International Club of Rio de Janeiro
www.incrio.org.br
February 2014
CARNIVAL 2014
1
First word
2
Introduction Vice president
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Events Calendar
4- 6
Introuduction of our board
7
Excursions
8
Excursion to Forte Copacabana
9 - 10
Angra dos Reis
11 - 12
Vassouras
13
Zona sul Cafezinho—Sunday Sunset Happy Hour
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Weekend Getaway
15
General meeting - Thursty Thursday
16
Concert Evening Event
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Those who make it happen
Hello everyone, Hopefully, you are enjoying this wonderful summer weather and are ready to join us for another year of great activities. Our January General Meeting was the event that has officially kicked off our 2014 activities. We saw lots of smiling, tanned faces, already making plans for Carnival. Valeria Lobo was our hostess and Alison McGowan from http://www.hiddenpousadasbrazil.com/ was our guest speaker. In the name of the InC, I would like to say thank you for giving us the opportunity to spend such a lovely morning together. Jackie Stern spoke of her plans for excursions around Rio and I introduced everyone to my favorite place, Angra dos Reis. Jackie's excursions will be once a month on a Friday and I will be planning some day tours and weekend getaways to Ilha Grande and Paraty. You will probably notice that The Echo has a new format. This year each one of our nine board members will fill you in monthly on what his or her area of expertise does for you and the Club. Please take the time to read through it. You will probably be amazed at the wealth of info and opportunities each has to offer. Please also pay special attention to our new calendar because some of the times and days have been changed. We take great care in scheduling our activities so as to accommodate your busy life styles while dodging the insane Rio traffic situation. Hope to see you at our events. Invite your friends and spread the word. The InC is undeniably (just check our calendar) the most active and upbeat expat club in Rio. Bringing you fun events, weekend getaways, and lots of information that will make your expat experience a memorable one.. My best to you all, Bonnie
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Adiane Mitidiero—Vice president
Hello everyone, When Bonnie first invited me to be part of the InC board, it was because she felt that as a lawyer and a Brazilian I could contribute valuable expertise on the legal aspects the club faces, such as contracts, taxes, insurance etc. I felt the mixed emotions of enthusiasm and butterflies in my stomach because I knew, that I wanted to give so much more than just that. Why? Because I really care about our association and admire that so many people work so hard to give their best to help both the expat community and also the needy in the Brazilian society. How much time I would have to dedicate to this function was the big question, since I already have a busy day with my family, company and volunteer work. I have so many ideas, but to get them off the ground, I need a team and that is where I need your help. Each month in this space, I will introduce you to new projects and ideas. SPONSORSHIP My first priority. Why? Because relying only on membership fees is not enough when budgeting events and services. That is why we engage with and encourage companies and fellow InC members to become sponsors. It is quite simple. Any service that is provided by a sponsor gives our members a minimum 10% discount and a 10% contribution to the InC funds. Our members win, the charities benefit and it is easier for the InC to provide volunteer opportunities for expats who want to make a difference. It is impossible to do it alone! Let’s do it together! Are you interested to helping? Send me an email to vp@inc.org.br
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Susan Loveland - Executive Secretary As Executive Secretary, I am responsible for keeping the official calendar as well as recording the discussions and decisions from our monthly executive board meetings. At these meetings, the board works democratically to make good decisions about issues that affect the club, we plan to share more about these decisions with you in this space in the future. As always, we welcome members’ help and input on creating activities and using club resources. For more information about the technicalities of how the club operates, the statues and bylaws are available for viewing on the website in the members foyer, InC Organization tab. And if you ever have any questions about club policy or the calendar feel free to email me for clarification.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Zona Sul Cafezinho
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Jackie Stern Excursions 16
17
18
19
20
Sunday Sunset Happy Hour
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General Meeting
Angra Day Trip
Leblon
Barra 23
21
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25
26
27
28
Thursty Thursday Zona Sul February 2014 The ECHO
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Tina Wagner - Treasurer Due to a computer problem, the year-end numbers could not yet be produced, but it is clear that the InC closed 2013 with positive numbers and will be able to donate the amount budgeted for 2014 to the different charities it supports. We will do our best to publish the numbers in the Echo of February. A big thank you to all the members present at the General Meeting this month for participating in our raffle drawings. We were able to collect an extra R$320,00!
Liliana Perilla Rojas - Membership Director We want to welcome our new member, Mrs Parvine Busch. The true base of the InC are its members, and any ideas, advice or help you can provide to make it more fun and rewarding for everybody are welcomed with open arms. If you have something you would like to contribute, you can contact any board member. All current members who haven’t renewed their membership for 2014 are invited to do so and join in on all the exciting activities we will be offering in 2014. The easiest and fastest way to renew is by going to the InC website and print your boleto (see our website for renewal instructions), or contact the membership director if you prefer to pay with cash or a check.
