Phone Home: Travel Phones are alien to me

In preparing for my upcoming South America adventure, I've been looking at phone options.  I didn't realize until just this week, that my Verizon phone would not pick up any towers in Brazil or Argentina because it was not "global ready".  Because of my insecurities regarding safety and being on my own for the first part of the trip, I had been relying on having a phone for safety reasons if nothing else.  Originally, I thought my only option was to upgrade to a global phone from my own carrier, but this would cause a chain reaction of plan changes and quick decisions for others involved in the family plan.  So I went to google...

Wow.  I figured there'd be some options, but there were more than I realized.  Here's a great resource with a decent flow chart to help you sort through the different categories and option types: http://www.internationalcellphoneguide.com/

Here's another regarding a wider range of communication tips: http://www.rioholiday.com/Communications-Brazil-Travel.htm

Safety: Travel Tips

When I first started researching my trip to Brazil, I quickly freaked my self out.   My tour started in Rio with a 6 pm welcome gathering and then departed the town the next day, so if I wanted to take in any of Rio I knew I was going to have to fly in early for some exploration time.  So I purchased my plane ticket and then started doing more research.  Apparently crime is common in Rio de Janeiro and the more I read the scary it seemed for me.  I started second guessing my decision to travel there, especially by myself before I met up with the tour group.  However, I think it is important to remember common sense and to just be more "aware" as I traveled.  Doing so would help guide smarter decisions.  So here's some items to keep in mind.

1. Crime can happen anywhere and larger cities tend to have more crime so putting it in perspective is important too.  Be smart but don't let it prevent you from being open to having a good time.

2. When using an ATM machine, make sure there isn't a camera over the keypad, or someone watching you.

3. Carry just as much cash as you think you'll need for that day.  Separate it into different secure pockets and leave most of your credits cards and your original passport back in the secure safe in your hotel room.  Carrying a copy of your passport is ok.

4. Try not to stand out as "the rich tourist". The less the better.  Leave expensive jewelry at home.  Don't walk around with your camera around your neck.

5. Be careful at night, and don't go down deserted streets.

6. If you do get held up--don't resist.

* In Argentina, a pick pocket scheme involves a group of two or three people, one who squirts some sticky substance on you and two others who try to help clean you up as they pick your pockets.  So beware and if they try to help you clean just say "no gracias" and don't let them move you into a more isolated area.


Here's another video on travel tips and safety: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N23n37Twrw&feature=related

Knowledge is Power

When traveling internationally, it is important to remember that different electrical currencies exist and that not all outlets accept the same type of plug in...so knowledge is power. The following link lists different currents and electrical outlet usages worldwide in an easy to find chart by country.  I like this resource because it also talks about specific cities on the grid, in the note section for that country.  It will tell you what adaptors and are needed and even shows pictures.  It also talks about the fact that you may need an electric converter.  So make sure before you travel that you do your research and know what type of power will be available and what power accessories may be needed.

http://electricaloutlet.org/

Weather: Being in the Know means more math

It's important to do a little research when traveling, in order to know what to expect as far as temperatures and to know what to pack.  When you travel internationally as a typical Westerner, you may also need to refresh your Celsius to Fahrenheit equations.  So I found the easiest was to try and remember that 20 degrees Celsius in equal to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.  From there, each degree C is an additional 1.8 degrees F. So 24 degrees C equals 75.2 and 27 degrees C equals 80.6.

Here's an online converter in case the math is too tough :) http://www.metric-conversions.org/temperature/celsius-to-fahrenheit.htm

Since Brazil is South of the equator when I travel there this summer, it will be during their winter.  Typical temperatures are around 20 degrees C with occasional dips below 15 degrees C.  To find out more check out: http://www.weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,Rio-de-Janeiro,Brazil 

Argentina is much cooler.  June and July are the coldest months with a average low temperature dipping to 7 degrees Celsius (45 F).  Yikes!  http://www.weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,Buenos-Aires,Argentina  Good thing I checked this out otherwise I would have totally been unprepared with just beachwear for those cool evenings!

So as always...do your homework before you go!

Too much math: Figuring out the currency exchange dilemna

Traveling out of the United States usually involves some knowledge of currency exchange and math.  According to the exchange site xe.com.  "Exchange rates fluctuate based on economic factors like inflation, industrial production and geopolitical events."

