By Juliana Tafur, Contributing Reporter
Lula gives the U.S. president a soccer jersey from the Brazilian national team, photo by Ricardo Stuckert/PR.
RIO DE JANEIRO – During a meeting at the sidelines of the G-8 summit in L’Aquila, Italy, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Barack Obama discussed climate change, politics and diplomacy. Brazil was invited to the three-day summit of the “great eight” as a member of the G-5, a group of fast developing countries, which also includes India and China.
“There are a number of issues of mutual national interest that the [U.S.] president believes the United States and Brazil can and should cooperate on,” said White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs.
But all issues were put aside as Lula brought up his country’s victory over the U.S. at the Confederations Cup final played in South Africa last month. Lula even presented Obama with a Brazilian soccer jersey autographed by team members. “Hey, look at this, beautiful,” said Obama while holding up the green and yellow t-shirt.
Reportedly, Lula told the U.S. president that he was very tense during the game’s first half as the Americans led the game 2-0. He also confessed to using Obama’s catchphrase “yes, we can!” to rally behind his team. But the Brazilian offense trailed from behind, scoring a goal just one minute into the second half, winning the game 3-2.
Gibbs told reporters that he “could sense some relief on the Brazilian president’s part that he wasn’t meeting with the President of the United States having lost to him in soccer.”
The heads of state then moved on to discuss more pressing matters, such as climate change. Obama told Lula there was still time to close their gap on this issue before the U.N. talks on a new climate change treaty are held in Copenhagen in December. At the summit, the richest countries and the fastest growing ones agreed that global temperature should be kept from rising by more than two degrees Celsius.
Lula at the G-8 Summit in L’Aquila, Italy, photo by Ricardo Stuckert/PR.
The G-8 Summit countries – Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States – committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by eighty percent and set a goal of cutting all emissions in half by 2050. Obama said the leaders did not solve the problem, but “made some important strides forward.”
Another topic of conversation between the Brazilian president and his U.S. counterpart was Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Obama urged Lula to help convince Iran to focus its nuclear technology on energy, not weapons. Brazil and Iran have a history of close commercial ties.
“Because of the depth of those relationships … Brazil can have an impact on reiterating … that the Iranian government still has responsibilities to the international community as it relates to their weapons program,” said Gibbs.
On the political front, the leaders talked about the crisis in Honduras, where a military coup ousted President Jose Manuel Zelaya last month. At the meeting, Obama told Lula that he appreciates the efforts of several countries that are seeking a diplomatic resolution for Honduras. “The position of Brazil and the United States is very firm in condemning the coup,” said Lula’s Foreign Policy Adviser Marco Aurelio Garcia.
But the bilateral talk between the leaders didn’t end there. Lula had already taken off his earpiece providing interpretation, when the U.S. president indicated that he had one more thing to add. Obama then patted Lula’s back, said “we will not lose a 2-0 lead again,” and abruptly stood up. Lula burst out laughing.
“So it was good, no hard feelings,” said Gibbs later, recalling the moment.
By Jayme Monsanto, Contributing Reporter
Mark Webber (Left) celebrates RBR's 1-2 victory with teammate Sebastian Vettel (Right) on the podium, photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images.
RIO DE JANEIRO – The German Grand Prix, which took place last Sunday July 12, in Nürburgring, Germany, heated up even more contention over this year’s F1 Driver’s Championship. For the first time in the season Team Brawn GP had no drivers on the podium.
The Red Bull Racing Team (RBR) claimed the two top spots with Mark Webber in first and Sebastian Vettel in second place. After RBR’s amazing performance in the race, season leader Jenson Button is in danger of losing his lead to Vettel. After this weekend’s results, the gap between the drivers narrowed to 21 points.
It was the first F1 Grand Prix victory ever for Mark Webber. The 32-year old Australian enters F1 History as the driver who, among the select hall of GP winners, participated in the most races before coming out a winner. Webber has been driving in F1 since 2002 and this was his 132th race.
Vettel was satisfied with the result. “We had to fight, but it’s another one-two finish for the team and I’m happy. I’d be lying if I said I’m very pleased with second, as of course I wanted to win, but yesterday Mark did a better job and that’s why today he totally deserves the win – it’s a good fight between us, so I’m looking forward to the next races,” said the young German racer.
Completing the podium was Ferrari’s Felipe Massa. The Brazilian racer was one of the highlights of the Nürburgring Circuit race, as his efforts took him from a weak start in eighth position to a great third place finish, his first podium in the season.
Brawn GP’s Jenson Button, who leads the season with 68 points, ended the race in fifth position. “My race started poorly and didn’t get much better today. It has been a tough and disappointing day for the team. Congratulations to Mark on his first win and I’m really pleased for him as I know how good that feels. I just can’t wait to get to Hungary in two weeks to try and catch up to the Red Bulls.”
