Outbound to Brazil - Friendship Force Edmonton

Brazil Trip Diary
Friendship Force of Edmonton and Area, 2015
Sao Jose do Rio Preto - February 19-27
Feb 18 – 19 – Adoline and Pat
We are on our way to Brazil leaving the cold at noon on Feb 18 and arriving in sun and warmth
in Sao Jose do Rio Preto in Brazil on February 19, 5:00 pm. We left Edmonton airport destined
for Toronto with only a one hour wait before we boarded the international to Sao Paulo, Brazil.
This flight took a little longer than expected and we had a very rushed bus trip in Sao Paulo to
their second airport to get our connecting flight to Sao Jose do Rio Preto. An hour later we were at our
destination. As we were waiting to collect our luggage we could see the Canadian flag and the Brazilian
flag prominently held by our hosts while all of them were waving as they spotted us. We were greeted
by our hosts with warmth and enthusiasm. Big hugs and a kiss on each cheek. We were passed around
and each host embraced us whole heartedly with a bear hug and kisses on the cheeks. Then all gathered
together for photos.
What a welcome!
After pictures we were all whisked off to our various homes; some high-rise
condos or individual homes. All were securely gated. We were right down town in Sao Jose do
Rio Preto. Our host had an automatic gate opener which she closed upon entering and then had to
unlock the area to the elevator. There was a security guard at the main walk in entrance. We felt very
secure in our host’s home.
When we were all settled, we were off to the neighbourhood eatery for Brazilian delights and
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Ice cream bars. Here we met a small group of our English-speaking travel partners but we were also able
to communicate with our hosts, gesturing, speaking slowly and of course speaking louder. They were
not hard of hearing. This was just the start of trying many different Brazilian dishes and overeating. We
were very ready for our bed that night where we found many little welcome surprises by our bed
including this poem.
I’ve been thinking about you
In yours dreams
In your projects
In your flight
Thought and felt very happy
To see how
You are special!
In the midst of so many people
Your light shone stronger!
But in your walk,
Canada’s Friendship Force Friend
I find your strength and your look so right!
How much you’re friendly,
You, Dreamer.
You, fraternal friend,
You, above all, People,
I count on your
Experience and friendship
Glad you are here
In my home.
Friday, February 20, 2015 - Clare
We visited Assistance to Disabled Children Association (AACD) in Rio Preto, where both handicapped children and
adults came for the day. We viewed various devices which were used to help them become more self-sufficient and
visited rooms where they received various types of treatment. Many handicapped individuals of all ages came by
ambulance from Sao Paulo State and other states in Brazil. (Brazil has 26 states). Various kinds of therapy were
offered to the handicapped throughout the day.
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Our first day also included viewing many monkeys swinging from the trees in what they called Monkey Woods. We
were provided with eggs and bananas to give to the monkeys. The monkeys, of course, very handily grabbed every
egg offered to them. They then very adeptly discarded the white of the egg and ate only the yolk. When our hosts
honked their horns, more and more monkeys quickly appeared from every direction.
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That evening we had a welcome get-together at the Cotton Club. Samba – here we come! It was a great ending to a
fulfilling and interesting day
Saturday, February 21, 2015 - Dianna and Hugh
Saturday dawned clear and hot (that was surprising). Today was our second day of activity in Rio Preto,
and it began with a visit to their local market. The walk through downtown Rio Preto was very interesting
as it afforded a glimpse into the local produce and the huge variety of fruits that the Brasilians enjoy as
well as giving us a small walking tour of the downtown area. While walking through the market we ran into
the majority of our Ambassadors, many of them making unique purchases.
From the market, we proceeded to a lovely lunch at a prestigious venue called the Rio Preto Automovel
Clube. This was a very high end private club and it provided a wonderful menu of traditional Brasilian
dishes including faciado, a stew that was made of various parts of the pig. As was our wont, we ate too
much (THAT WAS SURPRISING).
In the afternoon, our host Hanai took us to her father's farm, where she spent much time in her
youth. That was another interesting insight into the Brasilian way of life. Some of our members went to
the city dam where they saw capivara, the largest rodents in the world. We were treated to fresh coconut
milk.
After we returned "home" our hosts took us to a superb Italian restaurant in Rio Preto Centro where we
had an excellent meal. Since this was a “free” evening, different members did different things with their
hosts. Thus ended an excellent day.
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Sunday, February 22 – Grace and Rich
We all met at the Basilica to start our city tour of São Jose do Rio Preto. Of course we had a tour of the Basilica first.
This church was built in 1932 to thank God that Rio Preto was not part of the civil war. It’ s a beautiful church that
was completely restored in 2004.