In most cases the best exchange rate for foreign travel comes from ATM's.  However, because I've gotten freaked out by the security warnings I've read about Brazil including tourists being targeted for robberies after visiting an ATM, I decided that I should maybe get some money exchanged before I arrive.  Especially since I'll be traveling by myself, I want to reduce the risks (and calm my nerves a little more) so I started checking out my options.  What I quickly discovered was that there was a lot more math involved than I first anticipated and the decision might not be easy.

First I started with my own bank.  Even though the first representative told me that I couldn't get money exchanged there, another request on another visit yielded a different answer.  Apparently they must not get asked this very often, as this representative had trouble finding the information online and wasn't really sure about the fees.  But eventually, I was told that there was a $60 dollar fee (which later was reduced to $40) for any order, no matter how much money I was exchanging.   They obviously didn't do this often as the teller had trouble finding the information on their intranet. Later when I went back for the third time to double check on whether or not the exchange rate would be at the market value or the business value, she had trouble finding it again.  This question resulted in a phone call to their main office where she was told that the bank was in the process of redoing their system and that now all transactions should just be done online by the customer through a third party site: www.ezforex.com  Here's how that broke down...
I was trying to figure out what I'd get for $200.  The exchange rate was less than market value.  Plus I'd have to pay shipping fees.  So for $216.19 (on 6-18-2012) I'd get 365 Brazilian Reals.  If I type in 365 Brazilian Reals into today's market exchange converter at http://www.xe.com/ucc/ that translates as $177.05 (a difference in US Dollars of $39.14).


Then I checked with AAA.  For orders under $1000 they charge $15 and need a 2-day shipping. AAA link to currency exchange and fees.  I have to call back to see what type of exchange rates they offer.  Their office runs on bankers hours, so they were not available on Sunday.

There is a Travelex currency exchange at the MSP airport.  Here's where it get's tricky with the math.

For order under $350 there is a $9.95 service fee for exchanging money.  You also are buying the currency at a lower rate.  When I called on Sunday, June 17, I was quoted the rate of 1.76 Brazilian Real. The market rate however for the same date was  2.05159.  You could exchange any left over money upon return at the business rate (lower than market) and the $9.95 fee.

If I exchanged $350 than I would pay the fee for the initial exchange, but would not have to pay it on the way back.  And I could get the market value upon the return for what was left.

If I did $500 then there was no service fee either direction and I would get market value for what was left on the return.  But would still have the lower rate on the way.    Here's how that breaks down.

$100 at Travelex would get me 176 BRL (Brazilian Reals) The market value should get me approximately 205.16 BRL.  So I'm losing about 29.16, which converted back at market value is approximately $14.21 USD (US Dollar).  Tag on the $10 fee and that means that I'm losing almost 25% of my original amount.  So obviously it doesn't really pay to do this option.  (This is assuming I use up all the converted money so I don't have to do the conversion on the way home.)

If I do $350 that means I lose $49.74 in the conversion and still have the $9.95 fee so that would make it $59.74.  The $500 would be $71.05.

A side note is that Travelex recommends ordering a week ahead of time so they can make sure they have enough on hand, otherwise, their currency is on a first come first serve basis.

There are several sites online that deal with money recommendations.  I agree that using the ATM in those foreign countries probably makes the most sense.  However, if you're looking at getting some before you go to just have on hand to get started--be prepared to do the math and know you will have to pay a hefty fee for that convenience.  Here's another website with further recommendations on money your money in Brazil: http://www.rioholiday.com/Money-Management-Trip-Rio-Brazil.htm

Tips for using ATMS internationally: http://www.ihatetaxis.com/advice/foreign-atm-machines/

Safety: Food

One of the common questions that occurs with foreign travel is the issue of food safety.  Here's some documentation on food safety tips for traveling to Brazil and Argentina:

http://www.brazil-travel-northeast.com/brazil-food-health.html

About Water safety:

http://gobrazil.about.com/od/healthsafety/a/Drinking-Water-Safety-in-Brazil.htm

Buenos Aires Research

Up next...facts from the World Book Encyclopedia from the last city on my South American tour...Buenos Aires!

Buenos Aires is the largest city of Argentina and is also the capital.  Population is listed as 2,776,138; met.area 11,460,575.  About 1/3 of Argentines live in this metropolitan area.  The name comes from the Spanish for "fair winds". "Early Spanish sailors named the harbor at the site for the patron saint of fair winds, Nuestra Senora Santa Maria del Buen Aire (Our Lady Saint Mary of the Fair Wind).

