I joined Facebook about a year ago and suddenly I find myself reconnecting with people that I lost contact with since I moved down to Brazil. In this day of cellphones and unlisted phone numbers,this is really the only way that I have been able to track down old friends and colleagues. Its a riot to see how people have moved along with their lives. Most of my friends on Facebook have the same work background, so we can laugh about the old days and how the fashion business changed from the small dysfunctional family that it was (when it was FUN) to the multi million dollar industry that has invited the whole world to participate(not as much fun). Some friends have become photographers, writers, actors, moms, dads, surfers teachers,web designers....
GREAT TO SEE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, November 22
Sunday, November 9
The Seven Year Cycle
Rudolf Steiner, the forefather of Waldorf education, believed that our lives are divided into seven year cycles. 0-7 years of age,7-14,14-21 etc etc.
Taking his theory to another level, I believe that the world also has seven year cycles. The last cycle started on September 11 ,2001 with the attacks on the World Trade Center, and have come full circle,culminating in a collective conscience awareness moment that put an African-American Democrat in to the White House.Barrack Obama is the son of an African(Kenya) and an American. His father was a Muslim, but left the faith later on in his life.Seven years ago it was all about Osama, now it is all about Obama.
Thank God, and all the powers that be, that the American people have finally seen the light and got rid of their idiot leader and his GOP croonies. Amazing what can happen in seven years.
Lets hope the next seven years will be of fair prosperity for all.
Tuesday, October 28
Tuesday, October 21
Sad News From Brazil
Last week my dear neighbour in Rio de Janeiro died in his sleep. Marquinhos, as he was known, was 50 odd years old and was happily married to one of the sweetest girls I have ever known, Tirca.He was a very respected equine veterinarian at the Jockey Club in Rio de Janeiro,and above all, a loving husband and father. He leaves behind a two year old daughter,Alicia.
Two days ago, another neighbour of mine in Rio was assasinated by the son of his chauffeur.Sr Artur Sendas was a very respected businessman in the community and employed thousands of people. He gave back to the people of the Alto da Boa Vista every Christmas, and his fireworks at New Years were classic.
If there is anything to learn from these two tragic lives lost, is that life is fleeting, and we must live each and every day to the maximum. It can be taken away in a snap.
My thougts and prayers go out to their families.
Two days ago, another neighbour of mine in Rio was assasinated by the son of his chauffeur.Sr Artur Sendas was a very respected businessman in the community and employed thousands of people. He gave back to the people of the Alto da Boa Vista every Christmas, and his fireworks at New Years were classic.
If there is anything to learn from these two tragic lives lost, is that life is fleeting, and we must live each and every day to the maximum. It can be taken away in a snap.
My thougts and prayers go out to their families.
Thursday, October 16
Dragon's Den Canada
I just watched the show the Dragon's Den. Needless to say, I am totally impressed. To heck with Canadian Idol, Dancing with the Stars and the rest of the reality show fodder. This show is AWESOME.
For those who have been hiding under a rock, this show is basically Extreme Junior Acheivement. Would be entrepreneurs and inventors present their wares to a panel of 5'Dragon's'. Each Dragon is a successful business person in their own right, and they decide if they will invest in these new ideas that are presented. The reactions from the Dragons are amazing and make great television. My breakdown of each Dragon is as follows:
1. Arlene Dickinson. The only female panelist.A marketing executive in Calgary with a very successful client portfolio. She has her trademark streak of white hair amongst her auburn mane. She reminds me of a hip English teacher from high school. She lets the boys have their testoterone ego moments and then comes in for the kill. I loved how she teases Kevin O'Leary and how she doesn't let any of them bully her around. She listens intently to the proposals and will be in or out.She is one classy lady.Wonder if she is looking for writers and/or creative people for her company?(Hint...me.)
2. Brett Wilson. New to the Den.He is a philanthropist and an investment banker here in Calgary He sits back and watches the others battle it out and actually suprised me by investing in an acrobatic troupe that I didn't think had a shot.He looks like a guy that I could hangout and go mountain biking or skiing with. He comes across as the nicest one of the bunch, but remember, we are only on the third episode...Should be interesting to watch.
3.Robert Herjvec. He comes across as being too nouveau riche for my taste. A bit pompous,but obviously a good business person, with a good eye for opportunity when he sees it.
4.Jim Treliving. Ex RCMP,now owner of Boston Pizza(the pizza can't be beat-sa...remember that jingle?)Big into sports, especially minor hockey. I loved how he told the skating harness contestant that she had it all wrong. He was firm and relentless in his observation, with good reason. He knows hockey!!! His police background helps him sniff out the fakes( in my opinion)
5.Kevin O'Leary. This guy reminds me of an obnoxious New Yorker.He tells it like it is, yet he lacks a bit of tact. He can be a bit beligerent and he comes across as arrogant. It makes good TV, but he doesnt win any brownie points in my books. Lets just say I would never have him as a rock climbing partner. He would probably let me fall first and then if he was hurt, he would probably sue me. He just semms to be that type.
The show airs Monday nights at 8 PM on CBC here in Canada
For those who have been hiding under a rock, this show is basically Extreme Junior Acheivement. Would be entrepreneurs and inventors present their wares to a panel of 5'Dragon's'. Each Dragon is a successful business person in their own right, and they decide if they will invest in these new ideas that are presented. The reactions from the Dragons are amazing and make great television. My breakdown of each Dragon is as follows:
1. Arlene Dickinson. The only female panelist.A marketing executive in Calgary with a very successful client portfolio. She has her trademark streak of white hair amongst her auburn mane. She reminds me of a hip English teacher from high school. She lets the boys have their testoterone ego moments and then comes in for the kill. I loved how she teases Kevin O'Leary and how she doesn't let any of them bully her around. She listens intently to the proposals and will be in or out.She is one classy lady.Wonder if she is looking for writers and/or creative people for her company?(Hint...me.)
2. Brett Wilson. New to the Den.He is a philanthropist and an investment banker here in Calgary He sits back and watches the others battle it out and actually suprised me by investing in an acrobatic troupe that I didn't think had a shot.He looks like a guy that I could hangout and go mountain biking or skiing with. He comes across as the nicest one of the bunch, but remember, we are only on the third episode...Should be interesting to watch.
3.Robert Herjvec. He comes across as being too nouveau riche for my taste. A bit pompous,but obviously a good business person, with a good eye for opportunity when he sees it.
4.Jim Treliving. Ex RCMP,now owner of Boston Pizza(the pizza can't be beat-sa...remember that jingle?)Big into sports, especially minor hockey. I loved how he told the skating harness contestant that she had it all wrong. He was firm and relentless in his observation, with good reason. He knows hockey!!! His police background helps him sniff out the fakes( in my opinion)
5.Kevin O'Leary. This guy reminds me of an obnoxious New Yorker.He tells it like it is, yet he lacks a bit of tact. He can be a bit beligerent and he comes across as arrogant. It makes good TV, but he doesnt win any brownie points in my books. Lets just say I would never have him as a rock climbing partner. He would probably let me fall first and then if he was hurt, he would probably sue me. He just semms to be that type.
The show airs Monday nights at 8 PM on CBC here in Canada
Wednesday, October 15
Greetings From The Great White North
Hello to all of my faithful blog readers!! Due to family health issues, I am writing my blog from Calgary Canada for the next while.
That said, I will still be commenting on things about Rio de Janeiro (my home for the past 15 years) infused with new adventures of being back in the Great White North. Reverse culture shock.
I was born and raised in Calgary, yet I was spared the 'redneck' education so imminent in this part of the country. I sometines refer to myself as a caviar socialist. I like to have my 'caviar'(low taxes and free enterprise), yet I also want free education and health care for all Canadians. Is that too much to ask?
My hometown has changed from the Hicksville of yesteryear, to the great financial oil and gas industry city it has become today. Toronto is being shaken up by the fast movers and shakers coming out this town.There are more millionaires per capita in Calgary than in any other Canadian city. The unemployment rate is the lowest in Canada. If you get bad service at restaurants and such, it is because of the LACK of workers available.
But of course, the underside of this Eldorado is the increasing crime that comes along with the boom. There is an increase in gang activity related to drugs. There have been about 30 homocides this year, the majority gang related. Then of course there was the unfortunate shooting of a Brazilian foreign exchange student who was hit by a bullet while walking downtown after a dinner with his girlfriend. It outraged this city and people rose up to this young man's plight. A trust fund has been set up and a fundraiser dinner took place. An 80 year old woman even offered to donate her eyes (don't know if that is possible). It goes to show you the pure and genuine good side of my hometown still exists and that it hasn't been destroyed by lowlifes trying to be smart and take take take.