The next stop was the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus-- a contrast from the Basilica as it is very modern. A very
famous Brazilian painter was from this church-- Jose Antonia da Silva. His work is rather simplistic-- a folk art style.
The stations of the cross were done by him in a chapel.
We drove by the City Theatre, several hospitals (one where they performed the first transsexual surgery in the
world), expensive homes etc. As several of us were golfers, they drove by a golf course. Golf is not popular in Rio
Preto. One course closed as it only had 2 members. The only remaining one has 30 members. It is both a private and
public course.
We stopped at the city market-- a lovely indoor market that sold lovely produce, baking, cheese, meat, spices etc. it
is open every day. Many residents do most of their shopping here. We had our first taste of "pastels". Pastels are
pockets filled with various fillings-- I had a vegetable one. They use flour from a root called manioc. The pockets are
deep fried at a very high temperature. They are very crispy and delicious. The manioc flour is used to make many of
their pastries. It is gluten free and gives their products a different but delicious flavour. Manioc is also served like
potatoes.
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We then went to Fatima’s sugar cane farm for our welcome lunch. It was a beautiful spot with a very large outdoor
kitchen/ patio. Fatima showed us the manioc plant and the roots used for much of their cooking. They served many
delicious Brazilian foods, introduced everyone, played music and danced. Fatima and Eduardo, our handsome
interpreter, entertained us with the Brazilian tango - a great welcome to a warm and friendly Friendship Force Club.
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Monday, February 23, 2015 - Dianna Steele
The day once again dawned clear and hot (once again that was surprising). Our day began with a tour to
the Servico Social Sao Judas Tadeu, a school for disadvantaged children. Upon entering the grounds of the
school we were greeted by the school's band who entertained us with songs in the Brasilian genres of
Samba and Bossa Nova. A highlight of this occurred when the conductor asked one of the young girls in the
band to dance the Samba for us and it was fascinating to watch this young girl perform the intricate
movements and footwork of the Samba. As the girl was dancing she was joined by some of our hosts and
then some of our ambassadors. It was hugely entertaining to everybody who was there.
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As the tour continued it became more and more apparent that the young Brasilian students were not only
intrigued by our visit but they were truly delighted by our presence. We were regaled by questions and
given gifts that the students had made. An interesting side bar to the visit was the fact that the head of the
school was Canadian and a great deal of the funding for the school came from Canada. Having talked to
the students and interacted with them I know that each and every one of us was happy to see the results
of the contributions from Canada.
Lunch - you guessed it- a typical Brasilian barbecue called Churrasco and another full stomach. This
particular lunch was at a restaurant called Brasilia.
With satiated appetites we spent the afternoon at the atelier of a famed Brasilian artist by the name of
Norma Vilar. Her sculptures and paintings are now world famous with showings in Europe and South
America. Aside from the interesting tour of the studio, Ms. Vilar proved to be a charming, entertaining and
gracious host.
That evening was our first dinner with FF members and families and along with our host family, Donna,
Larry, Mary Ann and Ernie and their hosts we enjoyed an excellent meal at the home of Fatima's
daughter. Another day of excellence had passed.
Tuesday, February 24 – Rich and Grace
Today we drove to Olympia, a town about 100 miles from Rio Preto. The town has an amazing water park as well as a
hot springs. We had a great time trying out the various water rides. My interview with Cheryl, "the flying nun"
confirmed 9 Kamikaze and15 Everest rides (big scary slides) for her as well as several on almost every other ride
there. Most of us went on raft or river rides, much less dangerous. There was also a zoo with awesome birds. A
buffet and beer provided a nice break although some people thought the topless men lowered the level somewhat
(picture withheld ).
In the evening we were invited to the opening of a famous Brazilian photographer’s exhibit-- Sebastian Salgado. In
fact one of the five nominees for best documentary at the Academy Awards this year was about him. The exhibit was
called Genesis. It was gorgeous black and white photos of things around the world that were as they were in the
beginning-- untouched by humans? It took him 8 years living in and with people, animals and plants in five different
remote locations to prepare and photograph for the exhibit. Kluane National Park was one location. Modesty
prevented me from sharing a picture of the African men's penis gourd.
We then took our hosts to a Brazilian barbecue. There are buffet tables featuring salads, fish, Japanese dishes and
Brazilian foods. Then waiters bring the meat to the table. Using a very sharp knife they cut off pieces of various cuts
of meats. They save the best (and most expensive) to the last hoping you have filled up on the other foods.
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Wednesday, February 25, 2015 – Larry and Donna
We had a good breakfast of ham and cheese slices on a bun, juice and coffee with no sugar and a variety of
juices including l’aranje, cashew juice and mango seigo.