Plaza de Mayo, in the oldest part of Buenos Aires, is the city's hisotry and political center.  It is in this area that you can find the Casa Rosada (Pink House) where the office of the presdient is located.  "Through the years, the Plaza has been a forum for protests."

There are several "barrios" (residential neighborhoods).  San Telmo is one of the oldest. "Originally the home of the city's leaders and upper classes, it now attracts artists, tango dancers, and antique dealers."  there is also the "colorful" barrio, La Boca, "known for its brightly painted houses and excelent Italian restaurants." Recoleta has a "European feel" while Palermo "is a neighborhood of gardens, mansions, and parks."  The Colon Theater downtown "ranks as one of the world's finest opera houses." (above from page 672)

People of Buenos Aires are called "portenos" (port dwellers).  About 3/4 are of Spanish or Italian ancestry.  Spanish is the official language, although many also speak other languages. Many are Roman Catholic.

"The gap between the rich and the poor has become more evident.  Homelessness and crime have also risen because of the city's economic troubles."

"kleading industries in the Buenos Aires area include meat packaging, food processing, and the manufacture of textiles, rubber products and electical equipment."

The period from 1880-1940 is considered Buenos Aires "Golden Age" as it became "one of the most beautiful and modern cities in the Western Hemisphere, and the cultural center of Latin America."

Argentina research

In a continuation of preparing for my trip to Brazil and Argentina, the following notes were taken from the 2012 World Book Encylopedia.

Argentina is the second lartgest country in area in South America (Brazil claiming the largest) and is the eigth largest country in the world. The Andes Mountains can be found along the western border. Patagonia, "a bare windswept plateau" can be found in the southern region while the Pampas, the "fertile, grassy plain, lies near the center". (page 646)

There are 23 provinces and Buenos Ares Federal District.  Buenos Aires is not only the capital city, but is also the "largest city, the main port, and the cneter of business, culture, and trade."

Most Argentines have Italiain or Spanish ancestry while the indigenous groups now represent "only  a small portion of the population."  Nearly all Argentines speak Spanish and are Roman Catholic.

Argentina declared their independence in 1816 from Spain.

Beef, corn, soybeans, when and farm processing/manufacturing are important commodities.  They also tap enough petroleum to meet their own needs.  Meat and grain exports brought wealth to the country and by "the late 1920's, Argentina had become one of the richest nations in the world...but economic decline, political instability, social conflict, and violence hapmpered Argentina's progress for the last half of the 1900's."

Government
A democratic republic with independent executive, legislative, and judicial brances.  They have a President, Vice-President (which serve 4 year terms, no more than 2 terms in a row) and a Cabinet appointed by the President. There is a 72-member Senate (3 from each Province who serve 6 year terms) and a 257-member Chamber of Deputies (elected in part every two years for a four year term).

(All of the above from page 646)

Each province has an elected governor.  Citizens 18 and up are "required to vote and may go to prison if they fail to do so."  The President appoints the judges for the Supreme Court of Justice (page 647)

People
About 1/3 of Argentines live in Buenos Aires and its suburbs.

The indigenous population "is small compared to that of other Latin American countries".  The main indigenous languages spoken there toda are Guarani, Quechua, and Tehuelche.

Argentina has one of the largest Jewish populations in the Americas.

Because of the large Italian heritage of many of its residents, many Argentines understand Italian "even if they do not speak it fluently. Argentina's urban population has become increasingly familiar with English, and Entglish and French are part of the high school curriculum."

(above section taken from page 648)

Suburban slums and shantytowns are present.  Many Argentine cities resemble Spanish ones with a main square or "plaza" around which the rest of the city was built.

Large, wealthy ranches called "estancias" can be found in rural Argentina. So too can the poor farmers living in adobe (mud packed) huts.  "Guachos" or cowboys in the 1800's caught wild cattle and horses.  Many were "mestizos" or people of mixed European and Indian ancestry. This "romantic figure...became part of Argentine folklore...and now work chiefly as ranch hands on estancias."

Clothing is vaired.  In the urban areas, trends follow those of Paris and other Western capitals.  Ponchos and other traditional gaucho clothing can be found.  In northwestern Argentina, "clothing sometimes resembles that of Bolivian and Peruvian Indians" (ie derby hats and ponchos).

Food and Drink
Quality beef is no surprise.  "Asado" (barbecue or roast) is perhaps "the most typical Argentine method of cooking meat..roasted on an open-air grill called a "parilla" or on large spits over a fire."

