FORUM
Monthly Newsletter
In This Issue
Members wanted at
AGM this month
Page 3: All AmSoc members are
encouraged to attend the impor-
tant Annual General Meeting on
April 14.
Local charity
brightens kids’ lives
Page 5: AmSoc-sponsored charity
Projeto Sol has come a long way
in recent years, thanks in no small
part to AmSoc volunteers. Take a
look inside its success.
Changes to U.S. Visas
for Brazilians
Page 12: The U.S. Consulate
offers news and insight on all the
changes Brazilians will find when
they apply for their next U.S.
Tourist Visa.
A Brazilian dessert
experience
Page 16: Sue Banman Sileci
offers a look into her kitchen as
she explores the varied ways to
make a staple dessert found in
Brazilian homes everywhere.
Our Mission
The American Society of São Paulo
promotes friendship by organizing
social, cultural and athletic events for
its diverse membership; encourages
integration with the Brazilian society;
and supports the American traditions
of education, philanthropy and
volunteerism.
What you need to know about
AmSoc’s 60th Anniversary Party
T
he American Society of Sao
Paulo’s 60th Anniversary Charity
Dinner & Dance is in benefit of
Vivenda da Crianca and other
AmSoc partners, and will be held on
Friday, May 7, at Buffet Torres Moema,
Av. Dos Imares, 182. Cocktails and games
with prizes will run from 7:30 to 9 pm ,
with dinner, dancing and an auction to
follow. Dress is Black Tie optional, and
the cost per person is R$200. A numbered
invitation is required for entrance.
A helpful Q&A about the party
What should I wear?
Women, wear your most beautiful long
or short party dress. Men, you’ll look
lovely in black tie or in a dark suit. Both
of you will be able to have your pictures
taken upon arrival as a souvenir of the
party.
Can we reserve tables?
When a whole group of people buys
a table, they will be asked about where
they’d like the table to be. Then, as soon as
all the tables have all been sold (probably
Learn about American players like Shamell Stallworth, a native of San Francisco,
starring in Brazil’s growing National Basketball League, on pages 8-9. (Photo
by João Pires/Pinheiros SKY)
April 2010
www.amsoc.com.br
mid-April), we’ll assign spots to groups
based on who reserved first. So make your
reservations soon and sit in the center of
the action -- or near the dessert!
Why do we need to fill out a form in
order to buy a ticket?
This will help us communicate with you
– and help us be more organized. We will
be able to tell you your table number and
remind you of your ticket number. This
is the number you’ll use for our games
and auctions. We also will be able to send
you updates about prizes and other news.
Finally, filling out the form means you will
spend less or no time in lines when you
arrive at the party.
What if I can’t get a whole table
together or do not know anyone to join?
We will seat you at a fun table, trying to
match you up with people similar to you.
If you specifically want to sit with certain
people, mention this on your ticket order
form and we will do our best. Many groups
like Newcomers, British Club, Scottish
Club, Graded School and Chapel School
will be organizing tables (Continued on page 6)

The President’s Corner
If you are reading
this you’re probably
an American Society
member. I wonder
though if you have
ever considered
partnering with
American Society
in a new way;
by working with
and through your
By Tim Scott, AmSoc president
company as an
American Society Corporate Sponsor.
Corporate Sponsors gain some important
benefits; a broader “marketing” exposure to
the American Society’s members, support
for the orphanages and social projects with
which the American Society works, and
direct support of the American Society
mission. The first two benefits are self
explanatory, but why, you may ask, is
supporting the AmSoc mission a benefit?
Support for the American Society mission
(see mission statement on front cover) is a
benefit to every company (of any origin)
because we help integrate people to life in
this wonderful, yet challenging, city of São
Paulo. All company HR managers know
that employees, especially ex-pats, have a
positive international experience if they are
connected in a community of people with
similar interests.
You may also wonder how companies
get broader marketing exposure. Well,
here are some examples. Depending on
the level of your sponsorship, you receive
your company logo on all our Little League
team jerseys, a link to your company
from our Web site, naming rights at an
AmSoc sporting event, advertisements in
our monthly Forum and annual Directory,
preferential and complimentary tickets at
AmSoc premier events, and a banner with
Forum is published monthly, with
the exception of January and July, by
About Forum
The American Society of São Paulo
Rua da Paz, 1431 n 04713-001 São Paulo, SP
Tel: (11) 5182-2074 n Fax: (11) 5182-9155
forum@amsoc.com.br
2 FORUM
your logo at traditional celebrations such
as 4th of July or Thanksgiving.
We encourage you and your company
to join us. Please call or e-mail our office
for additional information and to take
advantage of this opportunity.
April is a busy month here at the
American Society. Kicking off the month
will be the children’s Easter Party, an
event filled with traditional egg hunting
and games for the kids. Board member
Felicia Smith is the organizer for this
event, we appreciate her dedication to
bring you another fun children’s event.
For sports, we have Little League,
organized by Board member Benton
Kirk, continuing during April plus two
Saturdays with softball organized by Board
member John Kennedy. During April we
are also very busy planning for our 60th
Anniversary Party, which will be on May
7. I’ve seen the plans and I can assure you
it will be an amazing evening. Even better,
a significant portion of the proceeds will
go to benefit one of our partner charities,
Vivenda da Criança. See more details
about the event in this issue of the Forum.
Also coming up is our Annual General
Meeting on April 14. All members are
welcome and encouraged to join us for
an evening that is actually a lot more fun
than its dry title would suggest. The event
is known for bringing together a broad
cross section of our membership for an
evening of social engagement combined
with delicious hors d’oeuvres and a short
business meeting.
It is here that we communicate to
you about the workings of the American
Society during the past year, elect new
board members and officers, and look
to the plans for the year ahead. I hope to
see you there.
Bob Moser, editor
Simon Tharby, staff writer
141 Preview, layout
Beatriz Salgado, editorial assistant
Forum is printed by Intergraf.
(www.intergraf.com.br)
Views expressed in Forum do
not necessarily reflect those of
the American Society board of
governors, members, or staff.
Forum reserves the right to edit
content for brevity and/or clarity.
Newcomer
profile
Name, age: Ryan
Bellissimo, 13
Origin, time here:
Riverside, Conn.,
one-and-a-half
years.
Profession: I go
to Graded, the
American School
in São Paulo. My
favorite subject is English (Humanities),
though I also like math, science and gym.
Why São Paulo?: My dad works for
IBM and was appointed as head [of a
department] for Latin America.
Best thing so far: I would have to say the
beaches and the vacation opportunities.
I would never have gotten to go to Peru,
Buenos Aires, and Patagonia. Also, the
parties here: There’s more dancing at
parties than in America.
Early frustrations: I found the
education here different. I think it’s not
strict enough and not of such a high
quality as in the States. Also, freedom is
a real problem. I live in a nice area, but I
can’t just ride my bike downtown like I
can in the States. I can’t even leave the
condominium! Meeting up with friends
takes a lot of arranging.
