The 2014 World Cup in São Paulo

São Paulo city has soccer in its veins, since this is the city where Charles Miller was born and raised. Charles Miller is responsible for the introduction of this sport in Brazil. Son of a Scottish father and a Brazilian mother descended from a British family, he brought the sport to the area from England in the late nineteenth century, after having studied and practiced in Hampshire. Miller was an eminent player and a top scorer of the São Paulo Athletic Club; a club for the British elite who lived in São Paulo. He is recognized as the creator of the dribble and for passing the ball with his heels. Miller was also influential in founding the Paulista Soccer League (Liga Paulista de Futebol), the first in Brazil.

São Paulo city has three of the best clubs in Brazil: the old rivals Corinthians, Palmeiras and São Paulo, which together hold no less than 14 titles of the Brazilian Championship. Besides them, there are three traditional clubs in São Paulo: Portuguesa de Desportos, Juventus, and Nacional.

The "iron trio" (trio de ferro), as São Paulo, Corinthians and Palmeiras are known, take up classic matches in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Copa do Brasil, and Campeonato Paulista. The matches between these teams bring together thousands of fans and have specific nicknames. Corinthians x São Paulo is known as the Majestic, Palmeiras x São Paulo is the King's Choque; and Palmeiras x Corinthians Paulista is the Derby.

In the neighboring beach town of Santos, Santos Futebol Clube is considered an icon in the history of the Brazilian sport. Two time world champion club in 1962 and 1963, it had one of the greatest teams of all time, with envied players such as Gilmar, Zito, Pepe and the great Pelé, known worldwide. That's where young player, Neymar, started to appear in the global scenario; a player who emerged as one of the new greats of national soccer, showing up his talent now at FC Barcelona. The Vila Belmiro, the stadium of the club, is one of the mythical places of the sport.

Vila Belmiro stadium, in Santos

The São Paulo Futebol Clube has its own stadium, Morumbi, which was one of the venues of the first FIFA Club World Cup in 2000. The tricolor team is the largest international winning team of the country, with three world titles - the last of them in 2005 against Liverpool, winning by 1 x 0 in Yokohama, Japan.

Morumbi stadium

The Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras has the Allianz Parque Arena, fully modernized and still under construction.

Palmeiras stadium project

The Pacaembú stadium received six matches of the FIFA World Cup Brazil in 1950, most importantly the match between Brazil and Switzerland, in the first phase, and it also hosts the matches for Corinthians, who won its first Copa Libertadores title there in 2012.

Pacaembu stadium 

The incredible Soccer Museum is located inside this stadium. It is an outstanding attraction for soccer fans to have fun in an interactive way.

As one of the main ports of entry into the country, the city of São Paulo will receive visitors for the opening game of the World Cup in 2014. The new Itaquera Arena, which will be located in the East Zone of São Paulo, has been launched with capacity for 65 thousand spectators. After the initiation game, it will also host four games in the first phase, one in the round of 16 and one of the semifinals. The opening match in the stadium occurred with a national league game, in which Corinthians – the host team - lost by 1-0 against Figueirense.

Arena Itaquera, called Itaquerão, located in the east region of São Paulo

Brazil opens the World Cup in the arena, in an historic match for local people. England, Uruguay, Chile, Netherlands and Belgium are strong squads to appear in this new spot.

June 12^th –Thursday -  05:00pm - Brazil x Croatia (group A) – opening game

June 19^th - .Thursday - 04:00pm - Uruguay x England  (group D)

June 23^rd – Monday - 01:00pm - Netherlands x Chile (group  B)

June 26^th -  Thursday - 05:00pm - South Korea x Belgium  (group H)

July   1^st – Tuesday – 01:00pm – 1^st Group F x 2^nd Group E (round of 16)

July 9^{th –}  Wednesday – 05:00pm -  winner of quarterfinals 3 x winner of quarterfinals 4 (semifinals). 

One of the finalists will be defined here, having the chance to appear in the final match at Maracanã 
stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

São Paulo in the words of the French journalist Jean-Pierre Chantial, Le Figaro

São Paulo : rendez-vous avec la démesure

• Par Jean-Pierre Chanial
 
• Publié le 02/05/2014 à 18:01

         

ar Jean-Pierre Chanial

Publié le 02/05/2014 à 18:01

Le 12 juin, la capitale économique du Brésil applaudira le match inaugural (Brésil-Croatie) de la Coupe du monde de football. Cinq autres rencontres suivront. Visite d'une mégapole avant-gardiste en quelques spots exemplaires.