The first stop of the day was the Flower Fair do CEASA where we admire the beautiful floral displays.
Brasilatex
The Brasilatex manufacturing company gave a very informative tour of their plant.
Bleeding the Bark:
This is a process of cutting the bark with a special tool, which allows
the sap to drip into the small pail below. This process can be repeated
every 2 days. The latex is gathered from the trees and delivered in
boxes, cleaned and packed.
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Facts:
Laboratory analyses take place to test form, elasticity and cleanliness. A synthetic latex is used as the
model.
The working conditions were quite extreme in terms of heat and noise, but the workers were very
committed and conscientious.
Thirty percent of a car’s tires are made of latex. Brazil produces two percent of the world’s latex.
A latex tree takes 7 years to produce latex and then continues to produce for thirty years.
Brazil cannot produce enough latex for its own requirements. Latex is used for gloves, band aids, heart
valves, and condoms. It is valued for its elasticity and waterproof qualities.
Industria Braile Biomedica – Makers of heart valves and stents - photo of Fatima and Eduardo
Unfortunately we were not allowed to take any pictures in the facility. We learned that 90 % of the
manufacturing process is done at this facility. This includes the fibre mesh for the oxygenator, the stents
used on patients and many other components.
The skin from the hearts of pigs and cows is collected and tested for elasticity and other properties. We
watched a group of ladies sewing the components together. This intense work can lead to carpal tunnel
problems, so the workers take an exercise break every 15 minutes. The exercise break leads to much
higher rates of productivity.
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In the evening we went to member-hosted dinners.
Thursday, February 26 – Joanne Pearson
This was a free day where we did different activities including the making of cachaca, the “white lightning”
made from sugar cane. This vodka-like drink is the main ingredient in the caipirinha cocktail. Some visited
the Maple Bear School, a franchise using the Canadian Curriculum.
Our Farewell Dinner was held at the party room of one of the hosts. The evening was made memorable
with an excellent DJ who kept people dancing. The Brazilian FF are an extremely warm and affectionate
group. They showed us a spirit that was generous and free --- dressing up in the “Carnivale” theme that
meant “party”. Could they dance!!! Every occasion where there was dancing they did it with great
abandon. We have a lot to learn.
Friday February 27, 2015 - Kevan
Trip from Rio Preto to Campinas
6:45 AM, Woke to the singing of 2 birds outside the window. I think it was Bon dia. When we found our way
downstairs, breakfast was waiting for Carol and me. 2 types of bread with jam for toast, many varieties of
fruit, cheese, yogurt, juice, milk and coffee to drink. Very tasty.
8:45 Piled into the car for a ride to the Basilica downtown to meet the Bus. We said a little prayer at the
Basilica. Antonio, the ED from Campinas, came to Rio Preto to ride with us. He was a good guide for the bus
trip. The Turismo bus arrived to pick us up. With the luggage loaded and the last Thank Yous and the Good
byes said, the bus started down the road. The temperature was 29'C so the air conditioning was great. We
had a talk from Adoline about the coming stay.
The highway was a 4 lane, and the scenery was a variety of hills, trees, farms and rivers. In some places the
farmers were planting crops such as sugar cane and trees. We stopped for a break and a bite to eat about half
way. We had a good indoctrination to Brasilian rest stops.
Finally we are on the road again and reached Campinas. We were a little ahead of schedule so some of us had
to wait a few minutes. We were transported a couple of blocks to Mara, the Rio Preto exchange director,
and Antonio Carlos’ home. We enjoyed more food, drinks and friendly people. After a wonderful time, our
hosts loaded us into their cars for a ride to our new home for a week. This was a great day.
Typical roadside view: Rio Preto to Campinas and the welcome “banquet”:
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Campinas - February 27 – March 5, 2015
Saturday, February 28 - Free day - Cheryl, Rich and Grace
Today was a "free day". What that meant was that it was a very busy day planned by our hosts. It was like a mystery
tour for us as we were never quite sure what was happening next! We had a wonderful day.
Our day started out visiting Igreja Santa Rita de Casia, a beautiful Catholic Church. A very large group baptism was
happening. Little ones dressed to the nines with their parents, grandparents, and godparents were everywhere. It
was very noisy and we could not figure out whose turn it was to go up to the alter but, they seemed to know. Rich
loved all the babies! The church was modern, but had lovely stained glass windows with the faces of teenagers of
the congregation integrated into the stained glass.
We then went to the City market (called Mercado Municipal)-- a homemade craft market that is held every Saturday.
Rich and Cheryl each bought aprons. Cheryl's apron has Brazilian motifs (that represent Olimpia, Brazil, and good
times in Rio Preto) and Rich's has the recipe for Caipirinha. It is in English so there will be no mistake when we make
this very powerful drink for our windup party.