That said, I will still be commenting on things about Rio de Janeiro (my home for the past 15 years) infused with new adventures of being back in the Great White North. Reverse culture shock.
I was born and raised in Calgary, yet I was spared the 'redneck' education so imminent in this part of the country. I sometines refer to myself as a caviar socialist. I like to have my 'caviar'(low taxes and free enterprise), yet I also want free education and health care for all Canadians. Is that too much to ask?
My hometown has changed from the Hicksville of yesteryear, to the great financial oil and gas industry city it has become today. Toronto is being shaken up by the fast movers and shakers coming out this town.There are more millionaires per capita in Calgary than in any other Canadian city. The unemployment rate is the lowest in Canada. If you get bad service at restaurants and such, it is because of the LACK of workers available.
But of course, the underside of this Eldorado is the increasing crime that comes along with the boom. There is an increase in gang activity related to drugs. There have been about 30 homocides this year, the majority gang related. Then of course there was the unfortunate shooting of a Brazilian foreign exchange student who was hit by a bullet while walking downtown after a dinner with his girlfriend. It outraged this city and people rose up to this young man's plight. A trust fund has been set up and a fundraiser dinner took place. An 80 year old woman even offered to donate her eyes (don't know if that is possible). It goes to show you the pure and genuine good side of my hometown still exists and that it hasn't been destroyed by lowlifes trying to be smart and take take take.
Wednesday, September 24
A Sad Story About a Loving Father
I just saw this on NBC's Today Show. Heartbreaking. Its about an American father who's Brazilian wife took their son to Brazil and never came back. She remarried in Brazil to an influential lawyer. The estranged wife has since passed away in childbirth and now the new husband has taken the biological father's name off of the birth certificate.
To all of my blog readers, I ask you to write, call, Email the names on the father's site. This father belongs with his son....
To all of my blog readers, I ask you to write, call, Email the names on the father's site. This father belongs with his son....
Friday, September 19
Wednesday, September 17
My Apologies....
I just read in the local paper here in Calgary, about a Brazilian student who was an innocent victim of a gang related shooting in the downtown area of the city.
There are no words to describe the feeling that is going through my mind and heart. I worked in a student exchange agency in Rio de Janeiro, and parents' minds were put at ease knowing that their sons and daughters would be safe while travelling abroad, especially to Canada, and particularly to Calgary.
Now those jerks known as the FOB's(Fresh Off the Boat) and the FOB Killers have shattered the peace not only for Calgarians, but for visitors to the city. If you ask me, if they are 'fresh off the boat', they can get right back on it and go back.
I am so sorry for what has happened to this anonymous Brazilian student. It breaks my heart to knnow that he will be permanently blinded by this unfortunate incident.
I am so sorry, and I would like to personally apologize on behalf of good Calgarians to this young man and his family. I am ashamed of the actions of these thugs that hurt him.
I hope that the Calgary Police Force will do their best to catch the perpetrators of this heinous crime and put them behind bars for a very long time.
There are no words to describe the feeling that is going through my mind and heart. I worked in a student exchange agency in Rio de Janeiro, and parents' minds were put at ease knowing that their sons and daughters would be safe while travelling abroad, especially to Canada, and particularly to Calgary.
Now those jerks known as the FOB's(Fresh Off the Boat) and the FOB Killers have shattered the peace not only for Calgarians, but for visitors to the city. If you ask me, if they are 'fresh off the boat', they can get right back on it and go back.
I am so sorry for what has happened to this anonymous Brazilian student. It breaks my heart to knnow that he will be permanently blinded by this unfortunate incident.
I am so sorry, and I would like to personally apologize on behalf of good Calgarians to this young man and his family. I am ashamed of the actions of these thugs that hurt him.
I hope that the Calgary Police Force will do their best to catch the perpetrators of this heinous crime and put them behind bars for a very long time.
Wednesday, September 3
Anorexia and the Fashion Industry
As an ex model(Vogue UK cover June 1986),I am following this whole skinny models/anorexia debate with a mixture of bewilderment and amusement. Not that I think any of it is funny, because it isn't.It is, in fact, beyond tragic.
Modelling is not for the faint hearted.Girls are thrown into a business of adults(And I use that term loosely) when they should be in Grade 9 or 10, discovering who they are.The hardest part of being a model is to distinguish between the professional and the personal rejection. Not something that a typical 15 year old is able to do easily..
Clients want a certain look, and sometimes a model doesn't fit into what they are looking for, whether it is the color of the models eyes, hair color, hair length etc. Self esteem and body image is constantly taking a beating.. For me, the hardest part was the constant travelling and being away from my family and friends. I was never miserable,and to this day I prefer modelling to an office job.I knew it was a short lived career from the beginning and I luckily had the smarts to manage myself.(Thanks mom and dad!!)Was it easy..no, but nobody was forcing me to be a model.
Maybe the new generation of models from emerging nations (where the minimum wage is a mere pittance)are more willing to put up and shut up, because they are obliged to support their families back home.That was one of the questions in regards to the Braziian model who died in November 2006( I was in Brazil at the time and saw the whole soap opera)
This whole debate about using skeletal models has a solution. Consumers should simply stop buying products from designers that insist on using overly skinny models and actresses. When their multi million dollar empires start feeling the pinch,then maybe they will change their tune and start using the healthy looking girls like they used to back in the 80s. I applaud the Canadian apparel company La Maison that pulled its catalogue after it was published because it showed skeletal models. Its a start...
Last but not least, I have yet to meet a real man who likes super skinny women.
Modelling is not for the faint hearted.Girls are thrown into a business of adults(And I use that term loosely) when they should be in Grade 9 or 10, discovering who they are.The hardest part of being a model is to distinguish between the professional and the personal rejection. Not something that a typical 15 year old is able to do easily..
Clients want a certain look, and sometimes a model doesn't fit into what they are looking for, whether it is the color of the models eyes, hair color, hair length etc. Self esteem and body image is constantly taking a beating.. For me, the hardest part was the constant travelling and being away from my family and friends. I was never miserable,and to this day I prefer modelling to an office job.I knew it was a short lived career from the beginning and I luckily had the smarts to manage myself.(Thanks mom and dad!!)Was it easy..no, but nobody was forcing me to be a model.
Maybe the new generation of models from emerging nations (where the minimum wage is a mere pittance)are more willing to put up and shut up, because they are obliged to support their families back home.That was one of the questions in regards to the Braziian model who died in November 2006( I was in Brazil at the time and saw the whole soap opera)
This whole debate about using skeletal models has a solution. Consumers should simply stop buying products from designers that insist on using overly skinny models and actresses. When their multi million dollar empires start feeling the pinch,then maybe they will change their tune and start using the healthy looking girls like they used to back in the 80s. I applaud the Canadian apparel company La Maison that pulled its catalogue after it was published because it showed skeletal models. Its a start...
Last but not least, I have yet to meet a real man who likes super skinny women.
Monday, September 1
Movie About Brazilian Indian Genocide is Praised by Critics at the Venice Film Festival
Whether you live in Brazil or Canada, the plight of the Native Indians/First Nations is a very sad situation.
I came across this article in the Calgary Herald
The similarities between the Brazilian Indians and the Canadian First Nations is sometimes uncanny.
The Portuguese were ruthless in their colonization of Brazil, and murdered many Indians for land and resources. They also considered them to be animals.The Brits and the French were not much better in Canada. I won't even go into the residential school debacle that happened in Canada.
Levels of obesity and diabetes within the Indian community has skyrocketed in the last generation, due to the introduction of sugar and processed foods into the native diet. This is true in Canada as well as Brazil. Alcoholism is also a problem in both countries.Tuberculosis on some Canadian reservations is almost as high as what is found in Third World countries.
Suicide is also a component in the reservations, here and there.
I am not sure which country is better in treating its First Nations people, but somehow it is better to be an Indian in Canada. At least the government made the first step by publicly apologizing for the treatment the Indians received in the past. Hopefully this is the first step towards a fairer future for all First Nations, all over the world.
I came across this article in the Calgary Herald
The similarities between the Brazilian Indians and the Canadian First Nations is sometimes uncanny.
The Portuguese were ruthless in their colonization of Brazil, and murdered many Indians for land and resources. They also considered them to be animals.The Brits and the French were not much better in Canada. I won't even go into the residential school debacle that happened in Canada.
Levels of obesity and diabetes within the Indian community has skyrocketed in the last generation, due to the introduction of sugar and processed foods into the native diet. This is true in Canada as well as Brazil. Alcoholism is also a problem in both countries.Tuberculosis on some Canadian reservations is almost as high as what is found in Third World countries.