Valeria Lobo - Events Director As another year begins, our new board is full of ideas for events and activities for you but we do need your cooperation! You might not be aware but venues are our biggest problem and since we depend on them to have our General Meetings and some other activities, We need your cooperation. You will find a sign up sheet at our next meeting and I encourage you to write your names down to host a meeting or event. We have a "helpers" group that will support you any way you need! Also, if you have ideas and suggestions for speakers, activities or anything else, feel free to contact me at events@incrio.org.br
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Raf Kiss—Communications Director 2014 communications director and sole male member of the InC executive board. My background is in venture capital, accounting and also did some network administration. I am also an outdoors enthusiast and love hiking the trails or climbing the mountains of the Tijuca Forest. I also love mountain biking, swimming and will also get involved in organizing some of this year’s adventure excursions I moved to Brazil in 2009 and became a tour guide but I am also running the Expat information portal AngloINFO Rio de Janeiro, Vacancies in the Communications team To run smoothly, our team should ideally consist of 5-7 people, and since I noticed that we are a few people short. For example Brenda, our current Echo Editor will be leaving Rio very soon. One of the first things I would like to ask if there are a few creative and computer savvy people amongst you who are interested in joining the communications team. If you can dedicate a little of your spare time to help in preparing the monthly Echo, the event flyers, monitoring the Facebook page, etc... (There just might be a caipirinha in it for you)
Natalie Wesson - Fundraising Director I joined the board of InC Rio to lead the fundraising efforts in 2014. I am British-Brazilian with a background in the hospitality industry. A few of our members have volunteered to join forces with me in developing a series of fun events to raise funds for charity and generate awareness for the InC Rio. There will be four major fundraisers; the first of which will be in April. Inspired by stylish yet decadent years of the prohibition, our first fundraiser, adequately entitled "Speakeasy," will be a jazzy night filled with plenty of champagne and tailored cocktails in a secret location. Announcements for the upcoming events and how you can help will be published in Echo and InC Rio's official Facebook page. Stay tuned!
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Marian Dinardo - Charity Director I would like to introduce myself as the new INC Director of Charities. I am taking over the position for 2014 from Robyn Thompson and I realize that I have an enormous challenge ahead of me to be as successful as Robyn. She has done a tremendous job as Charity Director and I would like to thank her for her hard work and dedication to the position, and personally for all the help and support she has given me in the last few months. Over the festive period INC supported our nominated charities across the city, in particular buying Christmas gifts for children and young people involved in the various projects in which members are involved as volunteers. INC provided Christmas gifts for over 100 children including thirty six children in the “Onda Solidária” project, approximately twenty five teenagers in Cidade de Deus, as well as books for around fifty six pre-school children in the project in Rocinha. The Christmas party in Cidade De Deus was attended by Robyn and Susan and there are pictures of this event on the INC Facebook page. In 2013 we supported six charities. In 2014 we will continue to support various charitable institutions and at this time we are receiving applications for funding from both existing and new projects. The closing date for applications is 27th February 2014, after this date the charity committee will meet to assess the applications and confirm the charities we will sponsor for this year. In later editions I will keep members updated with the outcome of the application process. I have no doubt that there will be lots of volunteer positions available in the coming months and I will alert you to these in future editions of the Echo. Marian DiNardo
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Many people live their lives unremarkably. With few grand surprises, and then there are the curious ones. We travel, we explore, and we live boldly. We are a community on a journey defined by our experiences and the people we meet along the way. The farther we go, the more the world opens up to us, and possibilities become endless. No matter where our travels take us or how forward the territory, we find that we belong. Doors are opened, friendships are forged and the unfamiliar becomes HOME. A text form small world website The International Club Rio is a club that addresses lifestyle and guaranteed to make your journey unforgettable. This year we are adding travel and exploration to our already extensive list of events. Meet the TEAM: Jackie Stern - Excursions in Rio Raf Kiss - Adventure travel Bonnie Kobert Harrison - Angra and Paraty Alison Mc Gowan - Hidden Pousadas
