Archive for January, 2009

Carnival 101: Watch a Samba School rehearse

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

From the February issue of Forum

By Kim Beecheno, staff writer

At first glance, Brazilian Carnival may seem a little daunting to foreigners. A hedonistic festival of bright colors and costumes, with glittering men and women dancing Samba to an unyielding beat of thousands of drums and tambourines.

Águia de Ouro Samba School rehearsal in May 2008 at their facilities in Pompéia. (Courtesy of www.soccerexperience.com.br)

Águia de Ouro Samba School rehearsal in May 2008 at their facilities in Pompéia. (Courtesy of www.soccerexperience.com.br)

Gigantic floats roll past, with an energy in the air thick enough to choke off comparison to any celebration we have back home.

It’s the party to end all parties, and this month you have the chance to take part – or at the very least watch with a chilled caipirinha in hand. (more…)

Newcomer Profile

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

From the February issue of Forum

Name, age: Stella Laura Teclaw, 33

Origin, time here: Born in Poland, but lived in London before coming to Brazil four months ago.

Stella Laura Teclaw

Stella Laura Teclaw

Profession: Creative photography and real estate in London, but now I’m giving private English classes and volunteering with Vida Jovem, spending time with kids there teaching conversational English.

Why São Paulo?: I wanted to leave London, the real estate market there was bad, wanted to change my environment to someplace where things are happier, the weather is better. An old friend (Brazilian) suggested I come to São Paulo. … My first reaction was, “Are you crazy?” I considered this the other side of the world. I also attended a small photography exhibit about Brazil in London (which influenced her). The idea was to come here and try something different, see old friends and give something back. (more…)

Special thanks to the SP Garden Club

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

American Society Board members would like to thank the São Paulo Garden Club for preparing and donating flower arrangements for the AmSoc Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, which was held on Nov. 26 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Santo Amaro.

Luiza Scaramuza, Rosemary Cabral, Paola Estrada Binche and Regina Maclean.

Luiza Scaramuza, Rosemary Cabral, Paola Estrada Binche and Regina Maclean.

Garden Club members involved were Luiza Scaramuza, Rosemary Cabral, Paola Estrada Binche and Regina Maclean.

President’s Letter for February

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

From the February issue of Forum

By Marlene Chumo Rubeiz, American Society president

This year our family did something different, or rather did what we like to do in a different way.

I ran across a Web site named Homeaway.com, and started browsing and found homes and apartments all over the world for rent on a short-term basis. All are privately owned and many can be rented for as short as a week. (more…)

(Member Tip) Summer camps abroad

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

From the February issue of Forum

By Kristina Dooley, educational consultant and AmSoc member

For most parents, the thought of their child attending a boarding school, regardless of cited benefits, can be scary. But one unrecognized feature of many U.S. boarding schools is their unique summer programs.

These programs are a wonderful option for American families living in São Paulo seeking summer options for their kids that offer not just traditional “summer camp” experiences, but include an academic component.

Boarding school summer programs are ideal, because as a “home” for students from around the world during the academic year, staff on these campuses are well-tuned to the needs of varied cultures. Also, most campuses have housing and amenities you won’t find at traditional summer camps.

(more…)

(Counsel by Consul) ESTA authorization required for all Visa Waiver Program countries

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

em>From the February issue of Forum

By Elizabeth Sunday, Vice-Consul of American Citizen Services, U.S. Consulate General São Paulo

As of Jan. 12, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires that eligible citizens or nationals from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States under the VWP. 

Many American citizens in Brazil have family members that travel to the U.S. under the visa waiver program and need to be aware of the new requirements. The following information is taken from publications by the Department of Homeland Security regarding the program. (more…)

Little League set to start

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

From the February issue of Forum

By Tim Scott, AmSoc board member

Hey parents and kids, it’s time for Little League! Now I know for some of you, the term “Little League” implies young kids (usually boys) and baseball, teams, practices and frequent travel — and at times overexcited parents. But here in São Paulo, Little League is different and generally much more laid back (Surprised? You’re in Brazil!). Our Little League, sponsored and organized by AmSoc, offers soccer, softball, basketball, tennis, and baseball.

Leah Kristensen, former AmSoc member and Little League volunteer coach (now living in Denmark) helping with youth soccer.
Leah Kristensen, former AmSoc member and Little League volunteer coach (now living in Denmark) helping with youth soccer.

Games and practices are held on Saturday mornings at either Graded or Chapel Schools, depending on which field is available. We conduct two sessions, one from 9-10:30 a.m., and the second from 10:30-12 p.m. Schedules of the exact time and place for your kids’ team will be provided during signups, as well as on the AmSoc Web site. (more…)

Cookbook from members of the International Newcomers Club

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

From the February issue of Forum

Dicas – The Kitchen Edition is a cookbook launched in December by our friends from the International Newcomers Club of São Paulo. With color pictures, recipes are featured in English and Portuguese, making it an easy guide for Americans as well as for their domestic help. It provides useful information on cooking in São Paulo — altitude adjustments, translations of cooking terms and ingredients, as well as useful addresses for shopping. This book includes many interesting recipes from all over the world, as well as great tips on cooking Brazilian staples – including how to do perfect rice and beans.

A must have for every foreigner living in São Paulo, or any cook who enjoys exotic recipes. At R$80, it’s available at the AmSoc office, or by contacting dicas@newcomers-sp.com.br.

Last month of Membership Game

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

From the February issue of Forum.

Members finished 2008 off in fine style, with a great Egg Nog Party in December where 12 new members were signed up. Good job to everyone who’s talking to their friends about becoming part of AmSoc.

Our Membership Game is in its final hour, wrapping up at the end of February. You could be the person to win the grand prize of two tickets on GOL Airlines to anywhere in South America that they fly. We also have many other great prizes. (more…)

ADOPT A PET

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

From the February issue of Forum.

Every month Sue Sileci will bring us intimately close (i.e. farts) with a stray Paulista pet she has given temporary shelter.

Brian The Dog

Brian The Dog

Name: Brian
Age: 10 months
Color: White/Tan
Sex: Handsome male
Fleas: None
Ticks: None
Size: Medium
Kilos: 13
Farts: A few, but he took worm medicine
Housebroken: Yes, never peed indoors
Hobbies: Licking my face and running around the dog park like a madman
Vaccines: Done
Neutered: No, but should be
Quirks: Won’t eat from a person’s hand, doesn’t like cheese, has occasional nightmares
Color of collar: Metal collar, hot pink leash but he’s secure in his sexuality
Injuries: A few scars on his leg, probably hit by a car or in a fight at some point
Found: In Morumbi, lying lazily in the middle of the street
Ability to walk on a leash: High
Level of perfect goodness for a nice family: High
What if I don’t find him a home: Terrible things will happen to him
Cost to you: Free, this month only
Applications: Being accepted at sue@sileci.com