Suicide is also a component in the reservations, here and there.
I am not sure which country is better in treating its First Nations people, but somehow it is better to be an Indian in Canada. At least the government made the first step by publicly apologizing for the treatment the Indians received in the past. Hopefully this is the first step towards a fairer future for all First Nations, all over the world.
Monday, August 25
Violence Hits Close to Home...in Calgary
My hometown has been marred this year by more than 25 homiides. The latest being death by toilet cover. Happened at the Cowboys bar downtown. Before that, there was a drive by gang related shooting that killed a 21 year old man.
Compared to Rio de Janeiro, Calgary is extremely safe, yet these murders are causing shockwaves through the community. There is talk of hiring 400 more police officers. OK, good idea, yet how are these people getting semi-automatic weapons to kill each other??? I need a permit to buy an airgun!!!
Most of the murders in Calgary have happened in the NE quadrant and have been gang and drug related. Most murders in Rio de Janeiro happen between warring drug gangs in the shantytowns.
Bottom line? Harder penalties for these punks no matter where they are.
I have been a victim of violence (carjacking) in Rio de Janeiro and my friend has had his motorbike stolen on two occasions at gunpoint.The perpetrators were no older than 17 years old.
Hopefully this wiil not become a reality here in Calgary.
Compared to Rio de Janeiro, Calgary is extremely safe, yet these murders are causing shockwaves through the community. There is talk of hiring 400 more police officers. OK, good idea, yet how are these people getting semi-automatic weapons to kill each other??? I need a permit to buy an airgun!!!
Most of the murders in Calgary have happened in the NE quadrant and have been gang and drug related. Most murders in Rio de Janeiro happen between warring drug gangs in the shantytowns.
Bottom line? Harder penalties for these punks no matter where they are.
I have been a victim of violence (carjacking) in Rio de Janeiro and my friend has had his motorbike stolen on two occasions at gunpoint.The perpetrators were no older than 17 years old.
Hopefully this wiil not become a reality here in Calgary.
Friday, August 22
Violence Hits Again Close to Home...
My ex boyfriend was carjacked on his motorcycle yesterday. Luckily he came out of it alive. Stuck in traffic, two little SOB's on another motorbike pulled up next to him, put a gun to his head and proceeded to steal his motorbike and his backpack,which contained cash, credit cards, cellphone and iPod.
I am not going to sugarcoat what happened. This is the second time in less than a year that he has been assaulted by thieves.
If you want to have an idea of really what the reality of Rio de Janeiro is, I suggest two movies, City of God and Tropa de Elite(about the elite police squad in Rio de Janeiro).
Its a far cry from the Girl From Ipanema.....
Thursday, August 21
USA Beats Brazil in Women's Soccer....
Sadness has fallen over Brazil again as the Brazilian women's soccer team was defeated by the aggressive American team. Once again Marta and gang were relegated to another silver medal in the Olympics.
The Brazilian men's team will play Belgium in the bronze medal match, after being pummeled 3-0 by Argentina.
The women's team played their hearts out and really gave the US a run for their money. I personally think that the women's team deserves more attention and respect for their endevours. They play harder and faster than the men, yet they are scraping by on meagre salaries that pale in comparison to the men.
Marta and Cristiane are capable of playing in European men's leagues. They are my heroes of the day!!!!
The Brazilian men's team will play Belgium in the bronze medal match, after being pummeled 3-0 by Argentina.
The women's team played their hearts out and really gave the US a run for their money. I personally think that the women's team deserves more attention and respect for their endevours. They play harder and faster than the men, yet they are scraping by on meagre salaries that pale in comparison to the men.
Marta and Cristiane are capable of playing in European men's leagues. They are my heroes of the day!!!!
Friday, August 15
Vespa Love
I absolutely love this TV advert!! Its very catchy(the music is borderline annoying...Its A Small World is a close second)
I guess I like it because I used to own a Vespa when I lived in Paris.
Saturday, August 9
Back Side of Urca
This photo was taken a while back, but it is a view seen by few. One must rock climb up about 100 m behind the tram station at the Sugar Loaf mountain in Rio de Janeiro. I would have never gotten into rock climbing if it wasnt for the Swiss photographer Hannes Schmid who took a whole fashion group of us rock climbing near the Jungfrau in Interlaken.
Friday, August 8
08/08/2008
In celebration of the Olympic Games in China, here is a picture of my own personal Buddhist monk in all of his robes, my son Caetano when he was 2
Wednesday, August 6
Amazing Creature
Thanks to my blog reader that gave me the name of this falcon who is building a nest for her young. Its called a Caracara
I never was much of a bird watcher, but when you live in the clouds, you share your space with the birds..
Tuesday, August 5
Saturday, August 2
Bullying in Brazil
My son has been a victim of a bully at school since the beginning of the school year.I knew this had been going on, and I had taken steps to avoid confrontation. I asked specifically that my son be moved to the other side of the classroom(the bully sat right behind him since after the first report card) but my request was ignored and sluffed off. Result? My sons marks fell around 10 -15% in the second reporting period, he was stabbed in the back with a compass and was relentlessly attacked and bugged by this kid. The school did nothing. I wish my son didn't need to resort to violence, but in the absence of protection from the school, what other option did he have? Apparently the little $%#@ who was bugging my son finally got his just rewards when my son retaliated and punched him in the nose. They were both suspended from school for two days.
Bullying exists everywhere, and Brazil is no exception. What makes it different here is the attitude towards it. It is bizarrely tolerated here. Barbara Coloroso(author of Kids Are Worth It and Bullying) would have a nervous breakdown.
Bullying exists everywhere, and Brazil is no exception. What makes it different here is the attitude towards it. It is bizarrely tolerated here. Barbara Coloroso(author of Kids Are Worth It and Bullying) would have a nervous breakdown.
Friday, August 1
Great Brazilian Inventions
Forget the Wright Brothers, the godfather of modern aviation is a Brazilian, Santos Dumont.
I love how Brazilians have a creative streak and the inventions they use in day to day life.
One of my favorite items is the 'varal',simply a clothes drying rack that can be lifted up on pulleys so as to not use precious floor space in the laundry room.
The Strong Brazilian Economy
The word is out. I have been saying it for ages, but now it is being written in the NY Times The Brazilian economy is a force to be reckoned with.
The Amazon basin has the most fresh water in the world, Petrobras not only makes weekly discoveries of new offshore oilfields, but also has top notch technology in ethanol production (which IMHO is scaring the USA out of its corn fields)using sugarcane.
When one of the states of Brazil is called General Mines(Minas Gerais), you don't have to be Einstein to figure out that Brazil is a force in the mining world (Vale, Gerdau, Cemig)
The US dollar has tanked from a high of around 3.20 in 2002 to the real to around 1.56 yesterday.
Lula ('Shrimp') has simply continued the financial plans put in place by his predecessor Fernando Henrique Cardoso, and the results are showing.
Now all that is missing is a strong movement to eliminate the insane level of corruption, that has poisoned this beautiful country since Pedro Cabral set foot here in 1500.<
The Amazon basin has the most fresh water in the world, Petrobras not only makes weekly discoveries of new offshore oilfields, but also has top notch technology in ethanol production (which IMHO is scaring the USA out of its corn fields)using sugarcane.
When one of the states of Brazil is called General Mines(Minas Gerais), you don't have to be Einstein to figure out that Brazil is a force in the mining world (Vale, Gerdau, Cemig)
The US dollar has tanked from a high of around 3.20 in 2002 to the real to around 1.56 yesterday.
Lula ('Shrimp') has simply continued the financial plans put in place by his predecessor Fernando Henrique Cardoso, and the results are showing.
Now all that is missing is a strong movement to eliminate the insane level of corruption, that has poisoned this beautiful country since Pedro Cabral set foot here in 1500.<
Times, They Are A Changing....
Am I quoting Bob Dylan?, I have no clue, but one thing is for sure, this world is changing...and fast.
People may think I am nuts but I have my theories.
In the study of Anthroposophy, brought to the world by Rudolph Steiner, it is believed that our development since birth is in seven year sections. 0-7,7-14,14-21 and so on. It does make alot of sense.
This brings me to the moment upon us in the world. It has been seven years (less one month) since the World Trade Centers in New York were imploded to the ground. I remember this day vividly, and I remember where I was in the world and in my life, and how the world was in August 2001.
It was George W Bush's first (and questionable) presidential mandate. The US economy was chugging along, Bill Clinton had left a SURPLUS to the Bush administration.
Little did I know, or did anyone know, was that within one month, the US, along with the rest of the world, was going to change forever.
We all know what happened on September 11 2001 and I don't like to rehash the past.