Empanadas, or filled pastries, are a traditional appetizer or snack.  Italian influences are also abundant in forms or ice cream, pasta and pizza.

A common dessert: "dulce de leche" (milky caramel) and "alfajores" (two cookies with a filling like dulce de leche).

Dinner is "late" compared to US traditions.  Typically, breakfast is served until 10 am, lunch between noon and 2:30 pm and dinner after 9 pm.  It is not uncommon to see young children at dinner at midnight.

La Rioja, Mendoza, Salta, and San Juan are "notable wine-growing regions".  Malbec is unique Argentine red wine.

Mate is a popular tea "made from the leaves and shoots of themate or yerba mate plant.  "People gather and pass a gourd filled with mate around the table, each person sipping through a metal straw.  The sharing of mate is an expression of friendship."

Recreation
Soccer is the most popular sport in Argentina.  Also popular are basketball, rugby, horse racing and auto-racing.

June 9th is their National Independence Day. Another holiday is May 25 which recognizes the anniversary of teh 1810 revolution "when citizens of Buenos Aires set up an independent government."

Education
most Argentines 15 and older can read and write. Free public elemenary and high school education is provided. There are also private tuition based schools.  All children aged 5-14 must attend school.

There are approximately 80 Universities (about half are public).

(Above section comes from page 650)

There are a number of public and private technical and vocational schools.

Religion
More than 90% are Roman Catholic however, fewer than 20% of urban Catholics regularly practice their religion. "In some provinces, such local customs as "spiritualism" (a belief in the ability of the living to communicate with the dead) and honoring the dead have become intertwined with Catholic beliefs.

Argentina also has "a small population" of Protestants, jews and Muslims.

Arts
The Colon Theater in Buenos Aires is home to the National Ballet, National Opera, and the National Symphony.  There are also several professional theatres.

Tango is the national music and dance of Argentina.  It combines African and European influences.  It originated in the late 1800's in the Buenos Aires region. "Initially considered a low-class art form, tango eventually spread to such fashionable cities as Paris and New York City, where it gained popularity and refinement."  Sometimes the tango is accompanied by as few as two musicians and other times by an entire orchestra.  The most common instruments used are a piano, a violin, and a "bandoneon" (a kind of orchestral accordian).  "Lyrics are typically sad and nostalgic".  And "tango nuevo" included influences of classical and jazz music.

(the above section came from page 651)

"Guachesca Poetry..describes guacho life and satirizes politics of the time"

Land
Antarctica is only about 600 miles from the southern most tip of Argentina, while the northern most tip is "nearly tropical". (above from page 652)

Economy
Service Industries like government service, financial and insurance services, retail trade, tourism and transportation account fro about 1/2 of Argentina's GDP and employ about 2/3 of the country's labor force.

"International tourism has gained importance since the early 2000's."

(above section is from page 654)

In 1991, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uraguy created a trade association known as Mercosur (Southern Common Market) which "seek to integrate their economies and form one commone South American market." Since 1991 other countries have become members.

"Dozens of television stations broadcast in Argentina.  A majority are privately owned.  There are hundreds of radio stations, including private, national, provincial, municapl, and university stations."

There are many internet cafes and cable satelite tvs are common.  More than 150 newspapers are published in Argentina.

Two major indigenous groups were the Diaguita and the Guarani who resisted colonization until 1580 when the Spanish secured Buenos Aires. "Mestizos" are individuals of Spanish and indigenous anscestry.

(above section from page 655)

In 1776 the Spanish created the Viceroyalty of La Plata which included present day Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay as well as parts of Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile. Buenos Aires became the capital of the viceroyalty.

In 1806 and 1807 Buenos Aires residents defended their city (without help from Spain) and prevented a British overtaking. This success "increased their confidence in gaining freedom from the mother country." So during the Napoleonic Wars in Europe when the Spanish were fighting the French,  Buenos Aires "made a move torward indenpendence." On July 9th, 1816 they officially declared their independence calling themselves the "United Provinces of the Rio de le Plata"or simply "United Provinces of La Plata".

In 1826 Argentina's national assembly named a President who then resigned in 1827. (Preceeding section from page 656)  Then it was under a dictatorship from 1829 to 1852.  A series of unrest continued with governmental and Provincial dealings. In 1860 the country of Argentina was named (coming from the Latin word for silver).In 1826 President Mitre was elected and "Argentina entered a prosperous and stable period that lasted nearly 70 years...Between 1880 and 1930, Argentina ranked as one of the world's weathiest nations." There were reform movements during the late 1800's and early 1900's, miltary dictatorships started during the 1930's with a coup.  "The Supreme Court declared the coup lawful, clearning the way for military regismes to rule the country on and off for the next 50 years."

