Rotary District 5180 to Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Maria Fumaca

2009-06-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

Train ride on Maria Fumaca. The ride was about an hour and a half. We took a bus from Bento Goncalves to Carlos Barbosa. From Carlos Barbosa, we boarded the train which took us through Garibaldi where we stopped for some wine and Bento Goncalves.

While we waited for the Maria Fumaca train, we were entertained with music from a famous Brazilian singer.

Boarding Maria Fumaca.

The gala was hosted by the Mulheres (women's) Rotary Club in Bento. The evening included live music from a saxophonist followed by more dancing. I think we left around 3:30 am. That's what I really love about the parties here...they don't end until people leave.

Porto Alegre

2009-06-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

A little slice of paradise...in a glass

2009-06-07T06:04:00.000-07:00

Our good friend and fellow GSE'er, Tiago, gave us a tour of Cooperative Garibaldi...followed by wine and espumante (sparking wine) tasting. Yummy!

We toured Tramontina in the afternoon. This factory produces cutlery. Tramontina is the most well-known brand for cutlery (as well as other products).

Our tour ended with a stop at the local Volunteer Firemen of Garibaldi, where we had the opportunity to peek inside the ambulances and meet the local bombeiros.

Since we leave for our next city on Friday, June 4, we had our despididas dinner at a pizzeria. Pizzas here are not like those in the states! It was sad to leave but we had many fond and funny memories to take with us.

June 2

2009-06-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

We spent the evening at Tiago's house...over bread, salame, and guess what...wine. Rodrigo and Marina drove in from Sao Marcos and Everton from Farrouphila. We had a lovely time!

But where's Pablo???

We were on Radio Garibaldi in the morning. Our interpreter was from the Cultura Americana language school in Garibaldi (there are many language schools here in Rio Grande do Sul). After that, we visited with the Mayor and then took a tour of the city on a bus previously used for the military.

After lunch, we visited the second largest producer of cutlery, Martinazzo.

Our other tour included a visit to Frinal, a chicken factory. For sanitary purposes, we had to change into new clothes. (Monica had to change out of her beautiful new boots.) The smell was overwhelming but it was interesting to see how chickens make it to the dining table. Thank you for the sacrifice, chicken!

A Fine Polenta... May 31, 2009

2009-06-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

Horsies for Em...& a Cow...Happy Graduation!

2009-06-04T19:41:00.001-07:00

A Bottle to Remember May 30, 2009

2009-06-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

I'm Yours 05-29-09

2009-06-01T19:46:00.001-07:00

05-28-09

2009-06-01T19:23:00.001-07:00

Pinhao Party..a surprise!! 05-27-09

2009-06-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

Pilgrimage 05-25-09

2009-06-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

Blue Suede Shoes 05-25-09

2009-05-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-28T14:51:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-28T02:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

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.

May 23

2009-05-23T20:43:00.001-07:00

Nova Petropolis - a small town outside of Gramado. This is the amazing maze (labyrinth).

On our way back to Flores da Cunha, we stopped by a cafe that served a never-ending assortment of meat and sweets.

Don't attempt to ride a horse (though fake) on a full belly like Ge.

Here we are pedaling the swan boats at the Black Lake in Canela.

The Interact Group and us at the Brigada Military at the entrance to Gramado.

Yummy!
Chocolate bunny!!!

Our new friends - the people in Brasil are very nice and kind!

May 22

2009-05-23T20:18:00.001-07:00

We love Brasil!

Viapiana Winery

CTG - Traditional Gaucho Dance

Viapiana Winery

Mesh protective headgear at the Fante Factory. Fante produces fine wines and other products such as Cacasha.

Interview with the local Flores da Cunha newspaper, O Florense.

Our translator

Gaucho dance and celebration in Flores da Cunha.

This Brasilian flag was a gift from the Rotaract Group. Members signed the flag and presented us with music CDs.

Gaucho performers.

Moni Goes to Work 05-25-09

2009-05-23T20:03:00.001-07:00

Monica on her vocational tour of the military police in Flores da Cunha. We've never seen Monica so happy...until...