What has happened to the world in these past seven years is quite amazing...
1. The US economy has tanked. I believe that after 9/11, the federal government allowed the banks to give out sub prime mortgages to keep the economy running smoothly and to buffer the fallout of the true blow to the American economy that happened on that day. Seven years and billions of dollars later, the truth has come to light, a 590 trillion dollar debt to be left for the next US administration.
2. We have all become wary of any man with a long beard, turban, and women wearing headscarves. We have labelled them as potential terrorists, unwillingly and subconciously. Our telephones, Emails and other forms of communication can be heard by the CIA at any time. Our fundamental freedom is eroding.Its an unfortunate result of the 'War Against Terrorism'. Don't even get me started on the Weapons of Destruction scandal...
3. I can't travel with my favorite creams or bring cachaca back to Canada, unless I put it in my checked luggage and risk having it broken during the trip. I have resorted to wearing slip-ons on the plane as I always have to take off my shoes now.
Airport security is an oxymoron....
4. Americans are, unfortunately,seen as war mongers to the rest of the world. I personally have nothing against the American people, I lived in NYC for years and I loved it, and I have many American friends. Its a shame that their government is run by an absolute moron.
5. The US dollar is no longer the currency of choice. Even Giselle wants to get paid in Euros(and who would blame her?)
6. Brazil has a steady economy....if someone had told me this 15 years ago or even 7 years ago , I would have laughed in his face, but its the investors who are laughing now...
7. One of the presidiential candidates for the USA is named Obama....one letter different than the worlds number one enemy. He is African American, middle name is Houssein and was born in Hawaii..Welcome to globalization. I really hope he can improve the USA...
8 The Canadian dollar is almost at par with the US dollar.
9 We have become a world of cynics and the love is gone. The rule of 'Every man for himself' is ruling the world. Even manners and basic etiquette have suffered.
10 The price of oil over $100 a barrel...Time to buy a Honda.
I honestly believe that we have hit the bottom of the barrel and the only way out is up. If we believe it will get better and do our part, the world will become a better place for our children.
People may think I am nuts but I have my theories.
In the study of Anthroposophy, brought to the world by Rudolph Steiner, it is believed that our development since birth is in seven year sections. 0-7,7-14,14-21 and so on. It does make alot of sense.
This brings me to the moment upon us in the world. It has been seven years (less one month) since the World Trade Centers in New York were imploded to the ground. I remember this day vividly, and I remember where I was in the world and in my life, and how the world was in August 2001.
It was George W Bush's first (and questionable) presidential mandate. The US economy was chugging along, Bill Clinton had left a SURPLUS to the Bush administration.
Little did I know, or did anyone know, was that within one month, the US, along with the rest of the world, was going to change forever.
We all know what happened on September 11 2001 and I don't like to rehash the past.
What has happened to the world in these past seven years is quite amazing...
1. The US economy has tanked. I believe that after 9/11, the federal government allowed the banks to give out sub prime mortgages to keep the economy running smoothly and to buffer the fallout of the true blow to the American economy that happened on that day. Seven years and billions of dollars later, the truth has come to light, a 590 trillion dollar debt to be left for the next US administration.
2. We have all become wary of any man with a long beard, turban, and women wearing headscarves. We have labelled them as potential terrorists, unwillingly and subconciously. Our telephones, Emails and other forms of communication can be heard by the CIA at any time. Our fundamental freedom is eroding.Its an unfortunate result of the 'War Against Terrorism'. Don't even get me started on the Weapons of Destruction scandal...
3. I can't travel with my favorite creams or bring cachaca back to Canada, unless I put it in my checked luggage and risk having it broken during the trip. I have resorted to wearing slip-ons on the plane as I always have to take off my shoes now.
Airport security is an oxymoron....
4. Americans are, unfortunately,seen as war mongers to the rest of the world. I personally have nothing against the American people, I lived in NYC for years and I loved it, and I have many American friends. Its a shame that their government is run by an absolute moron.
5. The US dollar is no longer the currency of choice. Even Giselle wants to get paid in Euros(and who would blame her?)
6. Brazil has a steady economy....if someone had told me this 15 years ago or even 7 years ago , I would have laughed in his face, but its the investors who are laughing now...
7. One of the presidiential candidates for the USA is named Obama....one letter different than the worlds number one enemy. He is African American, middle name is Houssein and was born in Hawaii..Welcome to globalization. I really hope he can improve the USA...
8 The Canadian dollar is almost at par with the US dollar.
9 We have become a world of cynics and the love is gone. The rule of 'Every man for himself' is ruling the world. Even manners and basic etiquette have suffered.
10 The price of oil over $100 a barrel...Time to buy a Honda.
I honestly believe that we have hit the bottom of the barrel and the only way out is up. If we believe it will get better and do our part, the world will become a better place for our children.
Wednesday, July 30
Great Quote...Could have Been a One Liner in SATC
I was perusing my latest blog entries and I just remembered a great expression used by 'modern' women here in Brazil on dealing with men, the dating scene, very Sex and the City. I could even imagine Samantha saying it.
'So porque voce quer 300 gramas de salsicha, nao precisa levar o porco inteiro.'
"Just because you want 300 grams of sausage, doesn't mean you need to take home the whole pig.".
In other words, it means why deal with a man all of the time if all you want him for is for 'fun'.
There is a war between the sexes here in Brazil and unfortunately nobody is winning nor do either party want to call a truce....
'So porque voce quer 300 gramas de salsicha, nao precisa levar o porco inteiro.'
"Just because you want 300 grams of sausage, doesn't mean you need to take home the whole pig.".
In other words, it means why deal with a man all of the time if all you want him for is for 'fun'.
There is a war between the sexes here in Brazil and unfortunately nobody is winning nor do either party want to call a truce....
Tuesday, July 29
You Know You are Canadian...
You know you are Canadian when...
You stand in "line-ups" at the movie, not lines.
You're not offended by the term "Homo Milk".
You understand the sentence, "Could you please pass me a serviette, I just spilled my poutine".
You eat chocolate bars instead of candy bars.
You drink pop, not soda.
You know what it means to be on pogey.
You can drink legally while still a 'teen.
You talk about the weather with strangers and friends alike.
You don't know or care about the fuss with Cuba, it's just a cheap place to travel with good cigars and no Americans.
When there is a social problem, you turn to your government to fix it instead of telling them to stay out of it.
You're not sure if the leader of your nation has EVER had sex and you don't want to know if he has!
You get milk in bags as well as cartons and plastic jugs.
Pike is a type of fish, not some part of a highway.
You drive on a highway, not a freeway.
You know what a Robertson screwdriver is.
You have Canadian Tire money in your kitchen drawers.
You know that Thrills are something to chew and "taste like soap".
You know that Mounties "don't always look like that".
You dismiss all beers under 6% as "for children and the elderly".
You know that the Friendly Giant isn't a vegetable product line.
You know that Casey and Finnegan are not a Celtic musical group.
You participated in "Participaction".
You have an Inuit carving by your bedside with the rationale , "What's good enough protection for the Prime Minister is good enough for me".
You wonder why there isn't a 5 dollar coin yet.
Like any international assassin/terrorist/spy in the world, you carry a Canadian passport.
You use a red pen on your non-Canadian textbooks and fill in the missing 'u's from labor, honor, and color.
You know the French equivalents of "free", "prize", and "no sugar added", thanks to your extensive education in bilingual cereal packaging.
You are excited whenever an American television show mentions Canada.
You make a mental note to talk about it at work the next day.
You can eat more than one maple sugar candy without feeling nauseous.
You were mad when "The Beachcombers" was taken off the air.
You know what a toque is.
You have some memento of Doug and Bob.
You know Toronto is not a province. (...yet)
You never miss "Coaches Corner".
Back bacon and Kraft Dinner are two of your favourite food groups.
You stand in "line-ups" at the movie, not lines.
You're not offended by the term "Homo Milk".
You understand the sentence, "Could you please pass me a serviette, I just spilled my poutine".
You eat chocolate bars instead of candy bars.
You drink pop, not soda.
You know what it means to be on pogey.
You can drink legally while still a 'teen.
You talk about the weather with strangers and friends alike.
You don't know or care about the fuss with Cuba, it's just a cheap place to travel with good cigars and no Americans.
When there is a social problem, you turn to your government to fix it instead of telling them to stay out of it.
You're not sure if the leader of your nation has EVER had sex and you don't want to know if he has!
You get milk in bags as well as cartons and plastic jugs.
Pike is a type of fish, not some part of a highway.
You drive on a highway, not a freeway.
You know what a Robertson screwdriver is.