We were very interested in the berimba , a musical instrument made from a stick similar to a fishing pole with a
hollow gourd at the bottom. This instrument was used by the Brazilian slaves for making music. The performers also
did the capoeira-a dance that seemed more like gymnastics to us, but long ago was a social dance. However, at
times the dance was a tribal fighting dance where the dancers had a knife between their toes and their opponent’s
throat could be slit.
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We went to lunch to a lovely replica of a pioneer Brazilian farm. There was live music and the food was delicious
Brazilian food--once again. There had actually been a farm on this site at one time.
Antonio, our host, then drove us to Holambra- a Dutch community about 1/2 hour from Campinas. We visited two
flower nurseries and a village with lovely shops. As we were about to enter one of the nursery we tried to avoid
being drenched by a downpour. We stopped for a cold drink and then we went to Antonio's cousins, Luis and
Sandra, who come from Italian heritage. They have a lovely home with beautiful gardens. Many homes include
outdoor kitchens which fascinated the cold weather visitors. Luis had a pizza oven in his outdoor kitchen. He
proceeded to make us many different varieties of pizza throughout the evening -all very delicious. We were also
given the opportunity to drink their home made liqueur - yum, yum, yum.
The doorbell kept ringing and more guests kept arriving. It turns out we crashed Sandra's yoga class party of 22
guests!
Driving home our finale was seeing Campinas by night.
Sunday, March 1, 2015 - Trip from Campinas to Sao Paulo – Carol Bahry
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Up at 5:20 for the big trip to Sao Paulo. We need to visit this city of 20 million on Sunday, when traffic is a
little lighter. We enjoy a breakfast of fruit salad, bread and berry marmalade, and Brazilian coffee. Off to
the meeting place in Campinas, where we board the bus. The 3 to 5 laned highway is bordered by many
centers of dense population, factories, and countryside of green, hilly, and heavily treed fields. Soon we
pass over the Tropic of Capricorn. We’ve left the tropics! We learn that Sao Paulo was founded in 1554, by
Europeans searching for precious stones. Today it is known as the City that Never Sleeps. We pass by the
first train station- now the Opera House. Today it is used for city busses only. We note the huge public
square – Praco da Republice and make our way to the Sao Paulo Cathedral, built in 1912. Inside, to my
delight I notice a cardinal addressing a line of believers. Several of us line up for a blessing from Cardinal
Odilo Pedro Scherer. After leaving the cathedral, I notice many bikers out and about. 400 kilometers of red
bike lines exist and on Sundays many roads are closed to traffic.
On our walking tour of the downtown district, we toured the Martinelli Building, one of the first
skyscrapers in Brazil. A mansion is built at the top where we enjoyed a great view of the city.
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We enjoyed a fine lunch at the Military Club and then proceeded to the iconic Bandeirante Statue. It is an
enormous statue of men, boats, and horses which depicts the division of South American into Portuguese
and Spanish territories, by the Line of Demarcation.
The Line of Demarcation was an imaginary longitude, moved slightly from the line drawn by Pope
Alexander VI to divide new lands claimed by Portugal from those of Spain. This line was drawn in 1493 after
Christopher Columbus returned from his maiden voyage to the Americas.
Home at 7:30 pm. A dinner of eggplant casserole and Neapolitan ice cream. Early to bed after a long, long,
but also wonderful, day.
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Sao Paulo Cathedral
Monday, March 2, 2015 - Cheryl
Today, our group had the opportunity to travel from Campinas to the area around Valinhos (means little
valley) to learn about life working and living on different types of plantations. This area’s economy is
industry, tourism, plantations (grapes, figs, goiaba, strawberries, Brasil nuts, flowers, guava), and agrotourism.
Our first stop was at Macuco Camping Plantation. The owner’s grandfather, against the advice of other
people, purchased land for the plantation of tropical fruits and a campground – he loved camping. People
said Mr. Guimaraes was crazy that no one would come to the area as it was too from urban centers to go
camping. Now-a-days, the land is used less for crops and mostly for camping – 1500 people come each year
to camp at the family campground; complete with cabins, tent sites, picnic area, lake, swimming pool,
waterslide, and restaurant. The family still owns the land and earns a living from the campground. We
enjoyed a leisurely walk around the grounds and a stop at the eating area to socialize over cake and cold
beverages.