Inside of the military police car.

Here we are at the civil police. The chief of police is 26 years old.

Flores da Cunha Police station

Us with Captain Beron at the military police station.

Dispatch room

Monica with the military police motorcycle

Monica inside the new military police car

Lights are on all the time on the vehicles.

I do have to say, these Officers are amazing. They do their jobs because they truly want to and you can see it in their eyes. I was well received and it seems as if they are just as eager to learn about how we do things in the states as I am to learn about them. I was truly blessed to meet with Captain Beron and greatly appreciate the kindness of him as well as his staff. They do the same job we do with much less equipment and an unparalleled enthusiasm. Obrigada por tudo e tem cuidado!

May 20, 2009

2009-05-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Here we are at a vista point that overlooks the foothills surrounding Flores da Cunha.

Salvador Winery

Waterfall in Flores da Cunha

GSE Angels

Kaleb and Ge with Flores da Cunha club president Ismael and Dalva.

Baculo wine - one of the best red wines we've tasted in this region. This limited collection is produced by Vinicola Salvador.

We met the mayor of Flores da Cunha. He was elected in January 2009.

May 19, 2009

2009-05-23T19:25:00.001-07:00

Only 210 steps to the top of the clock tower in Flores da Cunha.

Lunch buffet at Casa Nosstra

Monica and Ge trying to learn the samba

Our new friends are very enthusiastic about learning and practicing English.

Flores da Cunha Rotary meeting

Friday, May 22, 2009

2009-05-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 22, 2009

Today we got a chance to have Sue and Greg show us around. We first went to the local newspaper, O Florense, and had an interview. They publish a weekly periodical in additional to special wine and business interest. They were kind enough to give us copies of each.

Then we got the chance to go to Fante Winery. Today was their 40th Anniversary. They provide wine for all of Brazil and 10 other countries. We got a tour and I had to wear these hairnets. For some reason I thought it was really funny so I took many pictures. The highlight was getting our sparkling wine straight out of the large canister/tank and into our glass-we didn’t have it served from the bottle.

After a great lunch, we continued our wine tasting tours. The second vineyard we saw was Viapiana Winery. It is a family owner winery from Italian ancestry. It was nice to walk around and visit with the owners.

My favorite part of the day was the dinner. We had a very special dinner where Flores de Canhua gave us a warm party. They had a live band play before dinner. The gauchos were dressed in their traditional costume that consists of baggy pants, boots, a belt, light shirt, and a tall dark hat. The women wore beautiful long dresses that were bright in color. They were long sleeved and had a tight bodice. Some women wore their hair up and others down. I tried to take many pictures and video.
Dinner was wonderful with lots of meat being served. We were lucky to sit next to Roteract and great friends. I got to learn about the different festivals that Brazilians celebrate and Monica got a chance to expand her vocabulary. After dinner, the Rotarians were kind enough to present us with presents. The Roteract gave us all CDs with Brazillian music. I can’t wait to take it home and listen to it. They also gave us a Brazil flag and they wrote messages and signed their names. We can’t thank them enough for their kindness. They were kind enough to show me how to play the tambourine. I wasn’t that good so I asked for them to play so the girls can dance the Samba we just learned.

I didn’t want to leave because everyone was so nice. Oh yeah, I also found out the name of the song I’m in love with right now. It’s Arere by Banda Eva-check it out on iTunes. It’s really catchy!!

travel to flores da cunha 05-19-09

2009-05-21T21:13:00.001-07:00

Here we are in our second city, Flores da Cunha. We were wecolmed with a familiar stranger, Everton Mascarello. The people here are warm and kind...and beautiful.

Flores da Cunha is a beautiful town located on the hills. The streets climb effortlessly up the slopes and crest - sometimes pretty steeply - down the other side. The homes here are absolutely gorgeous. Each home has its own characteristics.

sao marcos tchau dinner

2009-05-21T21:06:00.001-07:00

Picture of our lower halves taken by the Mayor of Sao Marcos at our good-bye dinner

Monica and her host mother, Jacqueline

Kaleb and his host family

Sao Marcos: wonderful people, great food, fond memories

Thelema and her host family

Ge and her host family

Monica and her host family

05-18-09 sao marcos

2009-05-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

Visit to the public housing area in Sao Marcos.