You have Canadian Tire money in your kitchen drawers.
You know that Thrills are something to chew and "taste like soap".
You know that Mounties "don't always look like that".
You dismiss all beers under 6% as "for children and the elderly".
You know that the Friendly Giant isn't a vegetable product line.
You know that Casey and Finnegan are not a Celtic musical group.
You participated in "Participaction".
You have an Inuit carving by your bedside with the rationale , "What's good enough protection for the Prime Minister is good enough for me".
You wonder why there isn't a 5 dollar coin yet.
Like any international assassin/terrorist/spy in the world, you carry a Canadian passport.
You use a red pen on your non-Canadian textbooks and fill in the missing 'u's from labor, honor, and color.
You know the French equivalents of "free", "prize", and "no sugar added", thanks to your extensive education in bilingual cereal packaging.
You are excited whenever an American television show mentions Canada.
You make a mental note to talk about it at work the next day.
You can eat more than one maple sugar candy without feeling nauseous.
You were mad when "The Beachcombers" was taken off the air.
You know what a toque is.
You have some memento of Doug and Bob.
You know Toronto is not a province. (...yet)
You never miss "Coaches Corner".
Back bacon and Kraft Dinner are two of your favourite food groups.
Friday, July 25
You Know You are Brazilian When.....
You think American bathing suits are enormous.
You like Guarana better than Coke.
If someone tells you to be at a certain place at 1:00 pm, you don't show up until 2:30 or 3:00 p.m.
You know who Xuxa and Pele are.
You still argue Pele is better than Maradona.
Your entire family goes to grandma's house on Sundays for a big family get together....even when you guys see each other everyday.
You can name at least 30 novelas and 10000 actors/actresses.
You would rather die than see Argentina beat Brazil in soccer.
BBQ means steak, sausage, chicken wings, pork, rice, farofa, molho and beer.
You are the loudest person in the room.
You have a Brazilian flag hanging from your car's rearview mirror.
You travel to Brazil and instead of taking a suitcase with all your stuff, you take presents for the entire family, the dog, the neighbor, not to mention the old/used clothes that you take just in case someone needs it.
You're so proud that you're Brazilian you tell everyone.
You leave your house spotless when you have people coming over.
You have a sweet ass (or you like women with them).
You understand & speak Spanish, but when you say a word in Portuguese no one understands you.
You can drop it like it's hot.
Your jokes are always about Portuguese people.
You take soccer too seriously.
You cried when Brazil lost the world cup.
You go to a birthday party,and you can't leave until you take that piece of cake home.
You know what Capoeira is.
You know a lot about Samba and Pagode.
You eat rice and beans at least 7 days a week.
Your breakfast consists of milk and coffee, bread with butter and a piece of cake.
Everyone thinks you're everything but Brazilian.
You know who Os Trapalhoes, Turma da Monica, Zico, Caetano Veloso, Tom Jobim, Elis Regina, Ronaldinho, Jo Soares, Cazuza, Gilberto Gil, Silvio Santos, Roberto Carlos, Ayrton Senna, amd Carmem Miranda are.
You go to a bar and ask for salgadinhos with guarana.
You are so used to corruption that nothing surprises you anymore.
You know how to play dominoes and cards.
You have a sense of fashion.
You wear slippers..a lot!
You know how to play volleyball and handball.
You take pictures everywhere you go.
You know what it's like to buy liquor without an ID.
You know how to party, and if the party isnt over after 5am...its not a party!
Any holiday...being it official or not, is an excuse to stay home from work and take a week vacation.
You know what feijoada and pave are.
Your favorite drink is Caipirinha.
You dress up to go to the supermarket.
You spend an entire day at the beach.
You are too friendly.
You like it hot and sweaty. Both in and outside of the bedroom.
You make friends everywhere you go.
Cachaca rocks your pants off.
You grew up dancing/singing to Xuxa.
Easter is incomplete without bacalhau.
You own havainas in every color imaginable.
You went to Disney World for your 15th birthday.
No meal is complete without rice, farofa and feijao.
You'll fly Varig even if it's a little more expensive because it's Brazilian.
You like mayonnaise on your hot dogs and Americans think you're crazy for it.
You love coracao de frango.
You own a pair of white pants.
You know what bossa nova and pagode is.
This list has been blatantly plagiarized from a group on Facebook, yet it really nails it on the head of what a Brazilian is(citizen as opposed to the other meaning)
You like Guarana better than Coke.
If someone tells you to be at a certain place at 1:00 pm, you don't show up until 2:30 or 3:00 p.m.
You know who Xuxa and Pele are.
You still argue Pele is better than Maradona.
Your entire family goes to grandma's house on Sundays for a big family get together....even when you guys see each other everyday.
You can name at least 30 novelas and 10000 actors/actresses.
You would rather die than see Argentina beat Brazil in soccer.
BBQ means steak, sausage, chicken wings, pork, rice, farofa, molho and beer.
You are the loudest person in the room.
You have a Brazilian flag hanging from your car's rearview mirror.
You travel to Brazil and instead of taking a suitcase with all your stuff, you take presents for the entire family, the dog, the neighbor, not to mention the old/used clothes that you take just in case someone needs it.
You're so proud that you're Brazilian you tell everyone.
You leave your house spotless when you have people coming over.
You have a sweet ass (or you like women with them).
You understand & speak Spanish, but when you say a word in Portuguese no one understands you.
You can drop it like it's hot.
Your jokes are always about Portuguese people.
You take soccer too seriously.
You cried when Brazil lost the world cup.
You go to a birthday party,and you can't leave until you take that piece of cake home.
You know what Capoeira is.
You know a lot about Samba and Pagode.
You eat rice and beans at least 7 days a week.
Your breakfast consists of milk and coffee, bread with butter and a piece of cake.
Everyone thinks you're everything but Brazilian.
You know who Os Trapalhoes, Turma da Monica, Zico, Caetano Veloso, Tom Jobim, Elis Regina, Ronaldinho, Jo Soares, Cazuza, Gilberto Gil, Silvio Santos, Roberto Carlos, Ayrton Senna, amd Carmem Miranda are.
You go to a bar and ask for salgadinhos with guarana.
You are so used to corruption that nothing surprises you anymore.
You know how to play dominoes and cards.
You have a sense of fashion.
You wear slippers..a lot!
You know how to play volleyball and handball.
You take pictures everywhere you go.
You know what it's like to buy liquor without an ID.
You know how to party, and if the party isnt over after 5am...its not a party!
Any holiday...being it official or not, is an excuse to stay home from work and take a week vacation.
You know what feijoada and pave are.
Your favorite drink is Caipirinha.
You dress up to go to the supermarket.
You spend an entire day at the beach.
You are too friendly.
You like it hot and sweaty. Both in and outside of the bedroom.
You make friends everywhere you go.
Cachaca rocks your pants off.
You grew up dancing/singing to Xuxa.
Easter is incomplete without bacalhau.
You own havainas in every color imaginable.
You went to Disney World for your 15th birthday.
No meal is complete without rice, farofa and feijao.
You'll fly Varig even if it's a little more expensive because it's Brazilian.
You like mayonnaise on your hot dogs and Americans think you're crazy for it.
You love coracao de frango.
You own a pair of white pants.
You know what bossa nova and pagode is.
This list has been blatantly plagiarized from a group on Facebook, yet it really nails it on the head of what a Brazilian is(citizen as opposed to the other meaning)
Views of Rio de Janeiro Seldom Seen
Just a quick collection of some photos,old and new taken here in Rio.,
Lost in Translation....
No matter how well you speak a foreign language, there are certain things that simply get lost in translation. This usually happens when there is a cultural element involved. But there are words that just can't be literally translated. I have spent painful moments reading Portuguese subtitles that were totally misinterpreted when they were translated. What could have been a very funny comedy moment for the public here is trampled by the 'lost in translation'.
Examples of Brazilian/Canadian lost in tranlation moments. The Brazilian versions are really funny in daily vernacular, yet in English they fall flat..
1. Pagar o mico./ Pay the monkey.
In Brazil, to 'pay the monkey' means to be in an embarrassing situation in front of others. ie. Meu tio pagou mico na casamento da Marcia quando ele dancou na mesa/ My uncle paid the monkey at Marcia's wedding when he danced on the table.
2. O mala./The suitcase.
A person who is basically a pain in the butt. Think of Chandler's girlfriend Janice on Friends, when she always runs into him at inoportune moments. Chronically late, unorganized and horrible to travel with. Has spawned more superlative expressions such as
2a. O mala sem alca/The suitcase without a handle
2b. O mala sem alca,sem rodinhas/the suitcase without a handle, without wheels.And my favorite,mala sem alca,sem rodinha,feito de papelao,largada na chuva,cheia de tijolos/A suitcase without a handle, without wheels, made of cardboard, in the rain, full of bricks. In other words, MAJOR pain in the butt all around.
