alone. on the weekends. and the shade and forest smells make
- Hire a personal trainer if you don’t for a very peaceful run. This is a great
have a running partner. Which park? place for getting your heart rate into
- Carry your car key or house key in your anaerobic zone on the hills. There
a safe pocket and have it readily in Parque Ibirapuera are also picnic tables and a playground
hand when you get to the car or to your for the rest of the family. No bikes or
house. Rua Quarto Centenario dogs are permitted on the paths. Parking
- Carry some i.d. (I laminated a copy of My personal favorite. Besides is inside of the park, and it’s free.
my drivers license) the numerous shady asphalt lanes
- Carry a little cash in case you run into throughout the park, there is a 6km USP
some nasty people (I NEVER have and dirt path around the perimeter. It
never will) starts at porta 6. Park on the street on Av. Afranio Peixoto
Rua Quarto Centenario (zona azul but 5H30-20H Mon-Sat
10 Forum April
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of São Paulo
2011 Forum 11
The Community Action Committee needs you to
help Maria Paula
Sometimes the Community Action mental handicap that has made her although she still has a difficult time
Committee can meet a need easily. schooling difficult. She attended a academically. In addition to going to
Recently we asked our community for public school for one year but was a private school, Maria Paula sees a
help in donations for 12 new babies unable to keep up with her peers, both speech therapist and a psychotherapist
at two different organizations. The academically and emotionally. Nilma, once a week.
numbers aren’t yet There are two ways our
in on the second community could help. First,
campaign but, as the private school costs R$650
usual, our community a month. This is a lot of money
hit the target and then for a “family” like Lar Tia
some. Thank you! Edna where there are 18 other
Maybe we can children with needs to be met.
help again, this time Would anyone be willing to
with support to a contribute towards Maria
child at one of the Paula’s educational needs,
AmSoc supported either with a one-time donation
orphanages, Lar Tia or a monthly donation?
Edna. After a rough Second, Nilma feels that
start to life, Maria Maria Paula would benefit
Paula was taken in by tremendously from one-on-
Lar Tia Edna when one contact with a caring
she was four years person who could give her
old. She thrived in much needed support and
her new home and is attention – a mentor of sorts.
a fun-loving, happy Would anyone be able to take
little girl. Now ten years old, she loves the director of Lar Tia Edna, then an interest in Maria Paula - visit her,
to play soccer and other ball games and placed her in a small private school play
one of her favorite pastimes is playing where again Maria Paula continued to games with her, help her with homework
board games and card games. She’s struggle. She now goes to a school for and make her feel like the special little
helpful when needed, cooperative, children with special needs, Essência girl she is?
well-behaved and loves going on Equipe de Ensino, in Moema. She gets If you’re interested in helping, please
outings. She is eligible for adoption. lots of individualized attention and contact the AmSoc office on 5182-2074
Maria Paula suffers from a slight this is helping Maria Paula learn, or amsoc1@amsoc.com.br
12 Forum April
The American Society
of São Paulo
Christmas Angel Party for 250 children We also plan volunteer days with
2011 Forum 13
classifieds
H ousing S ervices American Psychologist Services for Expats
14 Forum April
The American Society
calendar of São Paulo
4 Monday Scottish Country Dancing Club 1st Monday of every month at Drake’s Pub, in Brazilian British Centre at 8 pm. Please visit
http://www.standrews.com.br for more details.
6 Wednesday INC Monthly Coffee & Vendors For more information please contact Birgit at monthlycoffees@newcomers-sp.com.br
Day
13 Wednesday INC Red Rose Coffee For more information contact Birgit at monthlycoffees@newcomers-sp.com.br
Includes silent auction, raffle prizes, buffet dinner, Caipirinha bar, DJ & dancing! Have
16 Saturday INC 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner only 35 pairs of tickets left. Member & guest: R$150/person, non-members: R$200, table
of 8: R$150/person . For ticket reservation: tickets.gala50@newcomers-sp.com.br. More
informations: www.newcomers-sp.com.br
At Chapel School. There will be sandwiches, soft drinks, water, cupcakes and Easter egg
17 Sunday Easter Party for Kids hunting in the yard! Let’s play together! For members: R$ 20/child, max R$ 50/family. For
non-members: R$ 30/child, max R$ 70/family.