Ge and Shayla in front of the English/Newspaper/Radio building.

Team picture with the Mayor of Sao Marcos.

Thelema in front of a painting in the Prefeitura (Mayor/City Hall).

Kaleb looking at blue prints.

sao Marcos may 17th

2009-05-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

05-15-09 sao marcos

2009-05-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

Rodeo

New friends: Marina, Tuira, Carina

Gauchos at the rodeo

District Conference
Master Power tour. Ge wishing she could bring back the turbo collection.

Private tour of Master Power. There are two facilities, the main one and the foundry located about 6 km from the main building. The tour was given by the owner, Ricardo, and an engineer, Alberto.

Tour of Bontempo furniture plant.

A Quick Note

2009-05-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! thank you for your overwhelming support! we are all doing very well and having a great time! we get up early and stay up very late... we are heading out to pizza so this is brief... i will write more soon!!

beijos!!!
the team

just a few pictures...and a video (i hope)

2009-05-15T03:19:00.000-07:00

these are just a few pictures of our journey so far representing what Kaleb has posted... the video should be in the next (or first, who knows which it is hahaha) blog... we are having a most wonderful time and it is absolutely amazing what has been put together for us.

The people here are so kind and generous!

Sao Marcos day one part II

2009-05-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

We were dropped off at our hotel around 1230am from our evening at the small festival. The small festival had between 650 and 800 people and a raffle prize of a 150kg wheel of cheese, don't worry about picturing the cheese in your head we have photos. We were joined by another GSE team from Florida tonight, it was nice to meet and discuss the preparation process and get a run down of how things have been for them, they have been here for about a week and a half.We had another fantastic meal with some of the local Rotarians which consisted of chicken, pasta, potato salad, bread and who would have guessed it more wine. After dinner we were treated to a shot of coffee ( very similar to the Cuban coffee served by the Cardenas family in Sacramento. Angenor a local Rotarian and former president help me decline the offer of one of the coffee ladies who said that she loved me and would make me coffee every day in California, yes I have pictures. The evening ended with dancing at a concert held at the festival and we stayed long enough to rock out to the accordion solo, yes we have pictures of this also.

Kaleb

Sao Marcos day one

2009-05-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

So we have 30 minutes before we go again. We woke up about 8-830 this morning and went down to a huge breakfast laid out for the 5 of us. We were then taken to Rodrigo Poggere's ( from the team that came from Brazil to Sacramento) family vineyard. They make natural grape juice and small batches of wine(Sara please call Continental and ask how many bottles of wine one person can bring back into the USA, no this is not a joke). We spent the morning there learning about their business then we had a fantastic lunch with his family including Don Celesto the grandfather for whom the grape juice is named. We were then whisked off to Serra Gaucha the winery that Rodrigo's brother runs. Needless to say we drank a few bottles at each locations, including 3 bottles of a muscatel sparkling wine that won the gold out of all the gold medal winners in France for 2007. We are now headed to a small festival held here in Sao Marcos.

Kaleb

Off to Rio Grande do Sol, Brazil!

2009-05-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

We made it, all of us. we arrived in Sao Marcos just before 10pm local time on the 13th. I think we figured that the total travel time including airports, 5 of them and a bus then a 3 hour road trip totaled around 33 hours.

Kaleb

Itinerary

2009-05-06T22:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This is my first posting on the GSE Blog. Only six more days until we take off. We are doing our final preparations before taking off--it is very intense. Kaleb did a great job with booking an amazing photographer (special thanks to Joe) who photographed us in front of the Capital and the Tower Bridge. Ge created our pamphlets, business cards, and ordered our name badges. Monica is a computer whiz with PowerPoint and she is saving all our documents on a flash drive. Shelley and Rick have been giving us the best support and feedback with our presentation and our Portuguese. We are all getting very excited.

Our last weekend before taking off will be spent attending our District's Conference in Monterey. We plan to get home in time for Mother's Day. More than likely we will have to say our goodbyes to the outbound Brazil team--the next time we will see them is in their stomping grounds.