3. Maria Chuteira/Mary Soccer Cleats. A woman that goes out with soccer players. The Queen of the Maria Chuteiras is Victoria Beckham.
4. Maria Parafina/Mary Surfing Wax. Females who chronically date surfers.
5.Explique que um nariz de porco nao e tomada/Try to explain that a pigs nose is not an electrical outlet. Used when dealing with stubborn people that have a set mind, that cannot see the other person's viewpoint.
Thanks to the world of hair removal, the word Brazilian has more than one meaning.
Brazilian
* noun
A person who is a citizen of the country, Brazil. Examples of famous Brazilians: Pele, Santos Dumont, Giselle Bundchen.
AND NOW>>>
Brazilian
• noun
a style of waxing a woman's pubic hair in which almost all the hair is removed, with only avery small central strip remaining.,
Examples of Brazilian/Canadian lost in tranlation moments. The Brazilian versions are really funny in daily vernacular, yet in English they fall flat..
1. Pagar o mico./ Pay the monkey.
In Brazil, to 'pay the monkey' means to be in an embarrassing situation in front of others. ie. Meu tio pagou mico na casamento da Marcia quando ele dancou na mesa/ My uncle paid the monkey at Marcia's wedding when he danced on the table.
2. O mala./The suitcase.
A person who is basically a pain in the butt. Think of Chandler's girlfriend Janice on Friends, when she always runs into him at inoportune moments. Chronically late, unorganized and horrible to travel with. Has spawned more superlative expressions such as
2a. O mala sem alca/The suitcase without a handle
2b. O mala sem alca,sem rodinhas/the suitcase without a handle, without wheels.And my favorite,mala sem alca,sem rodinha,feito de papelao,largada na chuva,cheia de tijolos/A suitcase without a handle, without wheels, made of cardboard, in the rain, full of bricks. In other words, MAJOR pain in the butt all around.
3. Maria Chuteira/Mary Soccer Cleats. A woman that goes out with soccer players. The Queen of the Maria Chuteiras is Victoria Beckham.
4. Maria Parafina/Mary Surfing Wax. Females who chronically date surfers.
5.Explique que um nariz de porco nao e tomada/Try to explain that a pigs nose is not an electrical outlet. Used when dealing with stubborn people that have a set mind, that cannot see the other person's viewpoint.
Thanks to the world of hair removal, the word Brazilian has more than one meaning.
Brazilian
* noun
A person who is a citizen of the country, Brazil. Examples of famous Brazilians: Pele, Santos Dumont, Giselle Bundchen.
AND NOW>>>
Brazilian
• noun
a style of waxing a woman's pubic hair in which almost all the hair is removed, with only avery small central strip remaining.,
Thursday, July 24
Getting a Brazilian...in Brazil
After having a good laugh at the perils of living across from a waxing clinic from DRL, it prompted me to put in my two bits worth about the art of waxing and getting the 'Brazilian'.
First and foremost, privacy is key.
I prefer to get all of my 'girlie' services done at specialized places. Waxing should be done in a waxing studio. My favorite is Depile Downtown. The owner is a sweet elegant lady named Denise, and the place is impeccable. They are specialized in the taffy type wax similiar to the JSisters in NYC. If you chicken out, it can be rinsed off! All of the waxers are clean, in uniform and more important of all, THEY DON'T RECYCLE THE WAX, unlike other places. Gross thought to say the least...
If you want a Brazilian, the name here is Virilha Cavada..pronounced 'virillia kavada'. The waxer will ask if you want a bit left behind or all gone.
They don't use tweezers, as they believe this causes ingrown hairs.
Make sure you wax at least 24 hours before going out in the sun as your skin will be sensitive.
I am a faithful client for years, and I highly recommend this place.
First and foremost, privacy is key.
I prefer to get all of my 'girlie' services done at specialized places. Waxing should be done in a waxing studio. My favorite is Depile Downtown. The owner is a sweet elegant lady named Denise, and the place is impeccable. They are specialized in the taffy type wax similiar to the JSisters in NYC. If you chicken out, it can be rinsed off! All of the waxers are clean, in uniform and more important of all, THEY DON'T RECYCLE THE WAX, unlike other places. Gross thought to say the least...
If you want a Brazilian, the name here is Virilha Cavada..pronounced 'virillia kavada'. The waxer will ask if you want a bit left behind or all gone.
They don't use tweezers, as they believe this causes ingrown hairs.
Make sure you wax at least 24 hours before going out in the sun as your skin will be sensitive.
I am a faithful client for years, and I highly recommend this place.
Car Prices in Brazil...continued
Here is the advert I saw for the Santa Fe in Brazil. Here is the link for the Santa Fe in Canada on the Autotrader Website
Climbing in Rio
After a quick trip back home, I realized how blessed Cariocas are. Here in Rio there are over 400 climbing routes just in the city alone. This guidebook (written in Portuguese with English translations) shows the croquis of all of the climbing routes in and around the Sugar Loaf mountain. Each croqui shows the height and what material will be needed to scale the route.
Climbing equipment is expensive here, so bring your own from home. There are some good mountaineering shops here in Rio but nothing like Mountain Equipment Co-op.
The best time of year to climb is between April and October.
Wednesday, July 23
Driving in Rio...It Will Drive You Crazy
I have been driving since I was 13 years old. I have driven in almost all of the countries I have lived in, including a Vespa and Rollerblading in Paris, a bicycle in Manhattan and a cruise cross country in a 1967 Pontiac Lemans.
NOTHING prepared me for driving on the streets of Rio de Janeiro. If any of my readers has gone around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and tried to get off of the go around, well then, you are partly prepared to deal with Rio traffic.
To own a car, one must pay an extranious tax (IPVA) in the neighborhood of 8% of the cars total value on a yearly basis. This tax is to be used for road maintenance. Which brings me to my next point, the road conditions. I wish I had a full time 4x4 4WD vehicle with super suspension. There are holes that have no bottom to them!!! Not only must one drive at Ayrton Senna speed, one must literally dodge the potholes at the same time. Needless to say, the IPVA is misused big time.....
Everyone thinks that they are the incarnation of Ayrton Senna or Nelson Piquet (espcially the men). I think its wonderful that the Brazilian Formula One drivers are doing so well this season, but that doesn't mean that one should emulate them on the roads of Rio.
Truths and tidbits of Driving in Rio
1. Using a signal to tell the driver that you are changing lanes is useless, he wont let you in anyway.
2. Lanes exist, except usually there is someone who creates a third lane on a two lane street to get through traffic. Usually motorcycle messengers, but can be small compact Fiat Uno following an ambulance.
3. Stopping at a red light is optional after midnight. Use the flashing amber light technique taught in Driver's Ed (slow down to see if it is safe to procede, no need to stop)
4. Taxis will cut in front of you. They don't care. They just want the next fare. If you rear end them, you will be responsible (even if it wasn't your fault, their brake lights tend to falter...) Be prepared to pay for 'lost work days'too. Needless to say, I keep an extra eye out for taxis, as I have already had a run-in with one.
5. IF someone does let you in, is courteous etc., a smile and a thumbs up gesture is the best way to thank them.
6. Always drive with windows rolled up, AC on and doors locked. Keep an eye on all your mirrors at stop lights, be aware of what is going on around your car.
Do not react to thieves, do not try to fight back. Keep your hands visible and let them take your purse, your cellphone, the car. Don't look them in the eye. Let them go...you can always get the material stuff back later. I was carjacked here in Rio and I am alive to tell about it.
NOTHING prepared me for driving on the streets of Rio de Janeiro. If any of my readers has gone around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and tried to get off of the go around, well then, you are partly prepared to deal with Rio traffic.
To own a car, one must pay an extranious tax (IPVA) in the neighborhood of 8% of the cars total value on a yearly basis. This tax is to be used for road maintenance. Which brings me to my next point, the road conditions. I wish I had a full time 4x4 4WD vehicle with super suspension. There are holes that have no bottom to them!!! Not only must one drive at Ayrton Senna speed, one must literally dodge the potholes at the same time. Needless to say, the IPVA is misused big time.....
Everyone thinks that they are the incarnation of Ayrton Senna or Nelson Piquet (espcially the men). I think its wonderful that the Brazilian Formula One drivers are doing so well this season, but that doesn't mean that one should emulate them on the roads of Rio.