Because of a mistake by his own team, Rubens Barrichello saw victory slip through his fingers, photo by Brawn GP.
Button’s teammate, Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, had a very frustrating race. He was close to claiming Brazil’s hundredth victory in F1 History, but lost the lead due to a mistake by his team during a pit stop.
Barrichello started in second place and climbed to the top position in the first lap, overtaking leader Mark Webber. It seemed like Rubens would claim his first victory in the season, but he only managed to keep the lead until the 32nd lap, when during his second pit stop the Brawn GP crew made a mistake exchanging a fuel hose, costing him precious time, four positions in the race and eventually the victory. He ended in sixth place.
During an interview to BBC, Rubens angrily blamed his team for the frustrating result. “It was a good show from the team on how to lose a race,” he said. “I did all I had to do, I was first to the first corner. They made me lose it. To be very honest with you I wish I could get on the plane and go home right now. I don’t want to talk to anybody in the team because there will be a lot of ‘blah blah blah’ and I don’t want to hear that.”
The other Brazilian disputing the 2009 season, Renault’s Nelsinho Piquet, finished in thirteenth position.
By Karen Shishiptorova, Contributing Reporter
Praia do Pepino and the Dois Irmãos Hill in the background, photo by Yves Medeiros.
RIO DE JANEIRO – Snugly cloistered at the foot of Parque Nacional da Tijuca (Tijuca National Park) on a narrow stretch lined by Praia do Pepino, São Conrado is a lush, green village much like its neighbors Alto da Boa Vista, Gávea, Joá, Itanhangá and Barra da Tijuca. Just after the Zuzu Angel Tunnel, one is struck by the majestic image of Pedra da Gávea, a 3300-foot rock cliff watching the area like a sentinel, overlooking the sea.
In 1916, Commander Conrado Jacob Niemeyer, an engineer, build the charming São Conrado Church – hence the name – on his vast farmland, still thanks to good city planning the neighborhood’s oldest man made landmark. In the early Twenties, determined to improve access to his property, the engineer finished Avenida Niemeyer, an urban project largely abandoned at the time. People began to arrive, looking for a country lifestyle in the city. This bucolic, remote feeling persists, with added conveniences which don´t seem to bother the bird and animal residents in the slightest.
São Conrado is today an affluent upper class neighborhood with great beachfront views throughout, in spite of the contrasting low income Rocinha community. With few exceptions, the area is dotted with tasteful mansions – tucked into the forest – the majority private condos and luxurious apartments of the wealthy and discrete.
Commercial activity is focused on catering to a relaxed and exclusive lifestyle. Prime services for a select few, such as home delivery, internet access, VIP lounge, and a waiting room for private chauffeurs, the São Conrado Fashion Mall is a favorite of Rio´s prominent and fashionable. Landscaped and designed to make use of natural daylight, the earthy elegance of the Mall has attracted brands such as Armani, H.Stern, Fendi, and Calvin Klein. There are also two screening rooms, a theater, eateries and cafes.
What the neighborhood lacks for in restaurant choice it makes up for in quality. A particular favorite is The Intervinos Vinho e Bistrô, featuring a wine list of over 250 labels which one can drink in-house or take home. It does a lovely paella on Sundays.
For golf lovers, the Gávea Golf and Country Club is a genuine heaven set on a lush, green carpet. Members enjoy an eighteen hole golf course, children are allowed, and even Prince Edward put his stamp of approval while visiting with his brother George, Duke of Kent.
The majestic Pedra da Gavea overlooking Praia do Pepino Beach, photo by Yves Medeiros.
Adventure sports abound in São Conrado. A must for hang gliders and para gliders, the Estrada das Canoas road leads to the take off ramp, within minutes of the quiet Praia do Pepino beach where they land. For adrenaline junkies, a tandem flight can be organized on the spot. Pedra da Gávea is a delight for mountain climbers, hikers and trekkers. The three hour hike to the top can be mastered by beginners in reasonable shape. The view is priceless, and many spend the night to catch the breathtaking sunrise from its summit.
With Auto-Estrada Lagoa-Barra (Lagoa-Barra Highway) crossing the entire center stretch, São Conrado is mainly a transit neighborhood as the single access route from Zonal Sul to Barra da Tijuca and parts of Zona Oeste (West Zone). This of course leaves no shortage of bus line services.
Prices vary according to views and proximity to the Rocinha Community and one bedrooms are rare. Two bedrooms start at around R$290,000, while three and four range between R$300,000, and R$750,000. Beachfront properties start at around R$1 Million. Houses are usually large with garden and pool, and sells around R$500,000, going all the way up to the R$3 Million range.
Most apartments for rent have at least two bedrooms, and most have three and four, as the neighborhood consists mainly of family homes. The rare two-bedrooms that are available start at R$1,800 and go up to R$2,750, where three-bedrooms start at R$3,000. Four-bedroom apartments start at $4,800 and can go up to $12,000 if they are detached houses with pools and en-suite bathrooms throughout.