On l'imagine immense, désordonnée, poussée trop vite, fêtarde mais quand même aux aguets. Elle est tout cela et bien plus encore. «São Paulo est depuis toujours à l'avant-garde des villes brésiliennes. C'est ici que les choses se passent, que se créent les tendances de la mode, de l'économie, des arts. São Paulo invente demain, à la manière d'un New York version latine», résume Jean-Philippe Perol, directeur Amériques d'Atout France, l'organisme de promotion de l'Hexagone, et surtout pauliste de cœur depuis des décennies.

Avant de toucher la piste de l'aéroport Guarulhos, l'avion survole des tapis de quartiers hétéroclites, des entrelacs d'autoroutes à huit voies et de chemins de terre, des forêts d'immeubles. Cela dure une éternité. São Paulo joue la démesure et empile les records: étendue (plus de 1500 km2, cinq fois Paris et sa banlieue), population (19 millions pour l'agglomération, soit 10 % des Brésiliens), armée de va-nu-pieds, on ne les compte plus, cabriolets pour frimer et voitures blindées, ça rassure, boîtes de nuit (plus de 2 000) et fête a gogo, pizzas (1 million avalées chaque jour), prisons bondées (190.000 détenus), gratte-ciel (2 578, chiffre officiel) et des milliers de peintures murales, cris de guerre ici, œuvres d'art là-bas. Son vertige est sans limites.

• Passion foot

Alors, commençons par le point zéro de la ville. Place de la cathédrale Saint-Paul, là où, le 25 janvier 1554, douze jésuites posent la première pierre de leur mission. C'est l'épicentre de São Paulo, là où les cloches sonnent à la volée, où un orgue immense joue pour le ciel chaque après-midi. Une stèle rend hommage aux pères fondateurs, sur le vaste parvis tiré comme un tapis de pierres devant le grandiose édifice. À l'ombre des palmiers géants qui l'encadrent, des religieuses pressant le chapelet, des musiciens tendant la sébile, des mauvais garçons et des vendeurs de fausses Marlboro. De crack aussi. Tout autour, file la foule. Pas pressés, mode comme à Manhattan ou Paris, téléphone portable et tablette prêts à être dégainés, têtes blondes et visages cuivrés des Indiens guaranis, peaux noires et toutes les nuances intermédiaires. Le fameux miracle du métissage brésilien est au rendez-vous.

Ainsi court São Paulo, pour imposer sa loi des affaires, celle qui en fait la capitale économique du Brésil. Elle produit le quart de sa richesse et abrite 60 % de ses grandes fortunes. Ajoutons une évidence, le joyeux ADN des gens du Sud. Sourire et on fait amigo avec le voisin de bus, le serveur du café, le vendeur de jus de canne. À condition d'oublier le nombre effarant des habitants de la rue, on croirait presque à l'harmonie.

En janvier, une favela pour 500 personnes est née de tôle et de cartons en quatre jours sur le parking d'un hôpital. De son côté, la Fifa visitait l'Arena où joue habituellement l'équipe des Corinthians et l'a déclarée apte pour la Coupe du monde. Ouf. Grâce au ballon, toutes les strates de la société pauliste vibrent à l'unisson. Soutier à la peau sombre sur un chantier pour 400 dollars par mois ou cadre sup blanc formé aux États-Unis, dix fois mieux payé, cela change la vie, pas la passion foot. L'un et l'autre savent que le premier match jamais joué au Brésil l'a été ici, en 1894, jubilent avec les 1282 buts du roi Pelé ou les exploits du gamin Neymar, rêvent d'une sixième étoile de champion du monde sur le maillot des Auriverde…

• Charcuteries italiennes

Démonstration au Museu de futebol, installé au stade municipal, petit bijou Art déco. Fous de foot, bienvenue au paradis, guidé par un Pelé virtuel. Images des grands matchs, expo de ballons, gestes d'anthologie, fiche des clubs brésiliens et des joueurs qui marquèrent l'histoire… il y a tout, même des animations pour les bambins.

Devant le stade, une esplanade et un marché alimentaire quotidien. Tout au bout sont installées des échoppes pour grignoter sur le pouce, dont une tenue par une famille japonaise. Elle sert des beignets garnis avec ce qu'on aime, fromage, crevettes, légumes, viande. Une spécialité italienne à l'origine, piquée par la communauté nipponne. Les deux plus grandes migrations de São Paulo tiennent sur ce minicomptoir ouvert à tous les appétits.