Lastly, I would like to share our itinerary so you can see where we will go and the activities we will do. There are lots of wineries! I have to learn how to say "I've had enough, thank you."

Ate mais,
Thelema

Day/ Time Schedule Responsibles

MAY

13,
Wednesday Arrival at Salgado Filho International Airport of Porto Alegre, Capital city of Rio Grande do Sul State - Brazil.
Travel to São Marcos city.
Lodging and rest. State’s Governor and São Marcos Club

14,
Thursday
10:00 hs. - Visit to Poggere Restaurant.
12:00 hs. - Lunch at Poggere Restaurant.
14:00 hs - Visit to Zanlorenzi Winery.
17:00 hs. - Visit to São Marcos Drivers Association.
20:00 hs. - Dinner at Drivers Association.
Lodging: host families. São Marcos Club

15,
Friday 09:00 hs. - Visit to Sinuelo Winery.
12:00 hs. - Lunch at Sinuelo Winery.
14:00 hs. - Tour of places of interest in São Marcos (visit to Calvário Hill and Main Church).
17:00 hs. - Rest.
20:00 hs. - Opening of District Conference.
Lodging: host families. São Marcos Club

16,
Saturday 08:00 hs. - Presentation and Participation at the DISTRICT CONFERENCE.
Lodging: host families. São Marcos Club

17,
Sunday 08:00 hs. - Final actions of the District Conference.
Rest of the day is reserved for leisure at Flávio Sandi’s Ranch.
Lodging: host families. São Marcos Club

18,
Monday 08:30 hs. - Protocol visit to Mayor of São Marcos.
09:30 hs. - Visit and interviews at São Marcos Diplomatic Radio.
12:00 hs. - Lunch.
Open afternoon for rest. São Marcos Club

19,
Tuesday 09:30 hs. - Travel to Flores da Cunha city.
Reception at Rotarian landmark.
Accommodation in hotel already contracted.
Open time for accommodation until noon.
14:00 hs. - City tour, to downtown and to some country side chapels. Visit Municipal Museum.
Participants: Flores da Cunha Rotary Club, Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Kids. Flores da Cunha Club
(Resp. President Ismael)

20,
Wednesday Visit to the Municipal City Hall and audience with Flores da Cunha Mayor, followed by visit to the Municipal City Hall and audience with Mayor of Nova Padua.
14:00 to 18:00 hs. - Visit for study of local vineyards
20:00 hs. – Dinner is responsibility of Rotaract club. Flores da Cunha Club (Resp. Ismael, Jorge and Everton – from Rotaract)

21,
Thursday 09:00 hs. - International Culinary School tour and luncheon, with lunch in that school at 12:00 hs.
14:00 to 18:00 hs. - Visit to Di Trento Farm, vineyard and restaurant.
19:00 hs. - Walk to Caxias do Sul’s Iguatemi Mall, with dinner at that Mall. Flores da Cunha Club
(Resp. Jocelito, Darci and Ismael)

22,
Friday 09:00 hs. - Visit and interviews at local Newspaper and Radio.
14:00 to 18:00hs. - Visit to Panizzon Winery.
Flores da Cunha Club
(Resp. Pres. Ismael and Paulo Panizzon)

23,
Saturday 09:00 to 12:00 hs. - Visit to Fante Vineyard and Restaurant, with typical colonial lunch.
!4:00 to 18:00 hs. - Visit to Viapiana Belvedere Sonda Restaurant and Gelain Observatory.
Night open for your own choices. Flores da Cunha Club (Resp. Ismael, Eumar and Júlio)

24,
Sunday Traveling to Farroupilha city.
09:00 hs. - Arrival at Rotarian landmark at Sta. Rita Avenue.
10:00 hs. - Visit local attractions (Centennial Park of the Italian Immigration - Nova Milano District).
12:00 hs. - Lunch (Dinar Restaurant)
14:00 hs. - Visit sites of local interest (Salto Ventoso, Parque dos Pinheiros).
18:00 hs. - Di Capri Hotel.
19:30 hs. - Dinner at Fernando Sebben Restaurant.
Lodging: Di Capri Hotel. Farroupilha’s Clubs