Have saudade for anything back
home?: American football. I really miss
this. I actually started a league here,
with a group that watched games after
we played, but it was hard to keep up
because we had to be too careful with
the younger kids. I also miss the food,
especially Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-
Robbins ice cream. Brazil needs more
[North] American fast food!
Progress with Portuguese: I have
learned a little, but I’m not the best
with foreign languages. I have some
Brazilian friends, but as they all go to
the American school they can speak
English.
Favorite place to hang out: O’Malley’s
Pub, because I can watch the American
football games there.
Recommend a newly-relocated ex-pat
for this column by e-mailing forum@
amsoc.com.br
April
AGM on April 14, a great night for members to gather
By Simon Tharby, staff writer
If you’ve been to one of AmSoc’s
Annual General Meetings before,
you’ll know that its obligatory title will
never reflect the amiable charm and
positivity of the event itself.
A social gathering, with cocktails,
hors d’oeuvres and plenty of time to
enjoy the company of AmSoc members,
it is far more than “just” a meeting.
This AGM will also be treated as a
farewell party for U.S. Consul General
Tom White and his family, who’ll be
leaving Sao Paulo in July after serving
three years at the local U.S. Consulate.
The AGM will be on April 14. RSVP
to the invitation letters you receive
through the AmSoc office: (amsoc@
amsoc.com.br / 5182-2074). Space is
limited. Identification in the form of a
passport or RNE card will be checked
at the door.
Last year, about 140 members
attended the AGM, which included
the opera singer Walter Fawcett
singing the American National
Anthem. Entertainment this year, yet
unannounced, will undoubtedly be of a
similarly high calibre.
In fact, the procedural side, including
the election of the board and voting on
financial report, will be only a small
part of the event. AmSoc President Tim
Scott emphasized the social aspect. “It’s
actually a fun event, even though it’s
not a very exciting title. I look forward
2010
to seeing a broad
cross-section of
our membership
there, including
new members.”
As is tradition,
the president
will make a short
speech noting
the highlights of
the past year, and
the plans for the
coming year. The
last year has seen
many successes for AmSoc, including
the 4th of July and Thanksgiving
events, both of which were very well
attended.
One issue that is also very likely to
get a mention is the financial crisis and
how AmSoc weathered the storm. Eric
Street, board chairman for Marketing,
Forum and Internet, said, “We managed
finances well during a difficult year
for companies and individuals.” Scott
agreed, adding, “During 2009, when
economic conditions were difficult, the
American Society finished the year on
the positive side.”
Membership has also continued to
grow, and Scott wants to emphasize the
diversity of members within AmSoc.
The president also told the Forum that
he will be commenting on the excellent
work of the Community Action
The American Society
of São Paulo
Committee, which has been highly
focused on improving its processes.
This has improved the efficacy of
meetings, the evaluation of the charities
that AmSoc works with, and the sharing
of best practices.
To learn more about the future of
AmSoc, though, there’s only one thing
to do – go to the AGM! Be sure to be
prepared to enjoy yourself, maybe meet
some old friends and definitely make
some new ones. As Street said, “It’s
a really nice event that brings people
together, and which people seem to
greatly enjoy. One of the highlights of
the year.”
AmSoc’s biggest event planned for
this year will be the 60th Anniversary
Party in May, for which tickets will be
on sale at the AGM.
FORUM 3

Big welcome to new members
This month we want to acknowledge
our new members from January and
NAME
Silvia & Michael Fine
Rachel Amorim
Simon Tharby
Marilisa & Norberto Giangrande, Jr.
Adriana & Marcelo Carvalho
Pedro & Estela D’Ascola
Liliana & Javier Gonzalez
Hazira & Scott Whitmore
Bari Ann & Marion Harris
Alan Clendenning & Esther Jimenez
Melissa & Ross Ashby
Sandra & Brett Bissell
Melissa & Mark Brezenski
AmSoc Easter
Party on April 4
The American Society’s Easter
Sunday egg hunt will be on April
4, from 12-2 pm at Chapel School,
Rua Vigario Joao de Pontes 537, in
Chacara Flora.
AmSoc families and children can
join in the fun of our classic egg
hunt, a variety of Easter-themed
games, plenty of food and a chance
for photos with the Easter Bunny.
Every child will also get an Easter
basket.
Payment will be taken
at the door; for member
children R$15 (R$40
max per family), and
R$20 for non-member
children (R$50 max
per family).
4 FORUM
The American Society
of São Paulo
A look inside Projeto Sol
By Kelly Maurice, AmSoc member
February. When you see our new to know them personally and make there
members, please take some time to get stay with us beneficial for all. Several members of the Community And what a grand place this is -- an
Action Committee (CAC) recently extremely spacious and fresh area
COMPANY OR visited local charity Projeto Sol, with a very large covered court for
MEMBERSHIP TYPE CITIZENSHIP along with Projeto Sol’s loyal sports, a game room filled with dolls
PROFESSION supporters, U.S. Consulate General and toys and children and monitors
Family Patron American VoloMax Tom White and his wife Terri White, playing board games together, a
who has been CAC’s liaison for large theater room, a comfortable
Single American n/a Projeto Sol for the last two years. family like tv and music room
Junior n/a n/a A special visitor also came on filled with boys intently watching
this day, Mark Pitt, president of a movie together, a kitchen with
Helping Hands Brazilian Link Investimentos Shermin Williams. Mark had a woman making fresh maracuja
recently donated a generous amount juice, an office and last but not least
Family Patron Brazilian Luz Eng. Financeira
of paint for the expansive common a grand dance studio, equipped with
American/ area to be freshly painted in lively jazz and tap shoes to be used on
Family n/a terra cotta and green hues. the beautiful wooden dance floor,
Argentinean
Everyone enjoyed meeting a huge full length wall mirror and
Family Colombian Hosp. Geral de Pedreira the children’s teachers and the lots of windows.
Family American U. S. Consulate administrative staff, followed by a Sister Angela’s dream to provide
lovely introduction about the origin the best quality Community Center
Family American Ford Motor Co. of Projeto Sol by Sister Angela. All for her children to enjoy and be
the leasers and the children that we creative and develop their God-
Family American The Associated Press met were so personable and truly given skills and talents has come
Family Australian n/a kind. true. With unfailing perseverance,
We shared a delicious lunch trust that God would provide, and
Family American Flextronics together learning more about the art the will to wait for only the best
Family American n/a projects (painting, theater, sculpture quality items that the children
Individual or Groups
and dance) that Sister Angela has deserve, Sister Angela is an example
developed over the years, where of how the leadership of one strong
many of her graduated students visionary can transform many,
have gone on with their education
and come back to the project and
many lives. COURSE
English
Spanish
WHERE
Company
Home
are the new leaders today -- the true
sign of a successful program.
Next we toured Projeto Sol’s
Portuguese
ANY TIME !
University
original space and took the short www.englishintheoffice.com.br
walk around the block to the relationship@englishintheoffice.com.br
fabulous new Community Center. Phone: 011 – 50443859
April 2010 FORUM 5

What you need to know about AmSoc’s 60
Anniversary Party
(Continued from cover page) too and you might
like to be a part of one of those. We will
have special table for the fun singles
too, so don’t feel shy about stating your
preferences.