L'appel aux papilles touche son Graal au marché municipal. L'immense halle couverte, murs de brique et toit de verre, abrite 250 étals sur 12.600 m2. Charcuteries et fromages italiens en force. Trois millions de Paulistes revendiquent des ancêtres venus de la Botte pour brûler le café à la fin du XIXe siècle. En mezzanine avec balustrade, on admire l'aimable bousculade et le ballet des ménagères d'en bas. Une vingtaine de mammas, entourées de fistons aux ordres, touillent les marmites et grillent la bruschetta comme à Napoli. Il suffit de lever la main pour voir arriver une portion d'ogre. Moins de 10 euros nourrissent la famille. L'amabilité et la sincérité, c'est cadeau.

Ce soir, pour prolonger la magie, grimper au sommet de la tour Italie (46 étages), gloire de la communauté. Le restaurant-bar du sommet offre une vue éblouissante à 360°.

• La folle vie des murs

Retour au niveau du bitume. Malaise à voir le nombre de ceux qui y vivent jour après nuit. Toutes les vitrines de plain-pied sont barricadées, c'est un signe. Le soir, certaines ruelles passent aux mains des laissés-pour-compte, assez volontiers foncés de peau. Ils interpellent les passants, boivent au goulot et se provoquent de clan à clan. Les voitures glissent, vitres teintées, portes verrouillées. Au petit matin, ils insulteront les camions de la volerie et fileront faire la manche un peu plus loin.

Autre surprise, la folle vie des murs. Le «street art» consiste à peindre des fresques géantes, parfois grandioses, sur les façades aveugles. A minima, les oiseaux de nuit armés de brosses barbouillent à la va-vite un cri militant: «C'est moi, donc c'est toi», admettons, «F… la police», un classique, «L'Art n'est pas un crime», on est d'accord. Et de vrais tableaux, façon BD, peinture naïve ou réaliste, scènes abstraites. Très souvent bluffants.

Aboutissement génial de ces élans à Beco do Batman, une enclave du quartier étudiant de Madalena. Ruelles étroites jamais bien droites aux façades totalement peintes, sans cesse repeintes. Tourbillon fantasque de formes et de couleurs, de rêves et d'envies. Magnifique. «Jadis, les grands architectes signaient le look de São Paulo. Aujourd'hui, ce sont les peintres de rue qui remplissent cette mission, avec des stars comme Nina Pandolfo, Minhau, Chivitz, etc.», ajoute Jean-Philippe Perol.

Pour faire durer le plaisir, pousser à deux pas jusqu'au carrefour des rues Aspicuelta et Mourato. À chaque coin, un bistrot avec sa terrasse. Ce sont les plus bobos de São Paulo. La bière y coule à flots et les écrans géants captent toutes les attentions. Ce sera un des hauts lieux de la Coupe du monde de foot.

• L'avenue Paulista

Impossible de ne pas arpenter l'avenue Paulista. On parle des «Champs-Élysées de São Paulo». Rien à voir, sauf la largeur de la chaussée et la mémoire, quand les barons du café alignaient leurs somptueuses villas. Disparues. Place aux immeubles signés des grands architectes pour les banques, compagnies de téléphonie, boutiques chics et restaurants aux goûts et tarifs du jour. Tout le monde n'a pas les moyens. Sur le trottoir, impeccable ballet des cols blancs vissés à leur smartphone et des fashionistas multipliant les effets de sacs. Regards croisés. La beauté métisse traverse le miroir des destins en un claquement de stiletto. On dirait celui d'un fusil d'assaut.

Carnet de route

Y aller: Plusieurs vols quotidiens directs à destination de São Paulo sont assurés par Air France au départ de Paris. Ils durent 11 h 30. À partir de 973 € en classe économie, 1 952 € en classe premium et 3 600 €  en classe affaires.  Tél.: 36 54 et www.airfrance.fr

Formalités: Pas de visa exigé.  Passeport valide six mois après la date de retour.

Heure: Quand il est midi en France, il est 7 heures  à São Paulo.

Argent: Argent. Le real (pluriel, reais).  Un euro = 2,60 R. Un R = 0,45 €.