Juan Domingo Peron was elected President in 1946. "he helped the working class by promoting union growth and workers' rights legislation."  He suspended freedom of press and of speech. "His second wife, Eva duate de Peron, played a key role in developing support for her husband.  Known popularly as Evita, she worked to strengthen the voice of Argentine women and the poor until her death in 1952."  During his second term he "lost support" of the Roman Catholic Church (from page 627) when he started "limiting its authority".  There were "large debts, high inflation, and stagnant productivity" as well as revolts.  He eventually resigned and went into exile.  Military leaders once again took control until Peron returned and was elected president in 1973.  When he died in 1974 his wife took over becoming the first woman president in the Western Hempisphere.

More civil unrest continued with the "dirty war" brought forth a "paramilitary death squad, unopposed by the state, silenced critics and opponents of the regime."  It is estimated that 30,000 people were imprisoned, tortured, and executed without trials becoming known as "deaparecidos" (the disappeared).The late 1990's still had some rebellions but also some economic growth unfortunately, "poverty rose, standards for education and health fell, and the unemployment rate neared 20 percent."  Financial crises in other countries in the late 1990's didn't help. (Preceeding section from page 258) Then came the "worst economic crisis in Argentine history" in 2001 resulting in bank rushes, violent demonstrations, and the loss of faith in "democratic institutions".  There was yet another presidential resignation followed by a two week stretch that say two acting presidents and one interim president in office.  A new president took office in 2003 and in 2004 the Argentine economy had "showed some signs of recovery". In 2007 another wife took the presidency and in 2010 Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage.

(above section from page 659)

Learning the Lingo

As part of any trip to a foreign destination, it is important to research not only the nonverbal customs (like ettiquette) but also research some basic verbal customs in order to attempt some basic communication in the native language. 

I found a few resources that would help me with some basic Portuguese.

http://www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides

Iguacu Falls (Brazil and Argentina)

Bordering both Brazil and Argentina are the Iguacu Falls, an amazing system of waterfalls featuring the Iguacu River.  This ranks among the major tourist attractions of South America.  It consists of 275 individual waterfalls separated by forested islands.  "It has a total combined width of about 2 miles" (page 50)and "plunges about 237 feet down a series of ledges". "The falls and the surrounding forests and wildlife are protected by national parks in both Brazil and Argentina."  It is accessible by foot on catwalks (elevated walkways) on both sides of the river, by boat or by plane.

Paraty Research

Paraty is 125 miles Southwest of Rio de Janeiro and is our first stop after Rio in a multi-city adventure.  Although the World Book Encyclopedia did not have information on this particular Brazilian city, I did find some other resources to include here, including the fact that it made Trip Advisor's 2012 Travel Choice list:

The city is apparently named for a local swamp fish. According to trip advisor, the "small colonial town's center is a national historic monument with well-preserved buildings on its pedestrian-only streets. It also apparently has monkeys that are known to roam the cobblestone streets.


http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g303503-Paraty_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro-Vacations.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/brazil/the-southeast/paraty\

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g303503-Paraty_State_of_Rio_de_Janeiro-Vacations.html


It looks like there is plenty to do here. 

Adventure tour Resources:

http://www.infoparaty.com/en

http://www.paratyexplorer.com/

Sao Paulo Research

Continuing my South American trip research, the following information about Sao Paulo cames from the World Book Encyclopedia.
Sao Paulo is Brazil's largest city and one of the world's largest as well in terms of population.  (10,434,252; met. area pop. 17,878,703)

In 1554, Jesuit missionaries from Portugal founded Sao Paulo as an American Indian mission. "It remained a small town until the mid-1800's, when it became the commerical center of Brazil's booming coffee industry." (page 117) Investments were made in other industries. "Today, the city and its surrounding area account for about half of Brazil's total industrial output."

Two rivers flow through the city; the Tiete and Pinheiros rivers.

The center of the business distric is called "The Triangle" which dates back to the 1500's "when three mission buildings that stood in the area were connected by paths that formed the shape of a triangle."

(all above from page 117)

Sao Paulo has several parks, the largest of which is "Ibirapuera Park" which houses a monument to the "bandeirantes" (pioneers) of Sao Paulo.