No one has approached me. How
can I buy a ticket or a table?
On March 15, every American Society
member will receive an official online
invitation and a ticket order form. This
will tell you how to purchase tickets
online. Remember, you have to fax
or e-mail your proof of deposit to
the AmSoc office before you will be
assigned a ticket number.
If you prefer to purchase tickets
personally, we have eight enthusiastic
volunteers in the community who will
be selling tickets: Felicia Allard-Smith,
Karen Duncan, Sonia Littlejohn, Lynn
Cordeiro, Aline Ricardo, Marlene
Rubeiz, Karri Ware and Kelly Maurice.
Look them up -- they’re all in the AmSoc
directory. You can also contact the ticket
chairperson, Lynne Couri, at lookout@
amcham.com.br.
Who is the band?
SP3 is our fabulous band for the
evening. They are known to be a
huge hit for important social and
corporate events, uniting technology,
sophistication, quality and interaction.
The music will start early on and
continue non-stop, with a DJ playing
dance tunes during the band’s break.
What are these games?
The price of the tickets barely covers
the cost of the party. We know this will
be a memorable event and we are trying
to negotiate the best deals possible for all
of the party expenses. And, in order to
raise money for the AmSoc charities
and projects, specifically for the
Vivenda da Criança Project,
we need to raise additional
money with our games and
auction.
Those who went
to the AmSoc-Vida
Jovem event last
year saw the
success of the
6 FORUM
mystery boxes. We will have three
differently-priced boxes, and each time
you pay, you are guaranteed to win a
prize greater in value than the price
you paid. Better still, you don’t need to
bring cash because you can pay with a
Visa credit card. Gifts will include top
restaurant dinners for two, jewelry, hotel
weekend stays and much more. We will
have a silent auction of about 50 items
such as art, golf green fees at a private
club, rare wines, trips and hand-rolled
special cigars. Our 8-10 most valuable
items, such as international resorts with
airfares to get there, jewelry, etc., will
be sold at a live auction.
Is there one special prize to be
auctioned?
Since in Brazil in May of 2001, the
American jewelry Tiffany & Co. has
promoted and participated in social
action events to help Brazilian entities
and associations. This time, the recipient
of a donation is the American Society,
which for this event is receiving a piece
from the renowned
The American Society
of São Paulo
th Test your knowledge about 2.Who was president of Brazil on May
Sampa history 7, 1950?
a. Eurico Gaspar Dutra
5.In July of 1950, the World Cup final
was held in Rio’s Maracanã Stadium.
The American Society is 60 years old!
Let’s blow up some balloons and have
chocolate cake. And, let’s take a look
b. Dom Pedro II
c. Fernando Collor
d. Right Said Fred
Who won?
the Vatican
a. England
back at the year American Society was e. Getúlio Vargas b. the United States
born. Take the quiz about Brazil in the c. Brazil
Tiffany collection – a circlet pendant, year 1950 and treat yourself to an extra 3.Brazilian television broadcasting d. Uruguay
with a value of R$ 5,375, wrapped in glass of champagne if you get all the started in September of 1950. What was
the famous jewelers Blue Box, to be answers right! the first Brazilian TV channel? 6.On May 7, 1950, how many people
auctioned at this May event! a. TV Cultura lived in the city of São Paulo?
Tiffany & Co., a jeweler committed 1.What was Brazilian president Luiz b. Rede Globo a. 500,000
to community, feels privileged to be able Inacio Lula da Silva doing on May 7, c. TV Tupi b. 2.3 million
to help and participate in action taken 1950? d. TV Paulista c. 6 million
by entities involved in promoting social a. Waiting to be born e. Fox Broadcasting Company d. 16 million
well being. b. Working in a copper processing 4.On May 7, 1950, what was the highest e. 1 billion
I am single and want to go to this factory point in Brazil?
dinner-dance. Is it going to be fun c. Hanging out in Pernambuco being a. Monte Evereste [DON’T LOOK HERE UNTIL THE
for me? four years old b. Pico da Bandeira END!]
Of course! You will meet a lot d. Learning to spell L-U-L-A c. Moro em Jaçanã Answer Key
of other amazing people who aren’t e. Listening to I’m Too Sexy by Right d. Dedo de Deus 1. c; 2. a; 3. c; 4. e; 5. e; 6. b
paired off. There will be a cocktail Said Fred e. Pico da Neblina
party, a wonderful dinner, dancing
and games. The spirit of the American
Society supporting its worthy causes
and ultimately creating that positive
image of all of us is a great reason
to participate. We want you and
your party spirit, single or in
couples.
Is this party for AmSoc members
only?
Absolutely not! This is also
a party for all our friends
-- American, Brazilian and
other nationalities. Come
join us in our celebration.
We’re working hard to make
this our most successful
fundraiser ever and,
of course, the most
fun party of the
year.
Can I help?
Oh yeah! We can use
all the help we can get. We
need young adults to help us
with the games. We need people
getting us as many prizes
as possible. We need to
sell all our 500 tickets
as soon as possible so
we can finalize our
plans. Please contact
Marlene Rubeiz, the
party chairwoman:
mrubeiz@uol.com.br.
We need your help!
April 2010 FORUM 7

Americans lift Brazilian basketball to new heights
By Bob Moser, editor
With less than a minute to go in
overtime at Club Athletico Paulistano
in Sao Paulo, Tony Stockman steps
to the free throw stripe with a win on
the line. The Medina, Ohio, native
and former Ohio State Buckeye is
now a star guard for one of Brazil’s
premier basketball clubs, Franca,
located in northern Sao Paulo state.
As his feet steady and arms raise,
screams of “filho da p***” (and much
worse) bounce off the gymnasium
walls. Stockman exhales, hits nothing
but net, and turns downcourt with a
smirk as Franca seals another of its
league-leading wins this year in Brazil’s
Liga Nacional de Basquete (LNB).
Ele é frio (he’s ice-cold), Paulistano
fans grumble, upset their catcalls
couldn’t shake the Gringo, an LNB
All-Star.
Little do they know how easy clutch
free throws can be when you don’t
understand what the crowd is shouting.
Tens of thousands of miles from
home, Stockman is one of 13 Americans
playing in Brazil’s National Basketball
League this season, raising the level of
competition for a league that’s trying to
recapture the passion Brazil once had
for basketball. They came chasing the
promise of a paycheck and expecting
“everything to look like the Amazon,”
but these Americans say they’ve fallen
in love with Brazil like countless ex-
pats before them.
Basketball was Brazil’s second most
popular sport throughout the 1950s,
1960s and 1970s, with the national
team winning nine Olympic and FIBA
World Championship medals during
that time, and considered a Top-Five
team worldwide. Brazil’s pro league and
national teams lost a lot of that talent in
the early 1980s to European leagues and
the rapid growth of volleyball in Brazil,
and basketball hasn’t recovered since.
