 |
July 2008
|
... |
|
|
|
|
New Plans for Getting Around Brazil
|
A high speed train connection between the cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo is an important part of the “Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento - PAC” (Growth Acceleration Program) developed by the Brazilian Government.
In a presentation made in New York on June 27, José Francisco das Neves, President of VALEC (the Federal Rail Company) described plans for a high speed train which will link São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, starting in the city of Campinas (120 km from São Paulo) and making stop-overs in the cities of São Paulo, São José dos Campos (a city 70 km from São Paulo which concentrates Brazil's aeronautics and airspace industries), and a few others, before reaching Rio.
The high-speed link is expected to be built in seven years. A bullet train link between São Paulo and Rio has been discussed for decades, but never reached an advanced planning stage. The two cities have a combined population of more than 30 million people
For more information, check http://www.adtrem.org.br/upload/laminas-port-RIO-SP%20NT%202007.pdf
| |
Visit Brazil: Bonito
|
 |
Bonito's Gruta do Lago Azul, an underwater cave created by the region's rich lime deposits.
|
The city of Bonito (literally "beautiful" in Portuguese) is located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. People come from all over the world to dive in the crystal-clear fresh waters and explore the infinite caverns, both created by the great concentration of lime in the area's soil. The surrounding forest reveals species of flora and fauna only found in this vibrant region.
The best way to appreciate Bonito's natural beauty is by going on an adventure tour. The most indicated activities include diving in caverns, observing the underwater life, and walking along trails in the forest. Places like Grutas do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Grottos), the Mimoso Grotto, the Natural Aquarium, and the rivers Sucuri, Peixe, and Formoso are the most popular.
Bonito is a model-city in terms of tourism organization. It has adopted a system of controlled visitations to help preserve the local natural environment. Tourists may only visit rivers, lakes, caverns and forests - the majority of which are located inside private properties—if accompanied of guides accredited by local agencies. To avoid any negative impact on nature, a maximum number of visitors per day has been established each attraction.
In Bonitio it is possible for a visitor to live amongst the people, learning their culture and customs. Active participation in the daily activities of working ranches is encouraged on many of the grounds where people stay.
Tip: Remember to book reservations for Bonito at least two months in advance, as the limited accommodations and tours quickly reach capacity. All tours throughout the region are led by trained guides and, although most caves and grottos could hold as many as 100 people, are kept to a maximum of 15 people. For more information, visit http://www.atrativosbonito.com.br/index.php.
| |
Life in Brazil: “Jeitinho Brasileiro”
|
Brazilians have a special way to deal with difficult situations—they just use the “Brazilian way.” When things aren't set, nothing goes as planned, or there are, in fact, no plans, this jeitinho brasileiro comes in handy.
No tools to fix the broken radio? Just use a toothpick and consider it done!
No tickets to the concert? Tell a great story to convince the doorman why you deserve to enter for free.
Jeitinho brasileiro requires one to be creative, innovative, and resourceful...and to maybe stretch the truth just a little!
| |
Social Event for July
|
 |
Dancing at last month's forró event.
|
Bate Papo - Thursday, July 17 from 7-9pm.
We have a regularly occurring bate papo (relaxed conservation) on the 1st Thursday of every month, where attendees are encouraged to speak Portuguese the whole time. But due to the 4th of July holiday, this month's bate papo will be on Thursday, July 17 at Gregory's Coffee. All levels welcome, from beginners to native speakers.
The event is free (you may choose to purchase food or drinks), and is an opportunity for people to practice Portuguese and meet new people in a nice and calm environment.
Gregory's Coffee
327 Park Avenue South (corner of Park and 24th)
New York, NY 10010
212-979-8600
Get directions to Gregory's Coffee
| |
Brazilian Events in NYC
|
 |
l to r: A scene from Estomago, showing at Premiere Brazil; Mart'nália performs July 23.
|
Brazilian Film Festival at MoMA - July 17-28
Premiere Brazil, a collaboration between MoMA and the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, is an annual series which introduces New York audiences to original and accomplished recent films by both new and established Brazilian filmmakers. All films are from Brazil and in Portuguese with English subtitles. Most filmmakers are present to introduce the first screening of their film.
