Blue Suede Shoes 05-25-09

L'Hombre Factory. The shoes look and smell fabulous. And yes, the prices are fabulous as well.

One of the most amazing places is Orquidario Dinisia. Dino Jose Dorigon, the collector, has over 100 orchids. The oldest/first orchid was a present from his father for his wedding. That orchid dates back 42 years. In addition to the immaculate orchid collection, Dino and his wife owns a beautiful home with a swimming pool and bar on the lower floor.

One of most rewarding experience is visiting the Prefeitura (Mayor). In Farroupilha, we were received by the Mayor and his Vice Mayor (aka Elvis/John Travolta). Our gifts included chocolates and guides to the city.

Here we are jiving at the Elvis Cafe. Elvis (Vice Mayor) was a pleasant surprise.

Although shoes (in addition to diamonds and purses) are a girls' best friend, too much shoe factory tours can be exhausting. Here we are taking a break.

Atacado Wholesale shops.

Kaleb's Vocation 05-24-09

Housing project in Farroupilha. These condos, unlike public housing in Sacramento, are sold to tennants at very affordable prices. The units are very small and consist of 2 bedrooms and one bath. Upgrades are available at an extra cost to the buyer. One of the owners we met was excited about owning her own home. She got teary-eyed just talking about how much it meant to her to own her own home.

The condos are strategically built to be near shopping centers and to take advantage of community activities...such as churrascos.

Slug bug!

A Lighter Shade of Pale 05-24-09

Ronda Churrasco.

Pictured here: bbq'ed pineapple with cinnamon.

Farroupilha has 3 CTGs - locations gaucho dancing takes place. This is one of them.

Salto Ventosa is one of the greatest hidden treasures in Farroupilha. Here, Monica took a picture of Ge taking a picture of the the waterfall.

Breathtaking.

Ingreja (church) near Novo Milano.

Traditional gaucho dancers at the second CTG.

The hand-made dresses are amazing. Each dress is different and made specifically for the dancer.



Salto Ventosa.

Farroupilha, RS May 28, 2009

The first visit was to Sazi where they make stainless steel appliances. What is interesting is that they make the machines that make machines.

The second place we visited was Colombo. They are a very large company that sells electronics. It was great to see the many friends that we made in Brazil working at the job. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch there as well.

After lunch we got to visit a winery, Golden Sucos. The owner was born in California and now lives in Brazil.

We got the privileged to have the Coral Infanto-Juvenil Talentos sing for us. They are a group of young students that meet every week to practice for choir. They did a wonderful job singing and dancing for us. We would like to thank them for the CD's they gave to us and I'm looking forward to listening to the CD.

We are all the same

Looking out my hotel window, I see a familiar sight. Two grade school children here in Farroupilha are running to see who gets in the front seat for their ride to school. It defines our moment. We are learning and teaching each other how similar the people of the USA and those of Brasil are so similar. The same dreams, the same fears, similar mis-perceptions. The people who have taken us into their homes and hearts are learning that Americanos are loving, respectful and eager to share.
The team is doing an incredible job of representing themselves, their families, their sponsoring clubs, our community, state and nation. These 4 young adults are what Rotary International had in mind with this program. The perceptions of some that we are a bit cold, arrogant and live in Hollywood style lives are gone with every kiss on the cheek greeting and warm smile. Each city brings new friends and experiences that are life changing As Rotary says we truly are creating World Peace 1 person at a time and the number of people the team has touched runs in the thousands already and 15 more days to go. Rio Grande du Sul is home to Italian immigrant familes from the 1870's. Many of the traditions and family values continue. Meals are large in fantastic food but also numbers. It is overwhelming the incredible reception we receive We are treated as very honored guests and as a warning to our friends and families we are becoming accustomed to the treatment.- HA Most impactful on me is the incredible treatment and love from the Rotarians in the first three cities, Sao Marcos, Flores de Cunha, and the 2 clubs here in Farroupilha. Also the impact on the kids we have meant, from 8 to 18;, they look on the team as rock stars as this is their first encounter with Americanos. The 4 young professionals representing you and Rotary are fantastic Ambassadors. Bom Dia

May 21st Afternoon

Luiz Argenta Winery in Flores de Cunha.
The new winery hosted its grand opening the weekend before our visit.



Concrete bridge (no railing) to the winery

Escola de Gastronomia UCS (Culinary Institute) - part of University of Caxias do Sul

Paintings at the entrance of the school

View of the historic Argenta Winery from the new building

Argenta Administrator Zair Molon demonstrates how rocks are used to filter water and keep the grape vines cool.

We felt honored to speak with Argenta Winemaker, Edgard

and Adminstrator Zair Molon.

Four-course lunch at the Culinary Institute. Lunch included sparkling wine, red wine for the entree, and a dessert wine.

Us guessing wine aromas.

Aromas included wood, chestnut, and strawberries.

Student chefs prepared our meal at the Culinary Institute. Here, the chef dried lime rinds in an industrial oven for the orange chocolate dessert.