But within the last two years, the
LNB has embarked on a long-term
effort to redefine the game in Brazil,
developing local talent while recruiting
foreign players from countries like the
U.S., Panama and Cuba.
8 FORUM
The American Society
of São Paulo
Sao Paulo state.
Before agreeing to play for Vila Velha
Basquetebol Clube in Espirito Santo
There’s sunshine, the beach and people
smile every day. Even the guy pushing
a recycling cart says Bom Dia,” he
“The situation I’m in now is perfect:
be in a different country playing ball, and
my family gets to come and experience
state this year, Magen McNeil had a few said. “No matter how bad you got it, a new culture,” said Stockman, who
concerns he needed to clear up. somebody has got it worse. Brazilians has previously played in France, Israel
“Before this, all I knew about Brazil seem to know that, and are happy with and Mexico. “That’s another reason I
“The first thing we have to do is Francisco, now plays for Esporte Clube were rumors of kidnappings, disease what they got. In the U.S. you always came to Brazil, it’s a country I’ve never
create idols again. In basketball you Pinheiros in Sao Paulo, and Larry and gangs,” the Philadelphia native said. need more. Brazil showed me that’s been to.
don’t have those here. There are stars Taylor, a Chicago native and alum of “When I got here, I wasn’t used to seeing not true.” “A lot of times I go to play in places
in (professional volleyball) here, at least Missouri Western State University, such poverty in the (favelas).” Most Americans in the LNB have and it doesn’t feel like home. But we’re
10 players in Brazil’s volleyball league plays with Associação Bauru in inner But after a few months of traveling played in leagues around the world. settling in here, it’ll be tough to leave.
who are Olympic the country, McNeil says he’s embraced Some are chasing the ultimate dream – a The kids are going to school, studying
gold medalists,” the “Brazilian way” of approaching life. chance to break into the NBA. Stockman in Portuguese.”
said Kouros “Even though there’s crime, corruption is happy simply to earn a nice living While the kids may enjoy school
Monadjmi, LNB of other bad stuff, there’s a lot of spots playing a game he loves, and getting in Franca and Tony playing with a
president. “The day here that are pure paradise. Brazilians to travel the globe with his wife and championship-caliber team, for wife
Brazil wins world don’t worry about the little things here. children while doing so. Brittany Stockman, tears well up at the
championships or thought of saying goodbye to a few
Olympic medals, Brazilian staples in particular.
then it will reach “I thought I loved France before, but
the next level this is the most comfy country I’ve ever
here.” been to,” Brittany said during a recent
That quantum interview, citing the freedom she feels in
leap for basketball Franca to go out that she didn’t in other
in Brazil may be countries, and patience Brazilians have
closer than anyone shown with her Portuguese. “I swear I
thinks. The men’s was meant to live somewhere else other
national team won than the U.S.”
gold in the 2009 “We love churrasco houses here – the
FIBA Americas picanha, oh my God …
Championship, and Brittany’s voice trailed off for a
the three Brazilians moment, then returned.
currently playing “And the filet mignon, with butter and
in the NBA garlic, it melts my heart …
(Anderson Varejao “Ooh, the coração, we’ve tried and
in Cleveland, Nene liked that too …
Hilario in Denver “And the fruit juice -- Oh My God!”
and Leandro
Barbosa in Phoenix)
are expected to join
the 2012 Olympic
squad.
There may soon
GO SEE A GAME
be an American
wearing Brazil’s The LNB’s regular season will end April
green and gold 4. Of the 14 teams, 12 qualify for LNB’s
a s w e l l . Tw o four-round playoffs. The top four teams
Americans in the get a first round bye, but will spend that
LNB are trying for week off playing in a mini-tournament
naturalization to against Argentina’s top four. The LNB’s
become Brazilian best-of-five championship round should
citizens, in hopes begin around May 17.
of grabbing a spot Games are broadcast on SporTV,
on Brazil’s national and games for Sao Paulo’s two clubs,
team. Shamell Paulistano and Pinheiros, are free for
Stallworth, a San fans to attend. Learn about upcoming
Francisco native games at http://liganacionaldebasquete.
who attended the Magen McNeil, from Philadelphia, taking it to the hole for Vila Velha Basquetebol com.br.
University of San (photo by Gilson Borba/F5fotoagencia). Tony Stockman was an LNB All-Star this year for Franca (photo by Marcos Limonti/Franca).
April 2010 FORUM 9

Cheap Rio: Cidade Maravilhosa on a budget
By Tom Moore, columnist, BrazilMax.com
Almost all foreign visitors to Rio de
Janeiro stay in the beach neighborhoods
of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. If
you stay in Flamengo or Catete you can
pay a lot less.
Paysandu Hotel, Rio de Janeiro - Rua
Paissandú. Metrô stop: Largo do Machado
-- This is a small and charming art-deco
style hotel very close to the bay-shore in
the older neighborhood of Flamengo, with
all of the normal hotel amenities for a price
around R$100 per night. Quiet, pleasant
and comfortable. Tel. 2558-7270.
Hotel Barão do Flamengo - Rua Barão
do Flamengo, Metrô stop: Largo do
Machado -- Primarily a hotel serving local
Cariocas who need a private space for a
few hours. Tourists on a budget will find
it economical at R$42 for an overnight
stay, including a breakfast brought to your
room (coffee, juice, French bread, butter,
etc.) Tel. 2205-7231.
Live Music
The variety of music on offer in Rio is
jaw-dropping, and lots of it is available
free or nearly so.
Popular
Teatro João Caetano, Praça Tiradentes
(Centro). Metrô stop: Carioca; walk down
Rua Sete de Setembro (5-10 minutes) –
The theater has regular series featuring
important samba and choro musicians
offered to the Cariocas who work in
the center, scheduled at lunch time or
immediately after work. Priced to please
at R$1.
Classical
The following places have frequent free
(or almost free) concerts:
Casa de Rui Barbosa - Rua São
Clemente, 134 (Botafogo). Metrô stop:
Botafogo. Walk three minutes up Rua São
Clemente from the station – The elegant
house of Barbosa, an important politician
in the early Brazilian Republic , sits in
a park on Rua São Clemente, a major
thoroughfare in Botafogo. The concerts
are in the modern building at the rear
of the property, not in the house itself.
Espaço Cultural Finep - Praia do
Flamengo, 200 (Flamengo). Metrô stop:
Largo do Machado. Walk down Rua
Almirante Tamandaré one long block to
10 FORUM
the Praia – Regular concerts at 6:30 p.m.
Museu da República - Rua do Catete, 153
(Catete). Metrô stop: Catete. The Museum
is immediately outside the Metrô entrance.
Teatro Arte SESC - Rua Marquês de
Abrantes, 99 (Flamengo). Metrô stop:
Flamengo – To attend a SESC concert,
you must stand in line for free tickets,
which are distributed one half hour before
the performance. The space is small and
the demand great, so get there early.
Conservatório Brasileiro de Música
- Av. Graça Aranha, 57, twelfth floor
(Center). Metrô stop: Cinelândia, walk
down Rua Pedro Lessa (pedestrians only),
turn left (5 minutes from the station).