Our second stop was to an Italian farm, Adega Tio Mario, where they grow grapes and figs and produce
delicious wine (we all enjoyed sampling the varieties of wine and grape juice after the tour of the
plantation). The farm produces two varieties of figs– every leaf grows a fig, the new growth of the tree is
used for making candy, and the trees last about 30 years for producing fruit. Only six people are employed
to do all the work on the plantation Both Hosts and Ambassadors left with less money in their wallets but,
benefited from the bounty of bottles of wine, grape juice, and other delectable jams, candies, and treats.
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Our third stop was to a Japanese plantation called Sitio Kusakariba where they produce two tropical fruits;
goiaba and seiriguela. This family plantation employ six people and four family members to work the land,
package fruit for market, and produce juice and candy from their fruits. To protect the goiaba fruit from
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birds they cover each fruit on each tree with a white paper bag. An excellent employee can staple a bag
over 5000 goiabas in a day! The owner said he might be able to do 4000 in a day. After our tour we
enjoyed socializing with our hosts over a delicious traditional Portuguese meal which was prepared and
served by the plantation family.
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Leaving the plantation full and satisfied some ambassadors and hosts went home for a rest while others
carried on to Logoa Taquaral Park in Campinas. Here at this beautiful park we marveled at the replica boat
of “Caravela”; which is the first boat to land in Brazil and which sailed the waters at the same time as
Columbus.
Some of the group headed to their host’s homes
while the others went for a walk through the
park to enjoy the tropical trees, lake, joggers.
Those who ventured over to the outdoor
amphitheater were in for two treats: a back
stage tour of the theatre and a chance meeting
of the beautiful Cristiane Sivete, a famous
Brazilian belly-dancer, and her light and sound
technician, Amyr Cantusio Jr. Cristiane and
Amyr invited our Canadian group and hosts to
attend their dance group’s upcoming Friday
evening bellydancing show of which we
requested a rain check for the next time our
group was in Campinas; as the Canadians were traveling on Friday either to Foz do Iguassu or back home.
On this day, we, Canadians, ventured forward with a better appreciation of the work required to grow
tropical fruits, an appreciation of family working together, and a bucket to mop up our drool for the
delicious fruits we sampled and the scrumptious Brazilian meal we devoured; all while surrounded by our
new friends – our hosts from Campinas.
Tuesday, March 3 – Donna and Larry
We started our day with a breakfast of yoghurt, juice, pao de queijo (cheese buns), French rolls, melon, papaya, and a
good cup of coffee.
Our group met in Holy Cross Square in Vera Cruz where the Friendship Force Guide, Marisa Medeiros indicated a tree
where a slave had been hanged in 1835. The story suggests that it was the slave's punishment for killing his owner,
the owner of the plantation. This was followed by other executions until 1854. Later, in1865, soldiers coming from
São Paulo stopped there before fighting with Paraguay in a border dispute known as the "bloody war".
We then crossed the street to the Holy Cross Chapel built on 1868, the oldest chapel in Campinas. We were greeted
by a Dominican Sister who explained that it had been a home for girls.
Mass is said every morning and on Sundays.
The chapel is enclosed by 60"cm. walls made
of "taipa de pilao" or clay that has been
placed in wooden moulds. This type of
building provided comfort from the heat. In
2002, the chapel was reconstructed with
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coordination from architect Rosa Maria da Silveira.
We continued our walk passing Colegio Progresso, founded in 1900. It had been a private school as well as a
boarding school for girls from the countryside. Today it is the newest private University of Campinas. Cost of tuition
is R$1200 per month. One can compare this to the minimum salary of R$764, a teacher’s salary of R$2500, a nurse’s
salary of R$3000 and a doctor’s salary of $6000 per month.
As we were walking along Marisa pointed out various homes that had been built in the 1930's and 40's. These
homes were built with the influence of an architect from California and represent the Spanish style with Moorish
influence. Many have been replaced by apartment buildings. It appears that the city laws provide little respect for
historical significance.
Across Avenida Julio de Mesquita is Irmaos Penteado Hospital, the oldest hospital in Campinas. It served as a fine
residence and now serves as a private hospital. Santa Casa is another hospital intended to serve poor people. The
ancient architecture contrasts with the more modern architecture of Jequitiba Palace named after the Jequitiba Rosa
tree. The more modern buildings in this area are similar to those in Brasilia, capital of Brazil as of 1960.
Monument to the Swallows represents a flock of swallows frozen at the very moment of flying by sculptor Lelio
Coluccini. Campinas is known as the” city of swallows”. We ended our walking tour in Carlos Gomez Square named
after the important opera composer from Campinas.
Carlos Gomez Military School was also
named for Campinas' famous opera
composer. Upon entering this beautiful
building we were move to tears by the
presentations of our national anthems and "
Friendship for All" by the military band. The
academy serves 500 excellent students
registered in their final year of high school.