25,
Monday 8:30 hs. - Visit to the Municipal City Hall and audience with the Mayor, followed by interviews at local Newspaper, Television and Radio stations.
10:00 hs. - Visit to Canção Wines and Irmãos Basso Winery.
13:00 hs. - Typical Italian Lunch.
14:00 hs. - Visit to Cooperativa São João.
16:00 hs. - Visit to Golden Juices.
18:00 hs. - Di Capri Hotel.
19:30 hs. - Dinner.
Lodging: Di Capri Hotel. Farroupilha’s Clubs

26,
Tuesday
(Municipal Religious Holiday -
O.L. of Caravaggio) 09:00 hs. - Our Lady of Caravaggio’s Shrine.
12:30 hs. - Lunch at Reale Brunetta Restaurant.
14:00 hs. - Visit to Santa Rita Spa (turistic place).
17:30 hs. - Visit to Elvis Cafe.
18:00 hs. - Di Capri Hotel.
19:30 hs. - Dinner at Farroupilha Rotary Club (Res. Gedeão Lutz)
Lodging: Di Capri Hotel.
Farroupilha’s Clubs

27,
Wednesday 09:00 hs. - Visit to Trentino Valley (Elio Bampi, Cembrani,
Ivo Onzi and Slomp Wineries).
13:00 hs. - Lunch at Perini Wine Cellar.
14:30 hs - Visit to Perini Tavern.
19:30 hs. - Dinner at Perini Wine Cellar.
Lodging: Di Capri Hotel. Farroupilha’s Clubs

28,
Thursday 09:00 hs. - Visit to Plinio Tonet vineyard.
10:30 hs. - trip to EMATER (ag research)
12:00 hs. - Lunch at Pitti Bimbo Restaurant.
14:00 hs. – AFAVIN (Assoc of wine producers)
18:00 hs. - Di Capri Hotel.
19:30 hs. – Rotary Meeting and Dinner with presentation Participation: Farroupilha R.C. and Farroupilha Nova Vicenza R.C.
Lodging: Di Capri Hotel. Farroupilha’s Clubs

29,
Friday Travel to Garibaldi.
09:00 hs. - Reception at Garibaldi’s Rotarian landmark.
10:00 hs. - Visit to FAC.
12:00 hs. - Lunch at FAC.
13:30 hs. - Visit to Chandon Winery.
18:00 hs. - Lodging at Rotarians homes.
20:00 hs. - Rotary Meeting - introduction of all Rotarians to eachother and dinner. Garibaldi Club

30 *,
Saturday 09:00 hs. - Meeting at a place to be choosen.
09:30 hs. - Visit to Casa Pedrucci Winery.
12:00 hs. - Lunch at Estrada do Sabor ( Flavor Street).
14:30 hs. - Visit to Don Laurindo Winery.
16:30 hs. - Visit to a Milantino Winery.
18:00 hs. - Lodging at ....
20:00 hs. - Dinner (to be choosen if at a home or at a restaurant). Garibaldi Club
31 *,
Sunday

Open day, possibly a barbecue lunch.
Garibaldi Club

*
Atention: This programming can be SUBSTITUTED with:
- Saturday - a ride to Porto Alegre, capital of the State. Visit to tourist points, soccer stadiums, etc, with overnight there.
- Sunday - a ride to the tourist cities of Gramado and Canela.