Cheap Eats
Breakfast
Rio is full of padarias (bakeries which
usually include a small market) where you
can eat breakfast standing up at counter.
My favorite is the Panificação Aliança
(Rua Laranjeiras at the corner with Rua
Mário Portela). For a large cup of coffee
with hot milk, grilled bread and butter
(pão na chapa), and your choice of fruit
juice you’ll pay a total of R$4.
Lunch
Perhaps the most popular form of fast
food in Rio is Arabic. Kibes and esfihas
can be found everywhere. You can have
a economical, quick and filling lunch
at the Rotisseria Sirio-Libanesa in the
Galeria Condor, Largo do Machado. For
a change of pace, try a lunch of açaí in a
bowl topped with granola (R$4).
Dinner
For those with big appetites, an
interesting option is the all-you-can-eat
Vulcão das Massas (Volcano of Pasta)
on Rua Evaristo da Veiga (just down the
street from the Teatro Municipal in the
center). For R$10 you can sample sundry
kinds of pasta from a never-ending stream
of waiters passing by, and cap off your
feed with the delicious banana pizza.
Come to think of it – you might just want
to start there.
Outings
Corcovado on foot. Metrô stop: Largo
do Machado. Kombi to Silvestre (R$1.60
each way) -- Yes, everyone goes up
Corcovado . Ninety-nine percent go by
the cog railway (R$30) or by taxi up the
autoroad. Join the truly elite and walk up –
pedestrians enter for free. If you are really
a glutton for punishment you could begin
at Largo do Machado and walk all the way
up through Cosme Velho. For just a few
pennies more you can take the kombi (a
VW van) to Silvestre, and walk up. Your
hike to the toll gate for cars will be about
45 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes
to the summit and the Christ statue.
Floresta de Tijuca ( Tijuca Forest).
Metrô stop: Saens Pena, bus to Alto da
Boa Vista -- The Tijuca National Park (free
admission) lies beyond the neighborhood
of Tijuca, a comfortable, traditional
middle-class enclave at the opposite
end of the Metrô from Copacabana. The
Metrô ride from Zona Sul to Saens Pena
(the last stop) is about a half-hour. There
you will need to catch the bus going over
the pass to Barra da Tijuca. Get off at
the top, and enter the park. Follow the
bicycle path all the way up to the parking
lot (about an hour’s walk) for the ascent
to Pico da Tijuca ( Tijuca Peak ) or Bico
do Papagaio (Parrot’s Beak). Tijuca Peak
( 1028 meters) boasts a staircase cut into
the rock to facilitate the final stretch.
Transportation
A tourist staple for years, the surviving
trolley line serving the hill neighborhood
of Santa Teresa is a must. The trolley
leaves a station behind the Petrobrás
building in the center, and the line
branches at Largo dos Guimarães, with
some trolleys continuing on Avenida
Almirante Alexandrino out to the Dois
Irmãos stop by the Prazeres favela,
and some winding their way down to
Largo das Neves near Catumbí (which
has a marvelous restaurant, Goiabeira,
serving pizza and flavored cachaça, open
evenings). The fare is R$0.60 each way.
(Edited for space, read the full version
of this story at BrazilMax.com)
BrazilMax.com offers in-depth
information and practical tips,
personalized travel planning, online
hotel reservations, music downloads,
discussion forums, an online radio
program and more.
April
Update on Amnesty process: Thousands granted
access, confusion lingers
Six months after the Brazilian government
allowed illegal immigrants to apply for
amnesty, approximately 43,000 people
have been granted temporary residency.
The Presidential decree signed by President
Lula in June 2009 marked the third time
that the Brazilian government has offered
amnesty to illegal immigrants (the other
two were in 1988 and 1998).
The majority, around 40,600 of the
immigrants granted amnesty, were Latin
Americans and Asians who were living
illegally in Brazil. Most came to Brazil
for work options that were better than
back home, and ended up working “off the
books,” where the government couldn’t
access their tax potential, or protect them
from substandard conditions and unfair
wages.
About 2,400 of the immigrants that
received amnesty were Europeans and
Americans. For them, some of whom are
entrepreneurs, amnesty means the ability
to work more freely, start small businesses,
and to expand their investment horizons.
Amnesty grants these immigrants
Brazil costs still high, according to Big Mac Index
By Regina Scharf, from http://deepbrazil.com
A worker that earns the average Brazilian
salary would need to work 40 minutes in
São Paulo and 51 minutes in Rio to buy
a Big Mac. In contrast, an average New
Yorker would have to work a mere 14
minutes to buy McDonald’s best-selling
sandwich. The so-called Big Mac Index
is only one of the instruments used by
the Swiss bank UBS to illustrate the
fluctuations of the purchasing power in
several parts of the world.
São Paulo and Rio are, indeed, pricey
cities. The disproportion is the same
for other products. To buy one kilo of
rice, for instance, you have to work 12
minutes in São Paulo, 15 in Rio and 8
in New York.
2010
almost all the basic rights that Brazilians
have, including health care, education
and workers’ rights laws. They can’t, for
example, run for public office.
While many reported a smooth process
at the Federal Police in the last 180 days,
some have found the process unclear.
Information is published in Portuguese, and
often isn’t updated in government offices at
the same pace as new developments.
Applicants have also questioned the ease
in which to get their “Protocolo,” a small
piece of paper with their photo that serves
as their temporary ID, before an RNE
card is printed. Doubts have reportedly
gone unanswered regarding if immigrants
can travel outside the country and return
with this Protocolo (which they can),
and complaints have been filed against
bank branches that wouldn’t respect the
Protocolo when immigrants tried to open
new bank accounts.
RNE cards have not been printed for
some applicants within the 180 day-
window that follows their application,
and tracking down where they are in the
Still, according to UBS – which
systematically compares the cost of life in
73 cities – São Paulo got the 45th position
and Rio the 48th in the last survey. This
means they are more expensive than
Prague, Bangkok, Beijing or Moscow.
Naturally, there are fluctuations
depending on the product or service you
look at. Even if renting an apartment is
expensive in a Brazilian metropolis it
cannot be compared to the exorbitant
New York rentals. This explains why
New York appears in the UBS study as
the 6th most expensive metropolis.
Thomas Berner, an American
economist that worked for UBS on this
study, says prices have been growing
The American Society
of São Paulo
RNE process can be difficult. Lawyers
recommend that immigrants using the
Protocolo while waiting on their RNE
card fully educate themselves about
their rights, like the ability to open a
bank account or work, so they can then
explain the process and educate Brazilians
who have doubts about the Protocolo.
consistently in Rio and São Paulo for the
last 10 years. The price of the products and
services that the bank uses as a reference
became approximately 135 percent more
expensive in reais between 2000 and 2009.
Berner was interviewed by G1, a Web
site related to Globo, the main Brazilian
news network. G1 chose the Honda Civic
to illustrate this. The car costs around
US$15,000 in the United States and
R$65,000 (US$35,000) in Brazil.
