The AmSoc Blog

From the June issue of Forum

By Beatriz Salgado, staff writer

Festa Junina is one of Brazil’s most traditional holidays, and curiously, it has its origin mostly from Portugal and Spain. Even though this traditional party is celebrated throughout the country, it is most popular in rural São Paulo and the northeast Brazil. In each region people celebrate it in a different style, but in no place do the Brazilians forget why they celebrate such a traditional party.

“The bonfires were so big that the flames would sting my eyes,” said elementary school teacher Élcia Felicia, who vividly remembers when her family used to organize Festas Juninas at her mother’s farm in Echaporã, a small town located in inner São Paulo. “I remember running around trying to catch the balloons that swirled across the sky, like fireflies.” (more…)

From the June issue of Forum

By Eric Bissell, 13-year-old

The Outward Bound White Water Rafting trip, held April 16-18 in Jequituba 70 km outside Sao Paulo, was exciting, new and fun. I am not a Boy Scout, but still they invited me to come along and I had a great time.

The trip went from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening, and the Scouts managed to pack a lot of fun into it. It was designed not so that there was someone in the boat with us just telling us what to. Instructors gave us the freedom do more of what we wanted. (more…)

From the February issue of Forum

February in Brazil means one thing to the native population: Carnaval. Work will stop, music will blare and vacations – be they long or short – are considered a must.

For AmSoc members new to the holiday, there are plenty of ways for you to experience the traditional fun here in the city, or by taking a short drive across the state.

Carnaval officially begins this year on Feb. 13 and runs through Feb. 17, but celebrations and personal vacations often start before or last long past those set dates.

Sao Paulo’s International Newcomers Club has put together an all-inclusive Carnaval experience package for Saturday, Feb. 13, at R$275 per person for INC members and R$295 for non-members. (more…)

From the October issue of Forum

By Alan Blau, AmSoc board member

A weekend in beautiful Rio de Janeiro — what a great way to spend Thanksgiving in a joint celebration with AmSoc Rio members.

A fun-filled four day weekend with options for everyone, such as a golf and tennis tourney with AmSoc Rio members, some “must do” sightseeing for newcomers, endless shopping, Joatinga Beach and of course our Thanksgiving dinner celebration. (more…)

From the October issue of Forum

By Richard Wegman, AmSoc board member

Be prepared to experience some of the most fantastic views, sunsets, birds and water you’ve ever seen; the Juma Lodge in the Amazon is awaiting your visit.

During a recent trip there, my family and I were picked up at our hotel in central Manaus and taken to a small port on the opposite side of the city where we got a boat near a fantastic fresh fish market. The amount and different types of fish that come out of the Amazon is unbelievable, and the sizes vary from small to enormous. (more…)

From the October issue of Forum

By Mark Abrams, AmSoc board member

When I was a boy, camping was the greatest thrill I could imagine. I would even pitch my old, smelly, holey canvas tent in the backyard, unroll my sleeping bag and lay back to dream of exciting expeditions. Later on, as a young teen, the Boy Scouts gave me the chance to experience nature, develop self confidence and learn many useful skills.

How can we offer these opportunities to our children in Sao Paulo? Escaping from our concrete jungle is not easy, much less finding a mountain to climb, rappel from its peaks and paddle a canoe. Besides, even when we find such a place, who feels qualified to take kids on such an expedition? (more…)

From the August issue of Forum

By Claudia Quiñonez, AmSoc board member

Searching for the best Brazilian food experience?

I find it impossible to give a single answer to this question, which would not be fair to São Paulo either, where the options are vast and the restaurant scene is vibrant. But here are some of the places I often go back to, especially when I have friends visiting or when I miss the pleasures that only certain dishes can bring. (more…)