Because of the rapid population growth, many homes have neither running water nor appropriate sewer systems.  "Other problems include air pollution, overcrowding, and traffic congestion". (page 118) Improvement projects and construction of commercial and recreational facilities outside the central part of the city have been created in an attempt to improve these conditions.

People of Sao Paulo are called "Paulistanos" and are reflected by a heritage rooted in Germany, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Portugal, Spain or Syria. Some African and some American Indian ancestry can also be found. 

The city has more jobs and higher wages than other areas of Brazil. Poverty is still a major issue. "More than half the families have a monthly income of less than $150.  Many of these families live in slum areas called "corticos"

Most of the city's people are Roman Catholic although Protestants and followers of African religions can also be found.

The University of Sao Paulo is the largest university in Brazil. Sao Paulo's Municipal Library is one of the largest libraries in South America.

The Butantan Institute has become famous for its development of snakebite serums.

(all of the above from page 118)

There are also several multinational companies who have headquarters in Sao Paulo.

Rio de Janeiro Basics

Continuing my research in preparation for my upcoming trip to Brazil and Argentina, I am documenting some interesting information about some of the Cities I will be visiting on this trip.  The first city I will be stopping at is Rio de Janeiro.  The following comes from the 2012 World Book Encyclopedia:

Rio de Janeiro is a populous state in the country of Brazil and the capital of the state is the city of Rio de Janeiro. The population of Rio de Janeiro is 5,857,904 with a met. pop of 10,894,156 makes it the second largest city in Brazil with Sao Paulo with the most (page 344).  It is one of the "chief seaports of South America". 

The Tupi Indians had settlements near Guanabara Bay and were there when the Portuguese explorers arrived in 1502.  Brazil had been "claimed" by Portugal in 1494.  The French established a settlement in 1555 until the Portuguese drove them out in 1567. 

Portuguese prospectors found gold in southern Brazil during the 1690's which then attracted many settlers to Rio in the 1700's. In 1763 Rio became the capital of not only Brazil but also the Portuguese Empire. It held this title until 1821.  In 1822, Brazil became independent and Rio was named the capital. Brasilia replaced Rio as capital in 1960.

Rio was developed from a fort established by the Portuguese soldiers in 1565.  The Portuguese named the settlement after the name of the Bay.  Rio de Janeiro is “River of January”.  Today, Brazilians also call it Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City).

There are two famous landmarks of Rio. One of the landmarks of Rio is Sugar Loaf Mountain which lies on Guanabara Bay, on the Atlantic Ocean.  This landmass rises 1,325 feet and is accessible via a Cog railway in Corcovado. And the other is the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer “Cristo  Redentor”.

Two of the most famous beaches of Rio are Copacabana and Ipanema.

People of Rio de Janeiro are called “Cariocas” possibly from the South American Indian term for “white man’s house”.

“Most of the city’s people belong to the Roman Catholic Church.  Many Catholics also participate in Macumba religious ceremonies.  Follwers of Macumba pray to divine beings identified both with Christian sains and with the gods and goddesses of certain African religions.  On New Year’s Eve, hundreds of thousands of Cariocas crowd the beaches for candlelit Macumba ceremonies that honor the sea goddess lemanja.” (page 345)

Maracana Stadium is located in Rio and is one of the world’s largest sports arenas.

Carnival is world famous in Rio and features “four days and nights of parades and dancing in the street” (page 346).

“Rio’s schools, libraries, and museums make the city the leading cultural center of Brazil.”

The National Museum is in a palace that was the home of Brazil’s Portuguese royalty in the 1800’s.

The Theatro Municipal was built in the early 1900’s and is based on the Palais Garnier (the famous Paris opera house).

Transportation options are abundant in Rio with highways, railroads, two major airports, a ferry, and public transportation including buses and subways.

Rio is one of 12 Brazilian cities scheduled to host the 2014 World Cup soccer competition, but even bigger, Rio has been chosen to host the 2016 Olympics.

Heavy rains caused deadly landslides in April 2010. "Government officials said that hundreds of people, mostly residents of Rio's slums, were killed and that thousands were left homeless." Then in January of 2011 more mudslides occurred killing more than 800 "in neighboring towns north of Rio".

(All above from page 346).

What the World Book Encylopedia doesn't tell you, is that Rio has a large crime rate and that safety precautions need to be adherred to perhaps more strictly here than in some other tourist destinations of the world.  I'll cover this in a separate entry.