Once the average income didn’t grow
proportionally, you’d have to work
many more hours to keep buying the
same things. Consequence: the average
Paulistano may consume less than half
what a New Yorker can purchase.
FORUM 11

What’s New with Visas?
By Jen White, vice consul, American Citizen Services, U.S. Consulate General in São Paulo
With Brazil’s summer travel season
over and in anticipation of the winter
break ahead, we’d like to share with
you some of the improvements in
the São Paulo Consulate General’s
non-immigrant visa section – where
approximately 1,500 Brazilians (and
others) come in daily to apply for
visas to the United States for tourism,
business, studying, and more.
Approximately 95 percent of
those applicants’ requests for visas
are approved, making São Paulo
the Department of State’s largest
nonimmigrant visa issuing section in
the world.
We’ve been working to make the
visa process as smooth, speedy, and
pleasant as possible, and continuously
seek new ways to improve our
operation. We’ve added signage to the
waiting area to help direct applicants
through their visit to the Consulate and
minimize confusion. Our wait time,
which had peaked at over 90 days, has
dropped to approximately one month,
and we aim to get it even lower. To
this end, Washington is sending four
more vice-consuls, officers whose
job no. 1 will be to interview visa
applicants. The net increase will allow
us to up our interviewing capacity by
15-20 percent, and thus reduce the
wait time.
We’ve been making a concerted
effort to get the word out on our visa
process and new programs; officers
from our section have been giving
presentations to travel agencies,
Iphone app displays flooding
in Sao Paulo
A new iPhone application has recently
been released that follows the flooding
points in Sao Paulo. It’s called Alaga
SP, which is available for free. The
program uses the same data of the
CGE -- Centro de Gerenciamento de
12 FORUM
schools and universities, and businesses
in São Paulo city and state, as well as
in other cities in our consular district.
We hope these presentations will help
to demystify the visa process and give
applicants a sense of how their day at
the Consulate will progress.
The most important innovation we
will introduce is the inauguration of
the DS-160, or “Consular Electronic
Application Center” (“CEAC”) form.
It combines the information in the
DS-156, DS-157, and DS-158 into
one easy-to-fill on-line, interactive
application form. The main difference
is that the DS-160 is filled entirely
online; the applicant inputs all answers
online through an interactive interface,
and the information is sent directly to
the Department of State’s computer
systems. As of April 5, all visa
applicants in Sao Paulo must use this
system.
This new application will streamline
the application process and decrease
wait time for applicants in the
Consulate. If you or your friends have
questions about the CEAC form, the
Department of State has created a list
of “Frequently Asked Questions” on
the travel.state.gov Web site – you can
find it at http://travel.state.gov/visa/
frvi/forms/forms_4401.html.
We continue to seek ways to improve
our system and better serve the public,
and we’re always open to suggestions.
If you have something you’d like to
share, drop us a line at visassaopaulo@
state.gov.
Emergências (Emergency Management
Centre), which reports flood updates
on its Web site, which gets information
provided by the CET -- Companhia
de Engenharia de Tráfego (Traffic
Engineering Company).
2010 Corporate
Sponsorship
Drive revs up
By Timothy Altaffer, AmSoc board memberConsulate
General in São Paulo
The 2010 Corporate Sponsorship Drive
is off to a fast start, with close to
R$33,000 already received or pledged.
As in the past, the 2010 Corporate
Sponsorship Drive is critically important
to the purpose of the American Society.
It represents 55 percent or the Society’s
revenues for the year. Corporate
Sponsors help AmSoc foster the U.S.
cultural and philanthropic traditions, as
well as maximize the Society’s outreach
programs, supporting some of the city’s
poorest neighborhoods and people.
Our Corporate Sponsors receive
valuable benefits from their sponsorship,
including advertising rights in AmSoc’s
publications that reach a highly qualified
audience, sponsorship and/or naming
rights in the Society’s many prestigious
social happenings as well as recognition
in all of the Society’s official events.
Please contact the AmSoc office to
learn more about these very effective
sponsorship benefits.
Many thanks to the following
companies who already are 2010
Corporate Sponsors:
Sapphire Sponsors
(R$10,000 - $14,999)
Cabot Brasil
Serasa / Experian
Ruby Donors
(R$5,000 - $9,999)
Cisa Trading
Aquamarine Sponsors
(R$ 1,000 - $4,999)
Endurance Partners
GE do Brasil
2010 Goal, How to Help
This year, AmSoc aims to raise at
least R$150,000 through corporate
donations, and over the last four years
it has distributed, directly or indirectly,
more than R$1 million in community
assistance programs. Companies
interested in becoming Sponsors should
call the AmSoc office at 5182-2074.
April
The American Society
of São Paulo
Volunteer of coaching soccer to 30 kids ages 7-12,
trying to keep up with his son’s love
of the game. Indeed, his children are
Pet Profile
the Month key to his AmSoc involvement. “It
gives me a great connection with
By Simon Tharby, staff writer my kids,” Lawlis says, but adds
there’s obviously much more he
gets from this work:
“I have trouble just sitting on the
Pete Lawlis sidelines and watching. I’m a big
coached his son’s kid and I just want to play. If I see
Little League a kid moping around, not getting
soccer team involved, I say ‘Hey, it’s Saturday.
back in Detroit, You’re not at school and you can
Mich. Despite play soccer. How can you not be
only having been having fun!’” EVERY MONTH AMSOC MEMBERS TELL THE
in Sao Paulo for Irrepressibly upbeat, Lawlis FORUM ABOUT SAMPA PETS IN NEED OF A
little over a year mentions only one difficulty with GOOD HOME . C HECK OUT THIS MONTH ’ S
n o w, b r o u g h t AmSoc sports: “The tough thing FEATURE DOG:
here by GM, he’s already begun is that there is a lot of rotation NAME: STILL DON’T HAVE ONE
coaching AmSoc Little League [because the children’s families AGE: ALMOST TWO MONTHS
soccer and baseball, for both boys are often here temporarily], so it’s COLOR: BLACK AND TAN
and girls. hard for the group to build a core SEX: MALE
This year, Lawlis’ focus is on of members.” FLEAS: NONE
Even this, though, gets a positive TICKS: NONE
spin from Lawlis, “Of course, I miss SIZE: MEDIUM
the ones that go, but you have to KILOS:ADULT SIZE MAYBE 15 KG
understand that people come and FARTS: NO
go -- you have to enjoy them while HOUSEBROKEN: NO
H O B B I E S : L O V E S TO P L AY , A N D B E
they’re here.”
PETTED!