Truths and tidbits of Driving in Rio
1. Using a signal to tell the driver that you are changing lanes is useless, he wont let you in anyway.
2. Lanes exist, except usually there is someone who creates a third lane on a two lane street to get through traffic. Usually motorcycle messengers, but can be small compact Fiat Uno following an ambulance.
3. Stopping at a red light is optional after midnight. Use the flashing amber light technique taught in Driver's Ed (slow down to see if it is safe to procede, no need to stop)
4. Taxis will cut in front of you. They don't care. They just want the next fare. If you rear end them, you will be responsible (even if it wasn't your fault, their brake lights tend to falter...) Be prepared to pay for 'lost work days'too. Needless to say, I keep an extra eye out for taxis, as I have already had a run-in with one.
5. IF someone does let you in, is courteous etc., a smile and a thumbs up gesture is the best way to thank them.
6. Always drive with windows rolled up, AC on and doors locked. Keep an eye on all your mirrors at stop lights, be aware of what is going on around your car.
Do not react to thieves, do not try to fight back. Keep your hands visible and let them take your purse, your cellphone, the car. Don't look them in the eye. Let them go...you can always get the material stuff back later. I was carjacked here in Rio and I am alive to tell about it.
Monday, July 21
Molho Canarioca
Ingredients:
red, green, yellow peppers
onions
flat leafed parsley
salt pepper
olive oil
lemon juice
)
Mince, mix, enjoy!!!
Wednesday, July 16
Mystery Falcon...Any Ornothologists Around??
This bird and her partner are in the midst of building a nest in the tree in front of my window. I have no clue as to what kind of eagle/falcon it is...Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Friday, July 11
Here There and Everywhere
I have been a lazy blogger lately, waiting for inspiration. I , however, have received some great feedback and comments on what I have written, along with some criticism. This is part of writing a blog and I do take all comments to heart. I was quite hurt by a comment received by a Brazilian woman in Rio de Janeiro.The point of my blog is to inform and educate no holds barred about life in Rio de Janeiro. I could sugar coat it, not unlike the type of friend that will tell you what you want to hear, or I could just tell it like it is, and that is my intent.
Saturday, June 28
Zero Tolerance for Drinking and Driving in Brazil
A new law has just been approved and sanctioned by the Brazilian president that has zero tolerance on drinking and driving. If you are pulled over and made to take the breathalizer, and it is found that you have ingested even ONE beer, game over. Your license will be taken away and you will pay a 1000 real fine.
More than 25,000 people die in car accidents annually in Brazil, with 60% of these accidents alcohol related. The statistics are beyond comprehension.. I applaud the Brazilian lawmakers, yet I am doubtful it will stick. The brewing and distillery industries have a large lobby in Brasilia. Unfortunately, in the absence of common sense, the government here had to do what was needed, zero tolerance. Sometimes that is the only way to wake people up to a grave problem.
Now its up to this same government to fix the highways so they will be safe for all drivers.
And maybe dreate a law against cell phones and driving!!!
Saturday, June 14
The Insane Prices of Cars in Brazil
Hard to believe that Brazil is a car manufacturing country. The prices for cars and SUV's are absolutely ludacris. I was looking at an ad for a Hyundai Santa Fe here in Brazil. The price is 149 700 reais which is about 93500 Canadian dollars. Hyundai manufactures this car here in Brazil. I went on the Autotrader.ca site and tracked down the same car in Canada and the base price with freight was 38800. Almost two thirds less!!!!
Another crazy comparison. A Classe A Mercedes from 2003 is worth about 16000 dollars. With that amount, one can buy a used Volve XC70 station wagon in Calgary. The same XC70 wagon(used)here would put one back about 50000 dollars.
People think that Brazil is cheap, but its not. The weak dollar has made life very good for the Brazilians, but terrible for those living on a dollar salary. Three years ago,the dollar to the real was almost 3-1. Now its 1.6 reais to the dollar. Prices continue to rise, and there are people somewhere here that are making big bucks somehow...
Another crazy comparison. A Classe A Mercedes from 2003 is worth about 16000 dollars. With that amount, one can buy a used Volve XC70 station wagon in Calgary. The same XC70 wagon(used)here would put one back about 50000 dollars.
People think that Brazil is cheap, but its not. The weak dollar has made life very good for the Brazilians, but terrible for those living on a dollar salary. Three years ago,the dollar to the real was almost 3-1. Now its 1.6 reais to the dollar. Prices continue to rise, and there are people somewhere here that are making big bucks somehow...
Friday, June 13
Flying Back and Forth to Canada..
I have noticed something on the website of Continental that kind of boggles my mind. As I am always looking for good deals to fly to Canada, I was searching fares. As it turns out, if you pay with a Canadian credit card, the flight is almost 500 dollars more expensive than if you pay it with a Brazilian credit card.
Try it yourself, when paying with a Brazilian issued credit card, the fare is 1265 USD plus taxes,with a Canadian credit card,it costs 1707 USD plus taxes.Just go up to the top right corner and change your billing country.
I used to fly on Air Canada,but their connecting flight from Sao Paulo to Rio is very inconvenient, whereas Continental has a very good schedule between Calgary and Rio de Janeiro via Houston, AKA the 'petroleum milkrun'.
Try it yourself, when paying with a Brazilian issued credit card, the fare is 1265 USD plus taxes,with a Canadian credit card,it costs 1707 USD plus taxes.Just go up to the top right corner and change your billing country.
I used to fly on Air Canada,but their connecting flight from Sao Paulo to Rio is very inconvenient, whereas Continental has a very good schedule between Calgary and Rio de Janeiro via Houston, AKA the 'petroleum milkrun'.
Lover's Day in Brazil
At home we have Valentine's Day on February 14th. The Brazilian version is called Dia dos Namorados and is 'celebrated'on June 12th which in fact is St. Anthony's,the patron saint of marriage. Folklore has it that women go and pray to Saint Anthony to help them find a husband. Well if you ask me, considering the slim pickings here, poor St. Anthony must be working overtime.
I have a hard time with commorative days,Mother's Day, Father's Day,Family Day, Children's Day for the simple reason that EVERYDAY should be Mother's Day Father's Day etc etc. Why just one day? We should remember our parents, partners and children everyday and treat them special every day, not just on their 'day'on the calendar.
To me its just another Hallmark invention and a way for commerce to capitalize sales during a slow month here.
Wednesday, June 11
My Favorite Restaurant in Rio de Janeiro
Today, I took my two boys out for lunch. Where did they want to go? Our favorite restaurant in Rio de Janeiro, Wasabi. It had been well over a year since we had been there and to my surprise, it had expanded, but still had the South Hampton-meets-Buzios feel to it.
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Being the polite Canadian, I asked the owner if it was okay to take photographs of his restaurant and I explained about my blog. So in effect, this is my first real restaurant review. All comments are welcome,folks!.
Wasabi is a fusion restaurant in Barra da Tijuca owned and run by Alex Jorge. He has been involved with food since 1988 when he started out as a sushiman. At that time, he also got involved with Italian cooking. Sushi restaurants abound here in Rio, but Alex took his sushi to a new level. Over the years, Alex has fused oriental food with a Brazilian touch, by using local ingredients. Imagine a grilled fish kabob with mangos and leeks...divine. When I asked Alex to sum up his feeling about his type of food, he said that the most important for him is that it is done with love. And it is.
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The view from the restaurant is amazingly beautiful, looking over a lagoon and the mountains, on a clear day you can see up the back of the Gavea Rock and the Floresta da Tijuca...Venice meets Rio.
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The chef, Vitor Lisboa, puts out dishes such as 'Crock Nira', made with salmon, kani and nira rolled in a tempura batter and lightly fried, and Fish Tataki, made with assorted fish, green onions rolled in an edible rice paper.
There is, of course, the sushi bar with two sushimen cutting fish and rolling to feed the demand for classic Japanese fare. My son Caetano is a big fan of the sushi, and my other son, Cristiano, can't get enough of the rings of squid, done tempura style.My favorite is the seared tuna sashimi with black sesame seed crust....mmmmm.
Wasabi has a bit of everything for everyone, vegetarian,Japanese, so it is a good option for grownups and for kids (it also has a kids menu).
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Wasabi
Shopping Barra Point
Av Armando Lombardi 350,3rd floor
Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro
Telephone (21) 2491 2920
www.wasabisushi.com.br
Open Daily from 12h -24h
Prices from R$3.99/100g during the week at lunch, R$4.29/100g weekends and holidays
Evening buffet from R$42.90 during the week, R$45.90 on weekends and holidays
WiFi available
All credit cards accepted
.jpg)
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Being the polite Canadian, I asked the owner if it was okay to take photographs of his restaurant and I explained about my blog. So in effect, this is my first real restaurant review. All comments are welcome,folks!.