JUNE

01, Monday 09:00 hs. - Visit to Peterlongo Winery.
12:00 hs. - Lunch.
14:00 hs. - Visit to Cooperativa Garibaldi Winery.
18:00 hs. - Return to hotel or host’s homes.
20:00 hs. - Dinner.
Garibaldi Club

02,
Tuesday 09:00 hs. - Interview at Garibaldi Radio.
10:30 hs. - Visit with city Mayor.
12:00 hs. - Lunch.
14:00 hs. - Visit to Martinazzo.
16:00 hs. - Visit to Frinal.
18:00 hs. - Return to hotel or host’s homes.
20:00 hs. - Dinner. Garibaldi Club

03,
Wednesday 09:00 hs. - Visit to APAE – Association of Parents and Friends of Exceptional People.
11:00 hs. - Visit to Firemen Corporation.
12:00 hs. - Lunch.
14:00 hs. - Visit to Tramontina Industry.
17:00 hs. - Visit to be choosen. Garibaldi Club

04,
Thursday 09:00 hs. - Meeting and departure to Bento Gonçalves.
Arrival to Bento Gonçalves (Pipa’s Portico).
09:30 hs. - City tour with visit to dowtown, churches and university fields.
13:00 hs. - Lunch at “Caminhos de Pedra” (Stone Path).
Afternoon - Visit tourist sites.
17:30 hs. - Take to the host families. Bento Gonçalves Rotary Club
05,
Friday Morning - Protocol visit to Bento Gonçalves City Mayor and interviews at city radio stations.
Afternoon - Visit to city Newspapers. Bento Gonçalves Rotary Club

06,
Saturday 09:30 hs. - Ride “Maria Fumaça” ( Smoky Maria) - A train trip in an antique, coal-fired train that travels from Bento Gonçalves to Carlos Barbosa, through Garibaldi. On the return trip, visit the Theme Park "Italian Epopee".
13:00 hs: Lunch at local restaurant “Di Paolo”.

Bento Gonçalves Rotary Club
07,
Sunday Day free for your own choices - The Team will stay with their host families. Bento Gonçalves Rotary Club

08,
Monday 09:00 to 12:00 hs. - Visit to EMBRAPA - Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Brazilian Company of Agricultural Research).
12:00 hs. - Lunch at Wine SPA, followed by visit to Miolo Winery and tour of Vale dos Vinhedos (Vineyard Valley). Bento Gonçalves Rotary Club

09,
Tuesday 09:00 hs - Visit to Instituto Federal de Educação - Escola de Enologia (Federal Institute of Education - Enology School).
12:30 hs.- Lunch at Salton Winery (workers restaurant) followed by visit to taverns, vineyards, etc., then, tourist ride to Rio das Antas (Tapirs River) and a short visit to “Casa Bucco”, a cane liquor distillery.
20:00 hs. - Rotary Meeting with presentation.
Participant clubs: Bento Gonçalves RC and Bento Gonçalves- São Francisco Rotary Club. Bento Gonçalves Rotary Club

10,
Wednesday 09:00 hs. - Visit to “Casa Valduga” Winery with lunch there.
Afternoon free for your own choices.
20:00hs. - Rotary Meeting with presentation.
Participant clubs: RC Bento Gonçalves-Planalto RC and Bento Gonçalves-Mulheres da Serra RC. Bento Gonçalves Rotary Club
11,
Thursday
(National Religious Holiday -Corpus Cristi)
Morning - Visit to Aurora Winery Cooperative.
Lunch with the host families.
The rest of the day is open for rest and packing. Bento Gonçalves Rotary Club
12,
Friday Travel to Salgado Filho Internacional Airport of Porto Alegre and departure to USA. Bento Gonçalves Rotary Club

*****

Boa Vinda!

2009-04-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

The inbound team from Brazil arrived on Sunday, April 12. It has been a great pleasure getting to know the team (Eloni, Tiago, Pablo, Rodrigo, and Everton) over the last few weeks.

One of my most memorable experience was the Folsom Dinner meeting. In our quest to expand our Brazilian Portuguese, we asked our new friends to translate various English words: earrings = brinca and ring = anel. Thelema came up with a neat way to remember "ring" -- ring on nail ("anel"). Brilliant!!

After much conversation, my bladder needed a break. I asked for directions to the restroom, in Portuguese of course, to which they replied esquerdo -- the right. My Spanish should have registered "red flag" but no, I continued walking to the right until I heard "LEFT." Lesson #1: Learn the basic important words: LEFT, RIGHT, YES, NO...and Lesson #2: Be cautious of handsome looking Brazilian men.