By Bruno De Nicola, Contributing Reporter
Guido Mantega, Brazil's Finance Minister, photo by Marcel Casal Jr./ABR.
RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazil’s Finance Minister, Guido Mantega, announced Brazil’s fall into recession just last month, yet the foreign press continues to expound positively on the country’s well being. A closer look at current and past trends in Brazil’s financial health may provide an explanation for the gap between national and international reporting, offering perspective and insight on the economic situation for Gringoes.
Rapid and erratic increases in inflation have long been a problem for Latin American countries. Any Brazilian adult can recall a not so distant past when grocery prices rose drastically from one day to the next. Prior to Lula’s first government (2002), the inflation index reached the inexcusable rate of 41 percent. Currently, according to the FGV (Fundação Getulio Vargas), one of the country’s main economic authorities, variation over the past twelve months has been steady at 4.86%.
It is important to note that this index is drawn from a selection of products. The so called IPC (Index of Large Consumption Products) does not include a few widely consumed goods which have prices that have risen steeply of late. Among them are milk and meat, which have seen increases of 13.65 percent and 10.48 percent, respectively.
Through costly measures and great sacrifices from the medium and small business sectors, Lula’s government has managed to retain money circulation, lower inflation rates and, impressively, pay all debts to the IMF (International Monetary Fund).
Brazil’s interest rate, also known as Selic, was set at nineteen percent, and has slowly been lowered over the years. As a comparison, the cost of money in Europe and the US is much lower, usually around one to three percent.
Over the past few years, the best investments in the country were Brazilian National Bonds. In 2004, lending US$100,000 to the government yielded a healthy ROI (return on investment) of US$19,000, after just one year.
A number of foreign papers reckon that high interest rates still favor Brazil, as in times of recession they give the government room to make reforms without damaging the economy. In fact, as a preventive measure, the Selic was lowered just last week to 9.25 percent, hitting a one-digit figure for the first time in many years. Nevertheless saving accounts and National Bonds still represent a safe and fruitful investment option.
Large international firms and investment funds have always considered National Bonds in Latin America to be very risky business solutions. They have historically relied on the analyses of Risco País (Country Risk Index) when making investment decisions in the region.
Country risk, also known as EMBI+ (Emergent Markets Bond Index), refers to the likelihood that changes in the business environment will adversely affect operating profits or the value of assets in a specific country. Its level is determined by financial and political stability factors.
A look at the coefficient’s long term trend may further clarify Minister Mantega’s point of view. In 2002, Brazil was a scary place, with an EMBI+ hovering at 2443 points. After Lula’s first mandate (2002-2006), stability and growth reduced the figure to 277, its lowest ever. However over the past year there has been a reverse in trend, and the country risk reached 360, but this month its back to its normal flux and stands at 304.
Brazil is holding its own economically, especially compared to some of its Latin American neighbors. Argentina is billowing at 1043, while Ecuador stands at 974 and Venezuela sits at 951. It has a lot of catching up to do to reach more stable economies in the region, such as Mexico (279) and Columbia (135), however. Still, it is performing well compared to its antecedents across the Atlantic pond, as according to JP Morgan, the Europe spread of the index has fluctuated between 385 and 415 in the past month.
By Sarah Coursey, Editor
This year's HHH Carnival Run in Copacabana, photo by HHH Rio.
RIO DE JANEIRO – Twice a month across Rio you can find an attractive and possibly sweaty crew of athletes at the pub, downing a pint or three in their sneakers and running shorts. Stay long enough and you’ll hear songs such as ‘Hashstones’, sung to the tune of the famous American cartoon ‘The Flintstones’. The telling line “From the hash of Rio, They’re the leaders in debauchery” gives the group away. The Hash House Harriers (HHH) are none other than a drinking club with a running problem.
Rio’s HHH chapter consider not taking themselves too seriously a sobering task – that is, until the run is over and the real fun begins. Think pub crawl minus the crawling and you’ll get a better sense for the group. Of course, in Rio where the focus is on socializing and not drinking per se, there is a healthy, light-hearted comaraderie among the mix of Gringo and Carioca group members.
True to gringo roots, the Hash House Harriers (HHH) was founded by English ex-pats in Kuala Lumpur in the late Thirties. It was the eve of the British Empire, and good old-fashioned drinking was still very much a cultural import brought to every country the Brits colonized. The problem with alcohol is that it requires filtering and detoxifying in the body to ensure a clean vessel for the next dousing of spirits. Enter HHH, a group that originated in the post-hangover remedy of running to get the blood pumping efficiently and expediently, ie to get drinking again in less time.