Following graduation, they may go on to
four more years of study in another facility
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and will graduate as commissioned officers in the army.
Their school day goes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. The morning is spent on academics and the afternoon on
other pursuits such as studying, recreation, swimming, volleyball, orienteering, and fencing. Commander Afonso da
Costa explained the importance of their work in passing the ethics and training to these cadets so that they can
maintain law and order and support the constitutional powers of the country. The government feels this will help to
deal with the many problems that Brazil deals with.
The building was designed by an architect from California in the Spanish style with Moorish influences. It reminded
us of Santa Barbara. There were several stories about the "pink" colour. The earlier farm buildings had mixed the
purplish colour of the earth with white paint for their buildings.
A highlight of this visit was meeting some English speaking
cadets. Dias was from Rio de Janeiro, a descendant of
Portuguese grandparents and son of a military officer. We
admired their vigor and intelligence.
For lunch we went to the Equestrian club for one more delightful meal. Note the salad of quail eggs, potatoes,
tomatoes, carrots, ham and cheese scrolls and hearts of palm. We had a choice between fish or filet mignon. Dessert
was either flan or creme de cassis over a caramel pudding. After lunch we took in the horse jumping and wondered
how the horses fared in the incredible heat. We were happy to go home for a rest before going to Julian and Marie
Elana's for another great meal of beef with mushrooms, pasta dish made with 1/2 kilo each of pasta, mozzarella
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cheese and ham, salad and fresh fruit, lemon mousse, ice cream loaf with chocolate sauce. Julian is a former
president of Campinas' FF club and has served on the FFI board. He established the council of Brazilian clubs. Both
have neuropathy and their home has been designed to accommodate their health problems. Their maid of 31 years
is a wonderful assistant. Both Julian and Marie Elana provide volunteer lessons in English.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 – Ernie
We started the morning with a visit to Colegio Multiple (Portugese-English Bilingual School). It is a private
school that provides the Montessori Program for the students. Their motto is: The hands are the
instruments of man’s intelligence.
The age range is from 18 months to grade
nine students. Parents pay for $500 for
elementary students and $750 for middle
school students per month to attend. These
amounts have been converted into Canadian
dollars. There are 540 students attending
this school. The government oversees the
school in that the students must be taught a
certain number of days a year and the
curriculum is flexible, but subjects must be
the same as other schools.
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Our second stop was at the IAC – Research Institute – Coffee Plantation – which is government run. Here
the scientists work on improving the quality of coffee and make it more resistant to disease. A lot of
genetic research takes place here. They take part of one plant and blend it with another to create a new
modified plant. The scientists observe the new plants to see how well they produce, how resistant they are
and the quality of the fruit, etc., that is produced. Seven generations of coffee is tested before it can be
sold to the public. 90% of all coffee trees in Brazil come from IAC. 50 million bags of coffee are produced
yearly.
Studies and modifications are being done to sugar cane, corn soybean, and other plants.
Work is being done now on wheat to produce a higher quality, more resistant strain and able to grow in
acidic soil.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the institute - same lunch that the employees ate.
Our next visit was to Café Canecao (Big Mug of Coffee). This factory is 53 years old. Here they have a
laboratory in which the quality, color, humidity, shelf life and packing of coffee is controlled.
Beans vary from year to year. They get samples from all regions of Brazil. First test is the tasting – if
approved, the beans are purchased. Different beans are blended to produce products which are sold.
They keep a sample in the lab to be able to check it if any problems are found.
All gowned for our factory visit
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Americano coffee, Canadian coffee and Brazilian coffee.
That evening, we took our hosts out for dinner.
Quinta-feira, Marco 5th, 2015 – Carol Williamson
Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brasil
Weather: Hot and muggy with a slight breeze, 32C
On the drive home on Wednesday night my hosts, Marilene and Gilberto, pointed enthusiastically to a full
moon (lua cheia) while listening to Andrea Bocelli, one of their favourite singers.
We made plans to get up early (6:00 am) to be ready for Gilberto’s daughter, Alcione, to pick us up by 7:15
am.
Café de manha consisted of fresh papaya, cheese balls, sliced cheese, yogurt and café com leite. While
eating breakfast there was a feature about trucks blocking 24 roads in Brasil. Trucks are the main method
of transporting goods. The drivers were protesting high diesel costs, tool costs, fines for overweight and
they wanted more rest stops on federal highways. Like Canada, railways are no longer a major means of
transportation.
Alcione arrived on time and after a bumpy ride through the city, (watch out for those speed bumps, but
never mind the stop signs!) we were on our way to the zoo in Itatiba.