Fortunately, returning to the table was much easier. More learning, laughing, and promises of partying in Sao Marcos. At some point (I don't recollect how we arrived at that point), one of the guys shared a tongue twister with us. Here it is -- guess what it is? HINT: see diagram.

Ah...it was a great evening with great company and wonderful memories to whet our appetite even more. Oh, and there was another tongue twister...no drawings, though. And, no translation.

Tchau!

Visa Trip and Presentation Decision

2009-04-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

I picked up our visas on Thursday, April 16th. The trip via Amtrak was uneventful other than late due to a train in front of ours breaking down and we sat for 45 minutes. At the Brasilian Consulate in SF, I took a numbered ticket and started the wait. Lo and Behold, the missionary who delayed Kaleb and I the previous week for over an hour was back and in front of me. I thought I would be there all morning. I thought if God really wanted him in Brasil his paperwork would be filled out properly. But again he had failed to do it properly. Not sure what he was up to but the Brasilians were not sure it was religion. Thankfully, once a Brasilian nationals window opened they called for pick up. I jumped to the window and gave the woman my receipt. She disappeared for a few minutes, came back and asked for my written authorizations to pick up the other 4 visas. I did not have them but casually mentioned the woman serving the next window have given me the receipt and said to bring it back.
Skeptically, the current window person went and pulled the visas. I could reach out and touch them but alas she held them back. She then asked the other woman who stuck her head around the partition; she recognized me and actually mentioned a funny line I had shared with her. "Let him have what he needs, I remember he and his friend (Kaleb)". One small step in international diplomacy.

The entire team enjoyed meeting the inbound team. We have been at 2 events with them. They are charming, English is very good and the outbound team is already clamoring for more of their time. Our first full day in Brasil will be spent at the grape juice processing plant owned by the family of one the team members, Rodrigo. The world is becoming smaller every step we take.

Our presentation is coming together quite well and we look forward to seeing all you Rotarians in Monterrey. The entire team including alternates will there with you.

Ate logo (until then)

Jim Eaton

Family Night April 03, 2009

2009-04-16T01:46:00.001-07:00

Oi!

We gave our first presentation in front of the GSE Committee as well as our friends and families. We began the evening with a wonderful buffet dinner at Viento's Restaurant. We had the opportunity to meet those near and dear to the hearts of our team members as well as those from the committee we had not yet met.

We received much appreciated feedback regarding our presentation. Our goal is to show our new friends in Rio Grande do Sul how much alike we really are. We spoke of ourselves in our broken Portugese (mine has a Spanish accent, by the way) and spoke of our region in English.

It was really good to be able to give our presentation for the first time in front of so many people who care about us! It was also the night where it really became a reality for some of us that this adventure is upon us. We are counting down the days until we say ate lago to our comfort zones for just a little while.

Thank you to everyone who was there to support us as well as those who were not able to make it. Trish, I will think of you and smile each time I see the slide of our farm animals :)

Obrigada!

Visa run to San Francisco on 4/8/2009

2009-04-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

Oi,

So,Jim and I had a lovely trip to the Brazilian consulate this morning. We made great time to the city and found parking across the street.

We headed straight to the post office and grabbed Thelema's money orders then we were off to the consulate, where the real fun began.

Notes were posted everywhere saying the system was down and you could either wait or come back tomorrow. We opted to wait just to ask a few questions. Around 11am a gentleman came into the lobby and told us that we needed to fill out the old paper applications like the one Monica had submitted and in the event that they could not access the system they would submit the other application.

Jim and I began feverishly filling out our applications then Ge's and Thelema's. Monica's was done. Small problem, we didn't know half of the personal info they were asking for. We tried to make contact with Ge and Thelema but to no avail. So we faked it.

The moment we were waiting for was finally here, the nice lady not the grouchy one started calling out numbers....195,196.....203,204,205....that's us we were first. Problem, we hadn't finished faking, I mean filling out the applications. Jim and I ran from the window back to our seats and finished our task. We returned to the window and handed over Jim's application, good, then mine almost good, Jim had glued a picture in the wrong spot. No big deal. Then Monica's, easy right she had already filled it out ? Wrong, they needed hers submitted electronically as well. I left the consulate and ventured off to Kinkos to fill out Monica's electronic application. Jim remained and turned in the other two applications. Then met me at Kinkos after a stroll around the block. I printed the receipt and we headed back to the Brazilian consulate.