Getting to either Chapel or Graded VACCINES: YES V8
schools for 9 a.m. on Saturday, after NEUTERED: NOT YET
a long work week, can also be INJURIES: NO
challenging, but, “Once I’m there I ABILITY TO WALK ON A LEASH: YET TO BE
forget all about that,” Lawlis says. DETERMINED
“It’s an opportunity to get back to LEVEL OF PERFECT GOODNESS FOR A NICE
when you just wanted to play. Mind FAMILY: REALLY HIGH
you, by Saturday afternoon I feel old COST TO YOU: ONE TON OF LOVE
again, and by Sunday I sometimes APPLICATIONS: BEING ACCEPTED AT CAROL.
wonder why I am doing it!” KLIASS@UOL.COM.BR
Fellowship Community Church
The Welcome Place since 1921
Phone (11) 3253-7609 www.fellowship.com.br
Sunday’s
09:00 am - Walking in Faith Classes (English and Portuguese)
10:30 am – Worship Service (English only)
06:00 pm – Culto em português
Conveniently located on Rua Carlos Sampaio, 107 – Bela Vista
Just a block and a half from the Brigadeiro Metro station on the Avenida Paulista
2010 FORUM 13

H ousing
Elegant furnished house
in Tamboré I
Beautiful recently professionally decorated
furnished house for rent. 600 m² with
2,000 m² of land. Heated swimming pool.
Nice barbecue area and outdoor porch. 4
suites, family room, living, dinning, large
kitchen, maids room and 3 car garage. The
House is complete ready to live in for high
level executive. To see photos, visit www.
suzimoniz.com.br – Avenida Marília,105.
To visit the house, call (11) 8179-3131.
Furnished Apartment for Rent
Vila Nova Conceição. São Paulo’s best
place to live. Near Ibirapuera Park.
Modern building with sports facilities,
heated swimming pool, three bedrooms
(one suite), a living room with terrace,
complete kitchen, maid’s bedroom and
bathroom, big service area, two parking
spaces. Fully furnished with all appliances.
Telephone included. Call Alex or Eliane
at (11) 3849-7085 or (11) 8635-7788, or
send an e-mail to alex@caboverde.com.br.
Penthome – jardins - 3 bedrooms, 2
garages, large balcony - lots of sun!
Unique floor plan. Large Room w/ wooden
floor. Large balcony w/ wooden deck and
Jacuzzi. Huge skyline. 3 Bdrm (1 suite)
w/ cabinets. 3 Baths w/ showers, marble
counters, cabinets and stainless steel
appliances. Office/additional Bedroom.
Planned Kitchen w/ small granite counter
w/ seating. In-Unit Laundry/utility room.
Garage w/ 2 parking spaces included.
267 sq.m. Rent: R$6.000,00 per month.
CAM Cost: R$ 1.200,00 per month.
Property Tax: R$300,00 per month.
Contact Mr. Gilberto Sampaio, gsampaio@
amcham.com.br, Cell: + 55 11 99740499
S ervices
American-Licensed
Clinical Psychologist
Heloisa Garman, Psy.D. U.S. Licensed
Clinical Psychologist (covered by U.S.
health insurance). Bilingual, with ex-
tensive private practice in Chicago and
14 FORUM
former therapist at the Family Institute
at Northwestern University. Treats indi-
viduals, couples, and families. Specialized
in anxiety, depression, cultural issues,
and adjustment disorders. Call Dr. Gar-
man at (11) 7179-9723 or 3898-2330 or
send an e-mail to hcbgarman@aol.com.
American-Licensed Expat
Psychologist
Richard Morhaime, Psy.D. offers skilled
psychotherapy for children and adults. He
also provides complete diagnostic evalua-
tions in English for children with academic
or behavioral difficulties, featuring indi-
vidualized recommendations for school
and home. For more information, contact
Dr. Morhaime at 5538-0099 or 9669-8057
or visit www.expatpsychologist.com.
American-Licensed
Psychotherapist
In this busy and ever-changing world, peo-
ple often feel stressed and overwhelmed
with no place to turn. Psychotherapy/coun-
seling can provide a safe place to receive
professional guidance and support. Brief
or longer term therapy offered depending
on your needs, goals and expectations.
Services: individual, couples, child/adoles-
cent.Certified to conduct Adoption Home
Study for American Citizens. Contact:
Pamela Wax, MSW/LCSW at 5051-5988
or 9656-2106. Located in Moema.
American Psychologist
Services for Expats
Sukie Miller Ph.D. early director of Esalen,
former Board Member Jung Institute San
Francisco, 35 years experience private
practice as coach, psycho-therapist with
adults and couples in eclectic approach to
personal/professional growth, woman’s’
issues, adjustment São Paulo, goal setting,
dream work, anxiety. Call Dr. Miller at
11- 9823-8730. email sukiemiller@gmail.
com.
Argos Dog Kennel
Traveling? What about your dog? Argos
Kennel Hotel could be his second home in
the country. Food, water, and shelter with
lots of love and personal care. No lonely
kennel for him, but our home and the
freedom of a spacious garden. Fetch and
CLASSIFIEDS
carry service. English and French spoken.
Call Jean or Christine at (11) 4661-1430 or
(11) 9687-1815 or send an e-mail to jean.
chris@uol.com.br. Embu Guaçu, São Paulo.
Domestic Help
Lindaura Aparecido Neto (cell:
11-7406-0334) seeks employment as
cook, laundress and household cleaner.
Hours are 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through
Friday. Prepares all meals. References
please email shtaber@gmail.com, luciana.
taber@gmail.com, or call 646-415-0612.
Lindaura worked 7 years for AmSoc family.
Driver available, reliable
Wonderful, Dependable, Trustworthy,
and Knowledgeable motorista avail-
able to start when you are ready. He has
worked with our family for nearly 5
years and my four young children LOVE
him! He is getting better at English
every day, but is still learning. Please
contact Karri at 5687-6442 or 9941-2063
English Teacher
Experienced native US English teacher
for in-company classes, to individuals
or groups. Specialized in conversation
with discrete corrections when needed.
Consider vocabulary expansion through
practical examples and text comprehen-
sion, grammar clarifications, how to get
your e-mail right, and the opportunity to
develop fluency by exploring a host of
topics of your interest. Contact Jerry at
9832-3494 or at jerryfluency@gmail.com
Math and Science Tutor
Former Graded and Chapel teacher, with
20-years experience, tutors Math, Physics,
Chemistry, and Science for all levels,
including but not limited to the IB, IGCSE,
SAT-I & II, AP and Brazilian vestibular.
Elementary and middle school students are
also welcome (all subjects). Call Fernando
Knijnik at (11) 2533-3965 or 9134-6700.
ONLINE ENGLISH VIA SKYPE
with VIRGINIA
For professionals and parents at all levels
of language proficiency. American with
fluent Portuguese. Eight years experience
teaching ESL at Chapel, 10 years teach-
April
The American Society
CALENDAR of São Paulo
For more information about this month’s AmSoc events (highlighted), visit www.amsoc.com.br.