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Jackie
Rio
Hi I am Jackie Stern, our February excursion will take us exploring in and around the Forte de Copacabana. When: Friday, February 14, 2014 Time: 10:30 am Lunch: 12:30 pm Entrance fee: R$6.00 Location: Ave Atlantica closest to Arpoador and Ipanema We will meet at the main entrance gate . We will visit the interesting though small museum and see German canons that were never fired as well as watch a short historical film about the building of the Christ statue. Remember to bring your cameras or smart phones because when we climb the rock at the top of the fort there is a spectacular view! For those who chose to stay on for lunch, we will have a bite at Confeiteria Colombo, located within the military area, which also has an outside patio with a magnificent view of what the locals call "a princesinha do mar" the princess of the sea aka Copacabana! please RSVP by email to me at jdb@amcham.com.br Hope to see lots of you then! Please note that this entrance is where you pay the R$6 entrance fee, already inside the military area, not the first entrance on the street itself. There is limited parking available; sometimes within the military area (to the right of main entry gate)
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It may come as a surprise but most Cariocas have not been to Angra dos Reis. Even though it is only about a two hour drive from Barra, many Brazilians consider it a very exclusive destination for the rich and famous. When one speaks of Angra what comes to mind are beautiful weekend homes in closed condos and very expensive luxury cruisers needed to access Ilha Grande and the other 365 islands and 2000 beaches that go all the way to Paraty. On the other hand you have a booming tourist business with schooners that carry up to 100 tourists out and around the islands or the ferry that takes you to Abra達o, the bustling little town on Ilha Grande. I want to show you the magical places of the islands and the hidden treasures that only the insiders know about. Beaches you can only reach by cruiser or sailboat. Last year the InC organized two excursions to ilha Grande providing a glimpse of this paradise that lies just to the south of Rio. Two cruisers, an overnight in a Pousada and we carried along our very own French chef who cooked and BBQ-ed up a storm while the group cruised around the island, swam, sunbathed, snorkeled and traipsed through tropical rainforest. It was so much fun and such a overwhelming success that we are playing with the idea of not only repeating weekend trips, but exploring with day tours. I hope you will take a look at this three minute "virtual vacation" by watching this little video. It takes us from Rio to Angra showing some of the most beautiful places. It starts with our Lagoa Christmas tree which was the event that ended our 2013 InC activities and takes you on an aerial tour to Angra. First stop is the Bottina Islands and then on to the Lagoa Azul. http://youtu.be/qwX6I110vso Since 2004, Vic and I have kept a 29 foot cruiser anchored at Verolme, the largest, state of the art marina in South America, Located between Mangaritiba and the town of Angra dos Reis. It is a private marina with top security so you can safely leave your car for the day or weekend.
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Suggestions for a daytrip 101 The number of cruisers will depend on the size of the group. It is important you know that you will have licensed sailor on board and the required insurance. First stop: After a leisurely cruise we reach the Ilhas Bottinas. This is where you want to unpack your picnic and enjoy some drinks, finger food while feeding crackers to a swarm of Sargent fish. The crystal clear waters are a haven for snorkeling. Should you have a camera that takes movies underwater, this is the place to try it. Second stop: now heading towards Ilha Grande, the not to be missed Lagoa Azul. The favorite place of the rich and famous not only because of the waters but also because the lush tropical rain forest that surrounds it. The stress of the week melts away and once you are ready, we head around Ilha Grande to a beautifully calm and magical Saco do Ceu. This mangrove bay hosts two of the best restaurants on the Island Cocqeiro Verde and Reis Magos where you can enjoy a late lunch. The cuisine is seafood and is to be chosen from an a la carte menu. You always set your own pace, and when you are ready, we start back towards the Marina at the end of a beautifully relaxing day. I guarantee you will feel like you've been on vacation.