We politely proceeded to the nice lady's window, not the grouchy one. All of our visa applications were grouped together and we said our goodbye's to our new best friends that we had made in the waiting room.

We were off, mission completed we went back to the car and it was still there- always a good sign. We headed for the exit and met our next challenge. I handed over the ticket to the parking attendant who gave us payment options which included first born son (sorry Aaron) one good kidney (thanks Jim) and one pint of O+( I covered that seeing how Jim had just forked over a kidney).

The happy ending is that we should have our visa in about five working days. Jim will be picking them up for us next week.

Kaleb

Retreat Weekend, November 2008

2009-03-08T06:59:00.001-07:00

Ola!
Yes, yes, I know…it’s about time I write this account on our retreat weekend last November. As a team, we went to Angel’s Camp and had a wonderful weekend full of team building activities and getting to know each other activities arranged by our team leaders, Jim and Rick. It was apparent how much thought and preparation they put into our weekend and we truly appreciated it.

We had our first experience in really getting to know each other by staying together in what I call condos (fabulous condos I must say, with a beautiful view, and very comfortable). We shared the responsibilities for cooking meals and cleaning up.

Our indoor activities included discussions on qualities we believe good team members possess and creating, as a team, objects out of colored clay. Kudos to Thelema, Ge, and Shelley for their beautiful clay garden! We also had the opportunity to put our verbal communication to the test—we were each blindfolded and verbally guided through numerous obstacles, ducking under chandeliers and maneuvering around tables. It was a great way to show each other we trust each other.

Our outdoor activities took place at Calivera’s Big Trees—an absolutely beautiful place and we were given equally beautiful weather. There we untied knots in a rope in record time, had lunch, and went for a photo scavenger hunt.

It was a wonderful weekend and really left me excited to start this experience with this team. I know for sure I appreciate each person and what they have to bring to this team.

Tchau!
moni

Under 100 days and counting

2009-02-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Ola;
The GSE Team of Ge Moua, Kaleb Taylor, Monica Chavez , Thelema along with alternate Shelley Bald and alternate Team Leader Rick Davis are preparing nearly daily for this change of life experience. From their Portuguese language training-yes Brasil ( that is how they spell it) is a Portuguese speaking country. You probably thought Spanish. Additonally as a team they are working on a Table Top Dispaly that can be used by Clubs throughout the District to educate Rotary members about past GSE teams that have visited countries like Austria, Germany, Japan, Sweden and more. Another focus is on a Tri-Fold brochure they will take to the clubs they are visiting in Brasil. The main thrust is on a presentation they will present some in Portuguese and some in English up to 20- times. You can see they are quite busy but enjoying every minute.

Tchau (Good bye)

Jim Eaton
2009 GSE Team Leader to Brasil

A Small Bequest

2009-02-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Ola! Here goes my first post...

At a previous meeting, our fearless leader, Jim, mentioned that the GSE Committee would like the team to create a visual display (a la a free-standing tri-fold) for an upcoming event in Rancho Murieta. The display would educate others on GSE, what the program is, who the beneficiaries are, and the long-lasting impact it has had (and will continue to have) on us, and the rest of the world. Visuals would include pictures and quotes from previous GSE teams, as well as the teams' sponsoring clubs.

Last night we decided to march forward with the tri-fold idea...and perhaps will add a scrapbook/journal to the display (BTW: I love the idea, Thelema!!). It's a small gesture of appreciation for the kindness Rotarians have shown towards GSE participants past and present. But hopefully, it will be the start of something larger to come.

GSE is a wonderful and unique program offered only through Rotary International. I cannot imagine a greater honor than to serve as a team member or alternate. Hopefully our team's small bequest will allow other brave souls to apply for the program.

The countdown has begun...94 days to go! Ate logo!

(Now that wasn't too bad. Guess I will be posting more often.)