For more information, visit MoMA's calendar of Premiere Brazil events.
Premiere Brazil at MoMA
11 West 53 Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenue)
New York, NY 10019
212-708-9400
Get directions to MoMA
***
Mart'nália - Wednesday, July 23 at 7:30pm
Samba star Mart'nália is the next generation of samba, extending the legacy of her father Martinho da Vila with classic sambas and swinging originals. With a voice that is sweet and dark, with a distinct and unique timbre, she also dances, plays guitar and almost every Brazilian percussion instrument.
A free dance lesson at 6:30pm is included in the price of admission. Live music and dancing from 7:30 to 10pm. For more information, visit http://www.LincolnCenter.org. This performance is part of the Midsummer Night Swing concert series.
Damrosch Park
62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam.
New York, NY 10023
Get directions to Damrosch Park
| |
New Classes Starting in July
|
 |
The Música Brasil class sings along as Romero Lubambo plays traditional bossa nova.
|
We will have five new Group classes starting in the coming weeks. Other groups may also be formed based on demand.
Música Brasil - We had a special guest for the first part of our Música Brasil class: Romero Lubambo (www.romerolubambo.com). He shared great insight throughout the class and played some of the major Brazilian bossa nova songs—Garota de Ipanema, Samba de uma nota só, Corcovado, and others—on his guitar. Students and teachers learned a lot and had a good time.
Due to the summer vacation, we will start the new Música Brasil class in September. We will keep you posted on further developments.
1. N1B - Beginner Level 1 group class will start on Wednesday, July 16 at 6:15pm. It is for people with little or no knowledge of Portuguese.
2. N1BS - Beginner Level 1 group class for Spanish Speakers will start Tuesday, July 8 at 8pm. It is for people fluent in Spanish and/or Italian with little or no knowledge of Portuguese.
3. N2B - Beginner Level 2 group class will start on Wednesday, July 23 at 8pm. It is for people who have some knowledge of Portuguese.
4. N2BS - Beginner Level 2 group class for Spanish Speakers will start on Tuesday, July 22 at 6:15pm. It is for people fluent in Spanish and/or Italian with some knowledge of Portuguese.
5. N3B - Beginner Level 3 group class will start on Monday, July 14 at 6:15pm. It is for people with a decent knowledge of Portuguese.
We offer Private and Semi-private classes from Monday to Saturday. You can start taking classes with us at any day, any time. In addition to our traditional Portuguese classes, Brazil Station also offers Portuguese for Spanish and Italian Speakers, Business Portuguese, and Travel Classes. We teach off-site classes and Corporate Language Education as well. Contact us at 646-287-6645 or Newsletter@BrazilStation.com to find the right programs for you!
| |
July Language Tip
|
A complement is a universal way to introduce yourself and start a conversation—and everybody likes it! Let's learn how to say some of them in Portuguese.
Nice shirt. - Bela camisa.
You look handsome / pretty. - Você está bonito / bonita.
She is fancy. - She é elegante.
Where did you get these shoes? They are nice. - Onde você comprou estes sapatos? Eles são bonitos.
You have style. - Você tem estilo.
Do you work out? - Você está malhando?
I like your hairstyle. - Eu gosto do seu penteado.
Good job! - Bom trabalho!
You are very intelligent. - Você é muito inteligente.
How can you do that? You are very good. - Como você consegue fazer isso? Você é muito bom no que faz.
| |
WE ARE ALWAYS INTERESTED in your feedback. Learning is a dynamic process. Please contact us at Newsletter@BrazilStation.com with your suggestions about classes or the school or with any questions.
FEEL FREE TO FORWARD this newsletter to any of your friends who may be interested in joining us to learn about Brazil, or in starting down the road to speaking Portuguese. This newsletter only comes out monthly and is not sent to anyone who doesn't want it.
BRAZIL STATION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for changes or cancellations of events outside the school. |
| |
This e-mail was sent from Brazil Station
Immediate removal with PatronMail®
SecureUnsubscribe. |
 | |
| To forward this e-mail to a friend or colleague, use this link. |
| To change your e-mail address or update preferences, use this link. | | |