Wasabi is a fusion restaurant in Barra da Tijuca owned and run by Alex Jorge. He has been involved with food since 1988 when he started out as a sushiman. At that time, he also got involved with Italian cooking. Sushi restaurants abound here in Rio, but Alex took his sushi to a new level. Over the years, Alex has fused oriental food with a Brazilian touch, by using local ingredients. Imagine a grilled fish kabob with mangos and leeks...divine. When I asked Alex to sum up his feeling about his type of food, he said that the most important for him is that it is done with love. And it is.
.jpg)
The view from the restaurant is amazingly beautiful, looking over a lagoon and the mountains, on a clear day you can see up the back of the Gavea Rock and the Floresta da Tijuca...Venice meets Rio.
.jpg)
The chef, Vitor Lisboa, puts out dishes such as 'Crock Nira', made with salmon, kani and nira rolled in a tempura batter and lightly fried, and Fish Tataki, made with assorted fish, green onions rolled in an edible rice paper.
There is, of course, the sushi bar with two sushimen cutting fish and rolling to feed the demand for classic Japanese fare. My son Caetano is a big fan of the sushi, and my other son, Cristiano, can't get enough of the rings of squid, done tempura style.My favorite is the seared tuna sashimi with black sesame seed crust....mmmmm.
Wasabi has a bit of everything for everyone, vegetarian,Japanese, so it is a good option for grownups and for kids (it also has a kids menu).
.jpg)
Wasabi
Shopping Barra Point
Av Armando Lombardi 350,3rd floor
Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro
Telephone (21) 2491 2920
www.wasabisushi.com.br
Open Daily from 12h -24h
Prices from R$3.99/100g during the week at lunch, R$4.29/100g weekends and holidays
Evening buffet from R$42.90 during the week, R$45.90 on weekends and holidays
WiFi available
All credit cards accepted
Hockey Night in Canada Theme Song ...Update
In a last minute coup, CTV closed a deal with the composer of the HNIC anthem, dealing a blow to the CBC.
Note to the CBC....Get with the program!!!
Note to the CBC....Get with the program!!!
Tuesday, June 10
What to Wear in Winter in Rio de Janeiro
The thought of Rio de Janeiro usually conjures up visions of heat, humidity,sweat and sun. What the travel magazines fail to tell you that, yes, Rio de Janeiro has winter.
Between December and March, the temperature in Rio is usually above 30C, spiking up to 40 on really hot days. It is definitely 'less is more' during that time of year. We are in June and the weather is pleasantly warm and dry. Right now there is a dry wind coming from the inland, bringing blue skies with it. Thanks to global warming, the seasons here are becoming a bit askew, but in the end, there comes a time when the mercury can get down to 12 degrees Celcius.
So if I may venture into travel tips land, these are my tips for dressing properly year round in Rio de Janeiro.
I am a HUGE fan of the single bag/suitcase philosophy. There is a great website that you can print out a packing list for a single bag. http://www.onebag.com/popups/what2pack.pdf The website writes:
What to pack when travelling? An old adage suggests bringing half as
much clothing and twice as much money. This is a list of the maximum
amount of stuff one should ever need to cart around (and all of it—except
for what you’ll be wearing—will fit into a single carryon-sized bag).
Eliminate items whenever possible. Minimize clothing by selecting a
uniform (one or two) colour scheme. Choose fabrics carefully: natural
fabrics wrinkle more easily and dry more slowly than modern synthetics.
Learn to “bundle wrap”, to avoid wrinkles and save space. And remember
that there are two kinds of luggage: carryon and lost.
For Rio de Janeiro, I suggest a color scheme of beige or khaki, white, navy and your favorite color to give a 'pop'. Cariocas are not big black fans but the quintessential little black dress never misses. If your trip includes Sao Paulo, then yes, wearing black in SP is okay. A pashmina scarf will do wonders year round...it may be 40C outside in the summer, but they LOVE their AC down here. Cashmere cardigans are a good thing year round. Quick dry fabrics are key and I have trousers from Mountain Equipment Co-op that I live in!!! Buy your bikini down here. The bikini shop, Banco de Areia, has an outlet in the shopping mall in Barra da Tijuca called 'Downtown'(not to be confused with the city center)where they carry pieces from the export line..translation being it will cover your bum and it is 'Glencoe Club' friendly. Clothes from Lululemon in Canada are also no brainers.
Cariocas tend to be more casual than a New Yorker for example, yet a sports jacket is a must for a man as there are some restaurants that do have a dress code. AVOID LINEN..Its hot and wrinkles in a second. A summer weave from cool wool will fit the bill. Blue jacket and khakis will go from the boardroom to a party very easily here.
Zip off pants are the best invention since ice cream. Versatility to the max.
And if worse comes to worse, there is GREAT shopping down here.
Between December and March, the temperature in Rio is usually above 30C, spiking up to 40 on really hot days. It is definitely 'less is more' during that time of year. We are in June and the weather is pleasantly warm and dry. Right now there is a dry wind coming from the inland, bringing blue skies with it. Thanks to global warming, the seasons here are becoming a bit askew, but in the end, there comes a time when the mercury can get down to 12 degrees Celcius.
So if I may venture into travel tips land, these are my tips for dressing properly year round in Rio de Janeiro.
I am a HUGE fan of the single bag/suitcase philosophy. There is a great website that you can print out a packing list for a single bag. http://www.onebag.com/popups/what2pack.pdf The website writes:
What to pack when travelling? An old adage suggests bringing half as
much clothing and twice as much money. This is a list of the maximum
amount of stuff one should ever need to cart around (and all of it—except
for what you’ll be wearing—will fit into a single carryon-sized bag).
Eliminate items whenever possible. Minimize clothing by selecting a
uniform (one or two) colour scheme. Choose fabrics carefully: natural
fabrics wrinkle more easily and dry more slowly than modern synthetics.
Learn to “bundle wrap”, to avoid wrinkles and save space. And remember
that there are two kinds of luggage: carryon and lost.
For Rio de Janeiro, I suggest a color scheme of beige or khaki, white, navy and your favorite color to give a 'pop'. Cariocas are not big black fans but the quintessential little black dress never misses. If your trip includes Sao Paulo, then yes, wearing black in SP is okay. A pashmina scarf will do wonders year round...it may be 40C outside in the summer, but they LOVE their AC down here. Cashmere cardigans are a good thing year round. Quick dry fabrics are key and I have trousers from Mountain Equipment Co-op that I live in!!! Buy your bikini down here. The bikini shop, Banco de Areia, has an outlet in the shopping mall in Barra da Tijuca called 'Downtown'(not to be confused with the city center)where they carry pieces from the export line..translation being it will cover your bum and it is 'Glencoe Club' friendly. Clothes from Lululemon in Canada are also no brainers.
Cariocas tend to be more casual than a New Yorker for example, yet a sports jacket is a must for a man as there are some restaurants that do have a dress code. AVOID LINEN..Its hot and wrinkles in a second. A summer weave from cool wool will fit the bill. Blue jacket and khakis will go from the boardroom to a party very easily here.
Zip off pants are the best invention since ice cream. Versatility to the max.
And if worse comes to worse, there is GREAT shopping down here.
Monday, June 9
Sex and the City..the Movie...the Disappointment
I just got back from a Monday matinee(being underemployed is such joy)where I saw the film 'Sex and the City..the Movie'. I must first of all thank my wonderful boyfriend, Eduardo, for understanding my girliness of not wanting to see Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark 4. Looking back now, I kind of wish I had spent 2 hours with Harrison rather than Carrie and her clan.
Why was I disappointed? It's simple. They basically took a plot line (one that I have seen already in the series) that would have fit into a 25 minute HBO episode and dragged it out for 2 hours. I missed the quickness of the TV series and I found Carrie to be boring and definitely not witty. Charlotte was too shrill and Miranda was just,well TOO Miranda. The only saving grace was Kim Cattral(you go girl...fellow Canadian)with her one liners.
I kind of wish that they had ended SATC when Big connected with Carrie in Paris, not with a movie that was, in the end, a major bummer.
Why was I disappointed? It's simple. They basically took a plot line (one that I have seen already in the series) that would have fit into a 25 minute HBO episode and dragged it out for 2 hours. I missed the quickness of the TV series and I found Carrie to be boring and definitely not witty. Charlotte was too shrill and Miranda was just,well TOO Miranda. The only saving grace was Kim Cattral(you go girl...fellow Canadian)with her one liners.
I kind of wish that they had ended SATC when Big connected with Carrie in Paris, not with a movie that was, in the end, a major bummer.
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