April 2010 IMPORTANT DATES: 2 Good Friday/ 4 Easter/ 22 Earth Day
4 Sunday Easter Party for Kids Between noon and 2 pm at Chapel School.
“It's All True – 15th International Documentary Film Festival,”
4 to 18 15 days Film Festival
learn more at www.itsalltrue.com.br
7 Wednesday INC Monthly Coffee Learn more at www.newcomers-sp.com.br
Volunteer Sports & Fun Day From 11:30 am to 4 pm. Learn more at www.amsoc.com.br/
10 Saturday
at the U.S. Consulate blog/?p=691
10 & 17 Saturdays Softball Tournament
To be held at Chapel School, noon to 6 pm on the 10th, and 9 am
to 6 pm on the 17th
14 Wednesday Annual General Meeting Read the story in this issue of Forum to learn more.
14 Wednesday INC Red Rose Learn more at www.newcomers-sp.com.br
28 Wednesday INC Monthly Luncheon Learn more at www.newcomers-sp.com.br
29 to 2 4 days São Paulo International Art Fair Held at Auditório da Bienal, visit www.sp-arte.com to learn more
ing online at Englishtown, experience (groups also), and Cognitive/ Behavioral Consult the site: www.taylorimoveis.com.
founding and managing businesses in therapy. Please call/ email Matthew: E Mail - taylor@taylorimoveis.com Phone:
Brazil. Flexible lessons and hours. See 7734 5793 or mvanlokeren@yahoo.com 5511 3079 8888 and 5511 8774 5100
site www.liveenglish.com.br. CALL: (11) for a free initial consultation. (Maria Elisa)
51824430/9952-5067.
“Selling Up” Upholstery - re-upholstery
Personal Trainer
Go with a pro! We have been selling COMMERCIAL - RESIDENCIAL
I will come to your home, office, or household goods for families, individuals, Sofas, armchairs, chairs and cornice
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contact Daniela Franco at (11) 9739-6191 5908-1144 or (61) 9211-1819. Ask for A classified of up to 50 words costs R$45
or dsf29@hotmail.com. Zaquie Meredith. for AmSoc members and R$80 for non-
Classified
Place a
members. To place a classified please
Psychotherapist for Ex-Pats Taylor Real Estate call (11) 5182-2074 from 8:30 a.m. until
1 p.m., or send an e-mail to amsoc1@
Serving Adults, Children, and Families Luxury spacious houses, apartments americansociety.com.br.
(also couples) struggling with all adjustment and penthouses Sales and rentals. Ten
issues. Specializing in issues of divorce, years experience with expatriates. Forum does not check all of the advertisers
Our Readers
appearing in this newsletter. We urge you
A Note to
separation, and reconciliation. Many years Furnished and unfurnished. Trilingual
experience with drug/ alcohol issues. Real Estate agents. References from to use these services; however, thoroughly
check prices and services prior to finalizing
USA-licensed as MFT. Jungian Analyst consulates and multinationals. Photos any service or purchase agreement.
experienced in Sandtray, Dreamwork sent by email. Relocation Service.
2010 FORUM 15

A little wobble in the pan makes you feel
more Brazilian
I recently learned
to make caramel
custard, and I’m
excited about it.
I can see why
better cooks than I
would laugh at this.
Caramel custard --
or “pudim de leite
condensado” -- is a
By Sue Banman Sileci, standard dessert in
AmSoc member
Brazil, easy to make
and served in both fancy restaurants and
simple homes, and eaten by both fancy
and simple people. You’ve seen it: a
light yellow pudding, dumped upside
down on a plate, topped with a caramel
sauce.
My being excited about learning to
make this sounds as funny to Brazilians
as someone bouncing up to an American
and announcing, “I learned to make
mashed potatoes!” I’m just not much
of a cook. But after 22 years in Brazil,
it was time to give it a shot.
I picked up a recipe from my main
cooking guru, “The Internet.” Having
searched in Portuguese, the recipe I’m
about to give you is pretty much the real
deal if you’re looking for the way most
Brazilians tackle this.
And if we’re getting Brazilian, what
could be more Brazilian than the main
ingredient, sweetened condensed milk?
Brazilians use sweetened condensed
milk in lots of things; they really like it.
My sister-in-law can’t have a can in her
house because she’ll open it and drink
it straight. I suppose it compares to an
American’s love of chocolate chips.
Don’t we put them into just about every
dessert we can think of?
And, just like mashed potatoes,
people have lots of different ways of
making caramel custard. No one agrees
on the standard recipe, the best way, or
the only way. I’ll just share what’s been
working in my house.
Pudim de Leite Condensado
Preheat oven to 150 degrees Celcius
-- about 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Meanwhile, start boiling a couple of
cups of tap water.
Ingredients
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• That same amount of milk
• 4 eggs
First, you put you 3/4 cup sugar in a
sauce pan. Turn on the heat to medium
and stir the sugar. Amazingly – and
how would a non-cook know this? – the
sugar turns to a runny caramel when it
gets hot. You stir and stir till it’s a nice
golden color, not letting it burn.
Some cooks say to add two
tablespoons water at this point. I’ve
done that. It kind of splashes up at
you as you jump away in alarm. Your
pretty sugar is suddenly popping and
smoking. Keep your distance, keep
breathing and keep it over the heat till
it all becomes brown and lovely again.
Some folks don’t do the water thing. I
haven’t figured out what it does; I’m
just following instructions. You can
add the water, I guess, or you skip that
step.
Now you pour the sugar mixture –
let’s call it caramel now -- into a tube
pan. This is a bundt-type pan with a tube
in the middle. Why use that? Because
that’s what Brazilians do. Why? Maybe
because that makes the caramel fall into
the hole when it’s done so everyone
is sure to get some. I’m not sure. But
we’re being Brazilian here so if you
have a pan like that, use it.
That’s part one. Then you get your
blender and put in the four eggs, the
sweetened condensed milk and, when
the can is empty, that same can full of
milk. Blend it up for a bit, maybe 10
seconds. You then pour this into your
tube pan, on top of the runny caramel.
The caramel will swirl into the egg
mixture a bit. That’s OK.
Part three is when you put the tube
pan into a larger cake pan, something
it sits comfortably in. You then pour
the boiling water into the cake pan so
that the water goes up the outside of the
tube pan, to about 1/3 of the way up.
Then you wibble-wobble that whole
FLIPSIDE
thing, water sloshing as you try not to
spill, into the middle of your preheated
oven.
Let it bake for about an hour. How
do you know it’s ready? That’s the hard
part for me. You can poke a toothpick
in and it should come out clean. Other
folks say to wiggle it. It should jiggle
firmly like Jello. It’s about an hour on
low heat, golden on top, not sloshy
wet, with a non-eggy toothpick. Then
you put it in the fridge to cool, still in
the tube pan.
That’s a trick. I’m always running
behind so I have to plan this in advance.
Eating it warm isn’t good (we’ve done
it) because it’s runny and messy. Let it
cool completely and get nice and firm.
Then you run a knife around the outside
of the custard and around the inside
tube, lay a plate over the top and flip
it. It should plop out by itself, without
coaxing, although I struggle to get it to
land in the center of the plate. As I’ve
said, I’m not much of a cook.
The good news is that it’s cheap.
The whole recipe, if you already own
the pan and blender, comes to about
R$5.40. More good news is that your
Brazilians guests will like it and be
surprised you tried. And folks back
home, at least folks like me who are
easily impressed, will think you’re a
regular gourmet if you make this.
I think I’ll go make some now… do
you think it’d be good if I sprinkled
chocolate chips on top?