Rio’s group is organized with a Hare, Harrietts, Harrier and Virgins for each run. For the uninitiated, the hare is the person who sets the running trail. The course will often include Beer Stops along the way to keep runners motivated and laughing. Harriets are female runners, harriers male, while virgins are newcomers who don’t really know what they’re up against until they actually do the run.
HHH Rio gather for a post-run pint in Gavea, photo by HHH Rio.
All in the search of good, clean weekend enjoyment, the bi-monthly HHH group of Rio usually attracts a group of around ten people from its total membership of forty. An even split of men and women, foreigner and local, it doesn’t differentiate any further than folks who want to run, socialize and do a bit of drinking. For those looking to join on trips further afield, HHH takes their members on a bi-annual basis to places such as Visconde de Maua, Arrial de Cabo, Buzios and Ilha Grande.
Pete Simpson, a loyal HHHer in Rio, quipped,”There is too much of a mix to have an average Hasher.” For those intimidated by the group’s odd mix of activities, he said,”The group is quite calm compared to Hashes in other cities which can be quite extreme.”
With nicknames for members such as Bitter Sweet, Dead Gump and Wrinkley, one things is certain – HHH may have a running problem, but they’ve got a liquid solution waiting behind the next bar. It’s really a question of working up a good thirst, and there are few things better than a good run with like-minded people to get the body on track for a pint and a laugh.
For information on the next HHH Rio event, visit their website at http://riohhh.multiply.com/.
RIO DE JANEIRO – Before the slightest sliver of beach can be spotted, a brightly colored banner announces Saquarema as Brazil’s capital of surf. This sleepy, tourist town just 100 kilometers from Rio has been catching the country’s biggest waves, and the surfers around the world who ride them, all in a charmingly unassuming package.
First discovered by Dom João III, King of Portugal, frustrated that his system of ‘excursions’ to guard the Brazilian coastline had proved unfruitful, the town was originally populated by the native peoples known as Tamoios. They were known to be excellent canoers and stunned the Europeans with their ability to row better with their feet than most do with their hands.
Unfortunately, the Portuguese killed off the Tamoios in vengeance of their alliances with the French, but not before leaving the town with its namesake. Saquarema was originally called ‘“SOCÓ-REMA”’, meaning a flock of herons, for the birds who used to populate the town’s largest lake.
Praia de Massambaba, photo by Ivan Mattos.
Both Gringo tourists and middle class Brazilian tourists call Saquarema a weekend home, while others come for the sporting events or colorful religious festivals that take place throughout the year. Unlike more glitzy places such as Búzios and Cabo Frio, the town has a more subdued, family-friendly tone and does not have any night clubs. Most of the action is on the beach and in the main square, which hosts a night flea market.
The town’s geography has drawn sporty types from all over the country. The city was chosen by the Brazilian Volleyball team for volleyball training and the main center for athletes of the Brazilian Volley Confederation. Paragliding and hang gliding are popular as well. Those of the fishing sort appreciate the lake Lagoa de Saquarema, which has shallow waters and a wonderful, nameless and hidden restaurant serving gorgeous fried fish.
The best beaches are Praia de Itaúna and Praia de Massambaba. Itaúna is known as the Templo Sagrado do Surf (Sacred Temple of Surf), known for its world-class waves. All the major surf competitions are held here. Massambabaúna is a nature preserve, and attracts eco-tourists.
Aerial view of Saquarema, photo by Fernando Mendes.
Situated in the lake region, the town boasts the picturesque still waters of Lagoa de Saquarema, Lagoa de Jaconé and Lagoa Vermelha. The largest, Saquarema, borders the ocean and is separated by a canal which acts as a breakwater for the fresh and salt waters.
Its only beach, Boca da Barra, is next to the canal and more of a stopping place for fisherman than a sunbathing destination. Jaconé has typical swamp vegetation and emerald green waters. Lastly, Vermelha is composed of three small lakes linked by a canal, surrounded by stunning floral greenery, including bromélias.
The religious festivals constitute an important attraction for local and national tourism. The most popular are the patron saint’s festival day, Nossa Senhora de Nazareth (Our Lady of Nazareth), the same saint for which the town’s famous church, Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora de Nazareth, is named. The event takes place between August 30 and September 8. In the Brazilian autumn, the grand festival Festa do Divino Espírito Santo (Pentecost) takes place, always fifty days after Easter.
Saquarema has a lot to offer, from sports to beautiful nature and colorful festivals. Its main square, Praça Antenor de Oliveira, gathers residents and tourists alike with a collection of food stalls and jewelery and souvenir sellers, all with a down-home, neighborhood feel. What happens here happens by day, though, and after a hard day of exercise you might just want to grab a delicious cocada (coconut sweet) flavored with passion fruit, a hot dog topped with quail eggs or a bit of savory tapioca and hit the hay.
Tomorrow is another day, and in Saquarema the sun is probably shining.