The price per person for a day trip depends on the size of the group. Rental fee per day is R$1300 (InC members get a 10% discount) R$1170 (safely carries up to 10 people, so $117 per person) Sailor's daily fee:
R$150
Your day starts with a full tank and when you return you replace only what was used. Should you be interested, call your friends and lets get a group together for a fun day out. Once the date has been decided, I will send you more specific info. For each day out the InC receives a contribution of R$130 towards our Charity funds. Suggested date: Saturday, FEB 22 but it can be any day a group comes together. TIME: Leaving from Recreio at 8- 8:30AM RETURNING FROM VEROLME AT 5PM so you are back in Rio early evening. RSVP: president@incrio.org.br
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Brazil’s hidden gems – Vassouras, the city of the Coffee Baron
Vassouras was one of the most important cities of Brazil during the Coffee era Coffee used to be one of the biggest economical drivers of 19th century Brazil, and Vassouras was the financial and commercial heart of the coffee trade during Brazil’s imperial period. Vassouras didn’t start out that way, however. Its name refers to “vassoura” which is Portuguese for “broom”. Before becoming the most important coffee producing region of Brazil, the hills around Vassouras were covered with a kind of shrub (tupeiçava) that was excellent for producing brooms. Hence the name “Vassouras”
enabled them to turn their farms into true rural palaces. Some of the main tourist attractions in the city of Vassouras are: •
Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição – Main church of Vassouras
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Praça Barão de Campo Belo – the square in front of the church
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Museu da Chácara da Hera – Museum, former residence of one of the most wealthy coffee traders in the region
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Antiga Estação Ferroviária – The antique train Station. (see picture below)
Going back to the 18th century, when the gold and diamond mines of Minas Gerais were the colony’s primary • source of wealth, Vassouras was merely a place where trav• ellers used to rest on their dangerous quest into the deep interior, in search of fortune. • During the second half of the 18th century, the gold and diamond mines started to run dry, and Brazil needed another export product to finance its own, but also Portugal’s • economical expansion and that product became known as the “green gold”: Coffee
Biblioteca Maurício de Lacerda – The library Paço Municipal / Prédio da Prefeitura e Câmara Municipal – City hall and former prison Chafariz D. Pedro II – fountain in honour of Pedro II, second emperor of Brazil Colégio Santos Anjos – College. Mausoléu da Família do Barão de Itambé – Mausoleum of the family of Baron of Itambe
Vassouras was initially what was known as a “sesmaria”, which were pieces of land that were “given” to people with money and a sense of adventure in order for them to develop agricultural activity – mostly coffee. This was one way the Portuguese Crown promoted the expansion of Brazil’s population and economy. In 1782, the “sesmaria de Vassouras e Rio Bonito” was donated to Fransisco Rodrigues Alves, and thus started the development of not only Vassouras, but also of the coffee era. Many coffee farms (Fazendas) were constructed in the area, and by 1828, coffee production exceeded sugar for the first time. At one point, the fazendas in the region around Vassouras were responsible for 65% of Brazil’s total coffee export.
Train station in Vassouras – according to some, the most beautiful of the country. Inaugurated in 1914 and closed again in 1970.
The high prices on the world coffee market made the fazendeiros (fazenda owners) extremely wealthy, which February 2014 The ECHO
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The Coffee Fazendas
As mentioned above, the coffee fazendas are the main reason why tourists would want to come and visit this historically important region.
The casa Grande (the main house) of Fazenda Ponte Alta near Vassouras There are 33 fazendas that you can visit in a 5000km² area around Vassouras, each with its own specific history and identity. Some of them offer rooms where you can spend a few nights, exploring the region. One example that I visited myself is Fazenda Ponte Alta, formerly owned by the Baron of Mambucaba and his family. This fazenda is also a pousada, offering rooms which have the original furniture and serving its meals in the original silver plates, just like in the golden days of the coffee barons. Even an afternoon visit to the fazenda is a very special experience. It is a combination of cultural, ecological and pedagogical tourism, taking place at the exact location where the historical events occurred almost 200 years ago.
from the slaves who once did hard labour here. The “senzalas” (slave quarters), the chapel, the “Engenho” (workshop) the water wheels, and the main house (casa grande) are beautifully restored to give the visitor the best impression of how it used to be, almost 200 years ago. The senzalas hold a museum with original pieces used at the fazenda, like kitchen equipment, small devices used in the coffee production and devices used to torture the slaves. Another part of the museum is dedicated to art of the time, holding reproductions of jean Baptiste Debret, the French painter who made many valuable lithographs, depicting the people of Brazil. A few times per year, you can also enjoy events like festa Junina, and an imperial gala evening, where all the participants are dressed in 18th century clothes. The fazenda can also be booked for weddings and birthdays, Conventions, and has yearly Christmas and New Year’s events. For everyone interested in the history of Brazil, a visit to the Vale do Café and one or more of its fazendas is a not to miss experience. More on Brazil’s economy during the Imperial period (Wikipedia)
Visitors are welcomed by people in 18th century attire, representing historical figures that once lived and worked at the fazenda, like the baron of Mambucaba, a former owner. The back of the main house with three imperial palm trees (palmeiras imperial) which were used to show the social status of the owner of the fazenda As part of the visit, there is a sort of theatre presentation, during which five actors tell the story of the history of the fazenda and the Vale do Café, also known as the Paraíba valley, after the Paraíba do Sul River that runs through the valley. One of the actors is Dona Rosa, who is a direct descendant February 2014 The ECHO
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Zona Sul Cafezinho Speaker: Dr. Monica Wolff will be speaking on nutrition. Date: Feb 7th Time: 10:30– 12:30 pm 12:30 - 1:30pm Lunch Quiche and Salad (R$10.00) RSVP: events@inc.org.br
Sunday Sunset Happy Hour Date: Sunday, Feb 16th Time: 4:00 pm Cost : Consumption Location: Hollandaise Ave. Lucio Costa 5750 Barra da Tijuca
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Weekend Getaway to the Vale do Café (March 29 and 30 2014) The first weekend getaway trip of 2014 for members of the InC will be a trip to the Vale do Café (Coffee vallee). Below is the proposed program. If you are interested in the trip please get in touch with Raf Kiss by April 2 to show your interest. To make it viable and financially attractive we need to fill up a 26 seats mini bus. We will visit the lovely colonial town of Conservatoria, which is located at 142 kms NW of Rio. Conservatoria was founded in 1789 and has retained its quaint rural charm. Its claim to fame is its "serestas" performed at weekends! There are also many stories of UFO sightings in the area. Time Schedule: Day 1
09:00: Departure in Rio
Visit of the 19th century Fazenda Ponte Alta (former coffee farm) near the city of Barra do Pirai
Sarau (Historic show) and lunch on the premises (www.pontealta.com.br)
Conservatoria: Accommodation in the charming Pousada Solmaior
Dinner and afterwards musical show of typical serestas. A seresta is a group of musicians - mostly guitar players - who sing popular ballads.