Visa's In and Research has started-Basics of Brazil

Woohoo!! I got my Visa today.  It came to my house yesterday but since I wasn't there to sign for it, it went back to the post office.  So last night I was able to go online and either request to have it delivered today or to notify them that I would pick it up directly from the Post Office.  I choose the later and after turning in my receipt, vouching for my name and address, my passport with the Brazilian Visa was in my possession.  So exciting!

Because Brazil was on my mind, I decided to head back to the library and pick up the items that had come in from the inter-library loan.  I had a little extra time, so pulled out the World Encyclopedia and decided to start my documentation research on Brazil and Argentina.  Since I received the Brazilian Visa today I decided Brazil should be up first.  Here's some items I wanted documented:

BRAZIL

People and land
Brazil is the largest country in South America.  It makes up nearly half of the continent's land mass and has about as many people as all other the other countries of South American nations combined. "Overall, it ranks 5th in both area and population." 

About 80% of Brazilians live within 200 miles of the Atlantic Coast. "The forests, rivers and mountains of Brazil have long hindered travel inland, and the country's vast interior remains little developed."  The world's largest tropical rainforest sprawls across the northern part of the country while dry plains extend across the northeast.

The Capital is now Brasilia, although Rio de Janeiro has also been in the past. Brasilia was built about 600 miles from the coast "in order to draw people inland".

Sao Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world in terms of population and is Brazil's chief commercial and industrial center.

Rio de Janeiro (sometimes just called Rio) is one of the most densely populated cities in South America and is known throughout the world for its "breathtaking coastlines, exciting nightclubs and colorful festivals."

About half of Brazilians of European ancestry (mostly German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish).  Many others are "mixed African and European ancestry, and some are entirely of African decent."  Indigenous Brazilians form less than 1% of the population.

Economics
Brazil produces about a third of the world's coffee crop as well as produces varies agricultural items such as bananas, cacao beans, corn, cotton, sugar cane and soybeans. Nuts and timber supplies come from the forests and industrial minerals are also mined. "Brazil has one of Latin America's largest steel plants, and the manufacture of metal products is the nation's cheif industrial activity."  Brazil also is one of the world's leading countries in automobile manufacturing.

"In spite of Brazil's productive economy, the great weath of some Brazilians contrasts charply with the great poverty of others.  A small number of landowners, executives, and government leaders live in luxury.  A small but fast-growing group of middle-class Brazilians including business managers, government workers, and teachers, live comfortably.  But most Brazilians are poor."

(all above: W.B.E 2012 page 567)

MISC:
Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in Latin America.

Brazil has more Catholics than any other nation.

Brazil has 26 states and 1 federal district.

Brazil's federal government has 3 branches:
Executive branch headed by a President
Legislative branch called the National Congress
Judicial branch (court system)

Constitution dictates all adults 18-70  who can read and write must vote. It is voluntary for those that can't read and write and for those aged 16-18/over 70. (Drafted soldiers serving their required period of miltary service may NOT vote).

(this section above: WBE 569)

President, elected by the people, serves a 4-year term and can not serve more than 2 terms in a row. Brazil’s congress consists of 81 Senators (3 from each state who serve 8 years) and 513 Deputies (the number of which is determined by the states population but is at least 3 and these Deputies serve 4 years in the Chamber of Deputies).  Each state has an elected governor and the Brazilian President appoints the governor for the federal district.  There are a number of political parties including 4 larger parties.

Brazil has the largest Military force in Latin America.  Brazilian men between 18-45 may be drafted for a 1-year service.

(Page 569)

Rio capital was moved in 1960 to Brasilia

Brazil declared itself independent in 1822

3 main ethnic groups:
1) People of African decent (from slaves brought over to work the coffee plantation after the early Portuguese unsuccessfully tried to make the Indians work) about 6%
2) People of European decent (over 50%)
3) Mixed Ancestry

a.     “caboclos” (people of mixed Indian and European decent)

b.     “mulattoes” (people of mixed African and European decent) about a total of 40% of the Brazilian population
4) Asian and Indian account for less than 1%
5) The Indian population is around 700,000 and are mainly in the Amazon Region

“Racial discrimination in Brazil is less wide-spread than in many other countries with people of several ethnic groups.  But Brazilians of European descent have had better educational opportunities.  As a result, they hold most of the higher jobs in government and industry.”

Almost all of Brazil’s people speak Portuguese, Indian groups in the Amazon region still use their traditional languages.

(above page 572)

“In general, the people in rich, industrialized southern Brazil have a higher standard of living than the people in the more rural northeast and the largely undeveloped Amazon forest area.”