26 Tuesday CAC Meeting 1pm - 3pm, AmCham Building, Rua da Paz 1431, contact Eileen Tasso for more information:
eileentasso@gmail.com
A classified of up to 350 characters costs Forum does not check all of the advertisers
R$55 for AmSoc members and R$80 for
Our Readers
A Note to
Place a
2011 Forum 15
Brotas: Coffee and Adventure Sports
By Melissa Sabella Harkin, AmSoc member
If you’re looking for an adventure, Mountain Range rises high above the Cachoeira Água Branca - In the D. Calila farm
something different from a typical town, and the unique geology of the area can be found this delicious waterfall, ideal
vacation, visit Brotas, a Brazilian gives it waterfalls. A tour guide can take for relaxing, sunbathing and enjoying the
municipality located in the state of São you to see the different waterfalls, each waters of a natural pool. There is also a
Paulo. It is about 250 kilometers from one unique from the others. They are visit to the farm’s distillery, where one
the capital city of São Paulo. The town of famous throughout Brazil. can taste the liquor “pinga” which is
Brotas itself has around 20,000 residents. Some like the wild and unusual made by craftsmanship.
Even though it is small, there are plenty adventure sports Brotas has to offer, but Cassorova Waterfall - A tour lasting the whole
of hotels and other accommodations at all for others the pristine natural beauty of day at the Cassorova ranch. To heat
price ranges. You can go as primitive or the area is the draw. Brotas is remote and up, start with a beautiful trail that cuts
as upscale as you would like. small, so it has not been overdeveloped. through the Cassorova Valley until the
Despite its coffee-oriented historical The surrounding area is full of endangered Quatis Waterfall. A pause for resting
economic development, Brotas is known plants and animals, and other species at the natural pool of the ranch, and an
internationally for its specialization in that you won’t see anywhere else. Many authentic lunch with countryside food
adventure tourism, hosting the practice Brotas tourists like to simply hike and see cooked on a firewood stove is part of the
of several adventurous sports such as untouched nature at its best. second leg. After that, a small walk to the
rafting and canoeing, taking advantage of Brotas has become a major ecotourism Cassorova Waterfall ends the day.
the Jacaré Pepira River. destination. It is a lush, tropical paradise Nova América Ranch Accommodation and Adventure
Adventure tourism is your average with the mountain peaks in the distant - A historic ranch, embedded in one of
outdoor activities taken to a new extreme. background and natural springs running the most beautiful landscapes of the city,
In some cases, it is a whole new sport here and there throughout the forest. marked by the presence of the “morros
that nobody’s ever thought of before. For There are also day tours to some of the testemunhos” hills. Among its activities,
example, imagine going through a three elegant and historic ranches in the area. treking, tree climbing, rappel, horse
hour obstacle course in the rainforest... Each is different and has its own unique ridding and rural tourism.
up at the tops of the trees! It’s called attractions, like the Tamandua Ranch with Night Rafting - Ideal for adventure lovers,
Verticalia, and no place on earth has it its “singing” sand that makes a singing it is carried out at full moon nights. The
except Brotas. noise when you rub it. A good Brotas course covers 12 km of river, downstream,
Of course, you don’t have to climb guide will know all about the ranches in in a trajectory that lasts 3 hours of pure
to the tops of the trees to find a little the area. adrenalin. In addition to the 3 hr course
adventure in Brotas. If that’s too much for The Alaya Adventure Center offers in inflating boats on the river, it also has
you, there are all kinds of great outdoor programs for the entire family. It is 2 hrs reserved for the Luau, under the
activities, such as rafting and kayaking comprised of five acres of land at the perfume of flowers, and the fresh night
the Jacare Pepira River. margins of River Jacaré. The main breeze. The minimum age allowed is 14
Brotas is blessed with steep hills attraction is Verticália (acrobatic and the activity begins at 8pm, leaving
and rushing rivers, and the residents circuit) – 3 hours of adventure on the from the city of Brotas, at Av. Mário
have capitalized on it, offering vacation tree tops, passing through stairways, Pinotti, 504. For reservations or further
packages with some of the best river cables, suspended bridges and Tyrolese, information, call +55 (14) 3653-5933.
rafting you’ll ever see. amounting to a total of 35 different
There is also wonderful hiking in activities. More information @ http://www.
the area around Brotas. The Itaqueri brotas.com.br/