The highway was smooth and filled with many trucks. Some were Facchini, an Italian model that I have
never seen in Canada. There was a bottleneck due to an accident. But that gave me time to observe the
beautiful green landscape consisting of corn fields, eucalyptus trees and herds of white Brahma cattle.
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We passed through a toll gate. A picture is taken of your license plate and you receive the bill in the mail.
The Fantasy Motel was nestled into the lush green landscape.
This is where Brasilians can go for a ‘quickie’. The term motel is
used as opposed to a hotel where one would spend the night.
The time limit is two hours and most are located in the country.
Zooparque de Itatiba
We arrived at the Zoo early. This gave us time to see a Massey
Ferguson 50X tractor that was still being used! We observed
Ponderosa Pines and the red soil. (due to the high iron content)
After a brief introduction to the Zoo, we broke up into groups. I
went with my driver who studied biology in University. The zoo
is privately owned and has extensive programs to help
endangered species. (I don’t think that the Canada Goose we
saw is in this category!) They of course, have many educational
programs for all ages. We enjoyed the coolness of the first
ecosystem we visited which consisted of beautiful exotic birds and some enthusiastic nail monkeys. We
had just enough time to visit another area where we saw tigers, giraffes, water buffalo, elephants and
hippopotami.
We concluded that it was way more exciting than Al Oeming’s Game farm!
Toucan and Macaw
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If you want more information on this Park, you can google Zooparque Itatiba. If you Google ‘Zooparque
Itatiba’ /You Tube there are lots of interesting videos to view!
After a delicious lunch of beans and rice, filet mignon, and a lovely selection of salads plus coffee (!) to go
with the dessert, we returned to Campinas. The afternoon was hot. The sky was a bright blue, dotted with
large white puffy cumulus clouds. This made me wonder how the sky was so blue with all the factories in
the area. We passed another motel. This one was named the Firenight Motel and seemed to be more
elaborate with a pool and recreation area. Perhaps one can stay there longer…….
The remainder of the afternoon was spent resting, packing for tomorrow’s flights and getting ready for our
Farewell Dinner.
Farewell Dinner: Campinas Rotary Club
When we arrived, we found some members of the Campinas Club dressed in costumes of the places they
had visited. This was in recognition of World Friendship Day. Others were elegantly dressed and the
women wore lots of sparkly jewellery. With pen and notebook in hand, I felt like ‘Jill Schoolteacher’ in my
drab outfit and sensible shoes…
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Our Brasilian hosts swayed to the music of Rinaldo’s Samba Band while selecting their meal from a
sumptuous buffet table. Men in white shirt and black tie and pants served our drinks.
After dinner, there was a flag procession led by Cheryl Pengelly holding the Brasilian flag and a Campinas FF
member holding our Canadian flag. Then each club expressed greetings and accolades in praise for such an
incredible exchange.
Our club’s rendition of ‘This Land is Your Land’ paled in comparison to the colorful portrayal of Carmen
Miranda by one of our hosts.
Carmen Miranda"
Adoline Glenn
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Then there was an explosion of music and dancing as our host club put on a mini Carnival! Masks were
distributed, streamers were thrown and dancing broke out everywhere! There was another surprise in
store for us. A real live Carnivale dancer! She danced with everyone: the old, the young and a scintillating
Samba with one of the Campinas FF members.
Carnival Dancer
Just when we thought we would melt with all the heat and excitement, the party ended and we went out
to retrieve our cars from the valet parking. On the way home we saw some young ladies on a corner who
also must have been very hot as they were scantily clad in very revealing outfits!
Denouement (Sexta-feira Marco 6)
Friday March 6th was the day of departure for our group. Joanne, Clare and Carol were the only ones
leaving for Canada. The rest of the group left for their post tour of Brasil.
My host suggested we go shopping after a later than usual breakfast. While at the breakfast table there
was a Brasilian morning show on T.V.called ‘Mais Voce’ hosted by Anna Maria Braga and her puppet, Louro
Jose. This program is very popular.
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We sped off to a huge shopping mall called Parque de Pedro. My host had a handicap sign because she is
over 65 and that allows her to park in handicapped spaces.
After paying to get into the parking lot she parked close to one of the entrances. I found most things quite
expensive. It was interesting to see what kind of merchandise they have. We had lunch is a huge food
court.
Then it was back home to finish packing to get ready for our 4:30 pm take off time.
Here is a short account of our trip back to Canada. I am calling it
“By the Skin of Our Teeth!”
3:45
Big rainstorm! We have to leave early for the bus! Carol quickly stuffs things into her suitcase and after
moving several cars in their small parking space, we are off to the bus station.
4:15
Meet up with Clare and Joanne at bus station.
4:30
Bus leaves on time and we are confident that we will be at the airport in time for our 9:30 pm departure.