Day 2
Breakfast
10:00 Departure for Vassouras
Lunch in Vassouras
Afternoon: Museu da Chácara da Hera (Former residence of the richest coffee baron in the region)
Return to Rio. Arrival around 6pm.
Other
Price: R$ 400.00 per person/double occupancy (including dinner, Lunch and entrance fees)
drinks not included. February 2014 The ECHO
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Speaker: To be announced Date: Friday , Feb 21st Location: Padre Achotegui 37 Leblon - easy parking at Shopping Leblon Time: 10:30 - 12:30 12:30 - 1:30 Lunch Quiche and Salad (R$10.00) RSVP: events@incrio.org.br
Thursty Thursday Date: Thursday, Feb 27th Time: 7:30 pm Cost: Consumption Location: Tom do Leblon Rua Adalberto Ferreira 32 RSVP: events@incrio.org.br
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SENSE AND SENSIBILITY: Making Sense of Contemporary Music in a Non-sensible World.
From Jane Austen's time, people have attended house concerts to listen to what was being composed by their peers. Often, Beethoven, Schumann, and Brahms, to name only three, were not understood in their own time. In our current environment of electronic over-stimulation, decibel overload, and visual onslaught, how does one sort through the classical music being written today and make sense of it? To discern what might become historically successful music, is a process based upon exposure and guidance from musicians who spend time studying and performing these pieces. A "hook" into each work is needed to snare the essence of what can seem nonsensical. I like to engage the audience in a discussion of how the pieces are put together and what I believe makes them not only meaningful but beautiful and fascinating. Join me for a house concert evening of Brazilian and American contemporary solo violin music, wonderful wine and a delightful selection of finger foods
DATE: Firday, March 28th TIME: 7:30 PM, LOCATION: Ipanema at the home of Marsia Seydoux COST: R$100 per person RSVP: marsia.seydoux@gmail.com
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Those who make it happen E x e c u ti v e B o a r d 2 0 1 4 President Vice President
Adiane Mitidiero
president@incrio.org.br vp@incrio.org.br
Treasurer
Tina Wagner
treasurer@incrio.org.br
Secretary
Susan Loveland
Secretary@incrio.org.br
Membership Director
Liliana Perilla Rojas
membership@incrio.org.br
Charity Director
Marian Dinardo
cc@incrio.org.br
Fundraising Director
Natalie Wesson
ncwesson@gmail.com
Communications Director Events Director
Communication Team
Bonnie Kobert Harrison
Raf Kiss Valeria Lobo
webmaster@incrio.org.br events@incrio.org.br
Coordinators Webmaster The Echo InConnection
Raf Kiss Brenda Ledesma Denise Luna
Facebook Page
Victor Harrison
Facebook Group
Naomi Cohen
General Meetings
Melissa Souza
Hospitality Welcome Coordinator Cafezinho
communication@incrio.org.br
jdb@amcham.com
Vacant Tanya Matheus Jane Wood (Zona Sul) Vacant (Barra)
tanya_matheus@yahoo.co.uk cafezinho@incrio.org.br
Ac t i v i t y C o o r d i n a t o r s Book Club Bridge Concert Information
Robyn Thompson Coca Caputo Margarita Mari
SPONSORS
retho55@hotmail.com coca.caputo@globo.com