Se loger: Le Novotel Jaragua présente l'avantage d'être posé en plein centre-ville, à deux pas de la cathédrale ou du marché. Établissement fonctionnel de 415 clefs.  Son hall d'accueil et ses couloirs sont décorés par les photos noir et blanc des personnalités qui l'ont fréquenté. Impressionnant.  À partir de 100 € la chambre double. Tél.: + 55 11 28 02 70 00  et www.novoteljaragua.com

Hôtel Unique. Une architecture étonnante, souvent comparé à une tranche de pastèque renversée. Intérieur contemporain pour 105 chambres  et suites. Effet «waou» garanti. Compter autour de 400 € la chambre double. 4 700 Jardim Paulista.  Tél.: + 55 11 30 55 47 00  et www.hotelunique.com.br  Hôtel Fasano. Cet établissement pour young, rich  et beautiful enchante au minimum le regard.  60 chambres seulement et ambiance chicissime.  À partir de 600 € la chambre double. 88 rua Vittorio Fasano.  Tél.: + 55 11 38 96 43 34 et www.fasano.com.br

Se restaurer: Skye, sur la terrasse de l'hôtel Unique. Piscine éclairée de rouge, vue grandiose sur la ville et rendez-vous de toutes ses beautés. Ambiance chic et glamour. Cuisine soignée à tendance niponne et occidentale. Compter autour de 50 €.  Avenida Brigadeiro Luis Antonio.  Tél.: + 55 11 30 55 47 10 et www.hotelunique.com.br 

À côté de l'hôtel Novotel, une ruelle, Avantandava, aligne trois restaurants italiens, qui appartiennent  à la même famille, les Mancini. On choisit son style, entre bar à pâtes, table avec musique et carte gastronomique. Partout, jambons suspendus, photos des aïeux et statues de la Vierge. C'est copieux et excellent. Entre 10 € et plus de 50 €.  Tél.: + 55 11 32 56 43 20  et www.famigliamancini.com.br

Waters of March

The month of March is ending and reminds me the remarkable song of Antonio Carlos Jobim, or Tom Jobim, acclaimed Brazilian musician and songwriter, born in Rio de Janeiro.

"Waters of March" has been written in a piece of wrapping paper at dawn, when he was inspired by a strong rain dropping all night long in the countryside, where his family had a ranch. As the property was being renovated, the water brought  a lot of mud to the surroundings.

He used the rain as a metaphor that linked the image of the passage of daily life with the inevitability of an end, like the rain of every March in southeastern region of Brazil. In a poetic way Tom transformed the water in a promise of life, symbol of renovation.

Although he has recorded it in album in 1972, it was only in two years later that the song entered
to the hall of fame of the best songs ever.

In a partnership with the Brazilian singer Elis Regina, both recorded the classic album "Elis & Tom" in 1974, 40 years ago, where Waters of March was part of an incredible selection of songs. It became a great success instantly.

At that time Jobim  has already reached the fame as an influential musician, composer and one of the creators of bossa nova. Elis felt extremely privileged for being gifted from her recording company Philips, that it would be possible to to celebrate her ten-year career with a special album where they would perform together.

Elis Regina is considered one of the most prestigious Brazilian singers of all time. With a clear and smooth voice she was a strong representative and reference for the generations of the 70's and 80's in Brazil. She was also very popular and respected by all kind of people for her political and professional engagement.

Her daring and innovative style, her constant search for the new and her inquiet spirit can be easily perceived in her unique interpretations.  

Jobim and Elis sing together in a relaxed way. The registration is an evidence of the harmony between them and includes the laughter of Elis with their improvised performance at the end of the recording.

Águas de Março - in Portuguese, as Jobim has written it originally 

É pau, é pedra, é o fim do caminho
É um resto de toco, é um pouco sozinho
É um caco de vidro, é a vida, é o sol
É a noite, é a morte, é o laço é o anzol

É peroba do campo, é o nó da madeira
Caingá, candeia, é o Matita Pereira

É madeira de vento, tombo da ribanceira
É o mistério profundo, é o queira ou não queira
É o vento ventando, é o fim da ladeira
É a viga, é o vão, festa da cumieira

É a chuva chovendo, é conversa ribeira
Das águas de março, é o fim da canseira
É o pé, é o chão, é a marcha estradeira
Passarinho na mão, pedra de atiradeira

Uma ave no céu, uma ave no chão
É um regato, é uma fonte, é um pedaço de pão
É o fundo do poço, é o fim do caminho
No rosto o desgosto, é um pouco sozinho

É um estrepe, é um prego, é uma ponta, é um ponto
É um pingo pingando, é uma conta, é um conto
É um peixe, é um gesto, é uma prata brilhando
É a luz da manhã, é o tijolo chegando

É a lenha, é o dia, é o fim da picada
É a garrafa de cana, o estilhaço na estrada
É o projeto da casa, é o corpo na cama
É o carro enguiçado, é a lama, é a lama

É um passo, é uma ponte, é um sapo, é uma rã
É um resto de mato, na luz da manhã
São as águas de março fechando o verão
É a promessa de vida no teu coração

É uma cobra, é um pau, é João, é José
É um espinho na mão, é um corte no pé
São as águas de março fechando o verão
É a promessa de vida no teu coração

É pau, é pedra, é o fim do caminho
É um resto de toco, é um pouco sozinho
É um passo, é uma ponte, é um sapo, é uma rã
É um belo horizonte, é uma febre terçã

São as águas de março fechando o verão
É a promessa de vida no teu coração.