5:00 – 7:30
There are eight lanes of traffic going to Sao Paulo and eight going in the opposite direction. We are going
about 50 k/hour. Rain, thunder and lightning. Will we make it?!
8:00
We lurch into the airport, but we have to find Terminal 3!
8:30
I am worried about making our connection in Toronto to Edmonton because we only have 1 ½ hours
between arrival and departure. When we finally find the Air Canada desk I arrange for priority boarding
using a wheelchair. Clare was NOT impressed!
8:45
We are in the line to board the plane when an agent, who is looking at me, says, “Why aren’t you in the
priority line? You are over 55 and in Brazil you can board before the rest of the passengers.” Wow!
9:15pm
Board plane. Pleasant flight, but I kept worrying about our flight to Edmonton.
6:20 am
Arrive in Toronto. Get off plane and there is no one waiting with a wheel chair! We decide that there is no
time to search for an agent. Plane to Edmonton on time, 8:05
6:30
Run to baggage claim. Clare gets bag right away, but Carol’s doesn’t come until 7:00
7:05
Run to customs with our suitcases
7:15
Run to baggage conveyor belt for Edmonton flight.
7:20
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Finally found the security section. 200 people lined up to go through!! Carol sees short line where the
wheelchairs are. (We could have been there!) Other people crying because they are going to miss their
flight! Carol swearing a blue streak. Suddenly sees cousin she hasn’t seen for two years! Quick “Hi!” and
air hug. Back to security line.
Try to find an Air Canada agent.
7:35
Finally we find an agent. We are told that we can go to the head of the line.
7:40
Get through security. But what gate are we to go to? Not written on boarding pass.
7:45
Find agent. Get gate number.
7:50
Run to find gate.
8:00
Find gate. Board plane. (heave sigh of relief)
8:30
Review menu. Air Canada charges $7.50 for Macaroni and Cheese. No wonder they are in the black!
10:40am
We arrive in a spring like Edmonton, 2 degrees above zero!
Our Brasil trip is over. Now we will be getting back into routine while remembering our wonderful trip to
Brasil. (and forgetting about our airport experience….)
Friday, March 6, 2015 - Mary Ann Phillips
Our final day in Campinas: Our morning began with our host, Cida, taking us out for a buffet breakfast.
She took us on a tour of some nearby villages. They were quaint. All of them had stores of all kinds so
people shopped in their village. Another feature that was interesting was the beautiful walking trails in
each of the villages.
Since our host was a retired doctor, she chose to show us the university and the hospital where she
completed her residency. The university campus was big, however, smaller then the U of A. Students
attending here do not have to pay tuition, but have to write an entry exam.
The hospital there was large. It was surprising to see so many people lined up outside the entrances to the
different medical facilities. She explained that many people do not have medical coverage so they line up
hoping to get in.
We headed to the airport. Feeling sad and excited at the same time for we were anticipating the next part
of our trip. Many hugs were exchanged and tears were shed for we were leaving behind our new friends.
Many of them we will not meet again, but they have found a place in our hearts.
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We boarded our flight and we headed off to Iguaçu Falls. There we were met by our tour guide. He took
us to our hotel: San Martin Resort and Spa. Everyone was eagerly looking forward to our half day tour of
the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls.
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Following the trip to Iguassu Falls, 11 members went on to Rio de Janeiro and Paraty and had more
amazing experiences.
Interesting Facts about Brazil:
•
There is a typical blue and white architecture from colonial times. The Brazil government has been in the
process of changing the colours to represent their own country.
•
Traffic is interesting – There are many speed bumps everywhere designed to slow the traffic. Red lights do
not need to be observed after 7:00 p.m. in some areas as it is deemed to be a safety issue.
•
In Rio Preto, there are many areas that you cannot turn left – you must drive to a “left turn” street and
then proceed back to the road you wanted to go to.
•
There are different dialects of Portuguese across the country. In Rio Preto the t-i was pronounced like a
szh – Fatima was Fachima. But not in Iguassu Falls where each letter is pronounced – Fa – ti- ma
•
Brasilians start the day with a big breakfast, often have lunch around 2:00 p.m. and then eat supper at
8:00 or later
•
There are many fruits and vegetables that can only be obtained in Brasil
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•
It was useful to know a few words such as obrigada (if you’re female) and obrigado (if you’re male. We
often started the day with “boa dia” – good morning or good day and “todu bem” which translates to
how are you with the same reply to indicate that you are fine.
•
The country is quite similar to Canada with its multicultural population.
•
At noon the sun shines from the north and your shadow points west. Getting one’s direction
orientation was difficult and we need to get used to that.
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