“An increasing number of middle- and upper-class Brazilians are buying homes in North American-style gated communities (housing developments with restricted access) that provide some protection from crime.”

Poverty is wide spread.  “Like most large North American cities, Brazil’s big cities face such problems as overcrowding, poverty, and slums.”

The term for a Brazilian slum is “favela”.  In some Brazilian cities, as many as 30% of the people live in slums which lack sewers and running water, so many suffer from disease and malnutrition.

(above page 573)

Rio has nearly 300 favelas. The crime rate is high.  “Many poverty-stricken parents abandon their children because they cannot feed them.  Every day, millions of children in Brazilian cities must beg, steal, or work long hours to get enough money to survive.  Many of these children have no homes.  They sleep in doorways, on benches, or under trees.”

“The Brazilian government has torn down a number of favelas and replaced them with low-cost public housing.  Public youth centers have taken in many abandoned children.  But poverty remains a major problem.”

Most rural Brazilians work on large plantations or ranches. Some have small farms.  Most have very little money and struggle to feed their families.

CLOTHING

Clothing is similar to what you’d see in the United States or Canada on warm days.  Some women in Bahia of African decent might wear colorful long skirts, bright blouses and many bracelets and or necklaces.  Gauchos (southern Brazilian cowboys) wear ponchos, baggy trousers called “bombachas” and wide-brimmed felt hats.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Urban farmer’s markets called “feiras” offer fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, cheese and fish.  Fried meat pastries and sugar can juice are popular here.  In the rural areas or poor sections of town, beans “cassava” (starch root) or “manioc”, and rice are staples. 

“Feijoada” is Brazil’s national dish which is black beans, dried beef and pork.

There is a strong African influence in Brazilian food found in Bahia.  So there you would find dishes with bananas, (page 574 continuing on with 575) coconuts, fish, palm oil, and hot peppers.

Southern Brazil is known for “churrasco” charcoal-broiled meats.

Coffee is the “chief drink” although you can also find many “batidas” (sweet fruit beverages made with rum), beer and a tealike drink called mate.

RECREATION

“Thousands of people flock to Brazil’s broad, white beaches on weekends.  Many Brazilians enjoy fishing, skin diving, swimming and boating.”

Futebol (what we call soccer in the U.S.) is the country’s favorite sport evidenced by it’s “thousands” of soccer teams..  The world’s largest soccer stadium is found in Rio—Maracana Stadium.  Pele is a famous Brazilian soccer player known as one of the world’s greatest.  Also popular are automobile racing, basketball, volleyball, and horse racing.

There are a number of “colorful” festivals in Brazil.  The most famous is Carnival, which is 4 days before the Christian observance of Lent.  Singers, dancers, and bright colorful floats can be found parading through the streets during this massive celebration.

RELIGION

75% of the population is Roman Catholic (in part due to the introduction by the Portuguese colonists). “However, many Catholics in Brazil do not actively practice their religion.” 

Some Brazilians, mostly people of African and mixed ancestry practice local religions such as “macumba” and “candomble” which combine Catholicism and African spiritual beliefs.

15% of the population are identified as Protestant. 

There are a small number of Buddhists and Jews here.

EDUCATION

Most of Brazil’s adults can read and write.  Brazil has a free public elementary school system.  Law requires children from ages 7-14 (page 575 above continuing with page 576) to attend school but the law is not necessarily enforced.  Many rural areas lack schools and teachers so in some cases the government broadcasts instruction over the radio or in other areas are lead by volunteer University students. Public high schools are free but most high schools are private and charge tuition (many of which are fun by the Catholic Church).  There are about 65 colleges/universities in Brazil.

ARTS/MUSEUMS/NOTABLES

* The National Library in Rio is South America’s largest library.

* The National Museum in Rio ranks among the best natural history museums in South America.

*Rio’s Botanical Garden is one of the world’s largest

Butantan Institute of San Paulo produces lifesaving snakebite serums distributed world-wide.

(page 576)

MISC:

Major Indian Groups native to Brazil: Guarani and Tupinamba

Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympics, the first time a South American city has been chosen.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was elected in 2002 and 2206 and his policies have combated poverty, and focused on economic growth and social services.

Dilma Rousseff, Predient da Silva’s chief of staff from 2005 ro 2010 became Brazil’s first female President in January 2011.

Also in January of that year mudslides occurred from flooding in Rio de Janeiro state and killed more than 800 people.

(above from page 586)