Tom Jobim has also recorded another version with the lyrics translated into English. 

The Waters of March, the version in English

A stick a stone, it's the end of the road,
it's the rest of the stump, it's a little alone
it's a sliver of glass, it is life, it's the sun,
it is night, it is death, it's a trap, it's a gun.

the oak when it blooms, a fox in the brush,
the knot in the wood, the song of the thrush.
the wood of the wind, a cliff, a fall,
a scratch, a lump, it is nothing at all.

it's the wind blowing free. it's the end of a slope.
it's a beam, it's a void, it's a hunch, it's a hope.
and the riverbank talks of the water of march.
it's the end of the strain, it's the joy in your heart.

the foot, the ground, the flesh, the bone,
the beat of the road, a slingshot stone.
a fish, a flash, a silvery glow,
a fight, a bet, the range of the bow.

the bed of the well, the end of the line,
the dismay in the face, it's a loss, it's a find.
a spear, a spike, a point, a nail,
a drip, a drop, the end of the tale.

a truckload of bricks in the soft morning light,
the shot of a gun, in the dead of the night.
a mile, a must, a thrust, a bump.
it's a girl, it's a rhyme, it's the cold, it's the mumps.

the plan of the house, the body in bed,
the car that got stuck, it's the mud, it's the mud.
a float, a drift, a flight, a wing,
a hawk, a quail, the promise of spring.

and the riverbanks talks of the waters of march.
it's the promise of life, it's the joy in your heart,
a snake, a stick, it is john, it is joe,
it's a thorn in your hand, and a cut on your toe.

a point, a grain, a bee, a bite,
a blink, a buzzard, the sudden stroke of night.
a pin, a needle, a sting, a pain,
a snail, a riddle, a weep, a stain.

a pass in the mountains. a horse, a mule,
in the distance the shelves rode three shadows of blue.
and the riverbanks talks of the waters of march.
it's the promise of life in your heart, in your heart.

a stick, a stone, the end of the load,
the rest of the stump, a lonesome road.
a sliver of glass, a life, the sun,
a night, a death, the end of the run
and the riverbank talks of the waters of march.

it's the end of all strain, it's the joy in your heart.

Eliana Souza - SPin Brazil Tours

Argentina se encuentra en Brasil

Argentina va a estrenar en la Copa del Mundo en Brasil en Rio de Janeiro.También llega a Rio !

USA meets in Brazil in the World Cup

USA´s first match in the World Cup will be in Natal, northeastern of Brazil.

Come to Brazil and visit Natal, like the American team will do!

Find out unusual attractions and have fun in São Paulo!

By celebrating 460 years of its foundation, São Paulo still confirms there is a lot to explore in its vast territory and vibrant cultural and entertaining life.

For the one that would like to expand their discoveries and hidden treasures of the city, there is often a new trend, a forgotten site, a re-invented landmark or a curious contrast that can change your perspective or help you to decompress from the daily routine of the unpredictable, provocative and magnetic metropolis.

1. Coming back to the 20´s - Martinelli building at old downtown

The perception of an endless São Paulo can be evidenced by the skyline you will see at the 30th floor of the building, the first skyscraper of the city.

Example of the influence of the luxurious Belle Epoque time, the dream of the Italian immigrant and entrepreneur Guiseppe Martinelli became true in neo-classic French style with a project from the Hungarian architect William Filinger. Built with cement imported from Sweden and Norway, stairs in marble from Carrara, elevators from Switzerland, glasses and mirrors from Belgium, the building represents the rising power and fast development of the city that was turning into a real metropolis at the end of the 20´s.

It is impressive to see how the city has expanded to become the geographical and economical giant that seems can not be stopped.  

 Martinelli Building, penthouse, by Eliana Souza 

Top of Martinelli building, where the five-floor penthouse was set to proove that the building was safe and would not collapse, photo by Eliana Souza


Martinelli Building: Av. São João, 33 - centro - www.prediomartinelli.com.br
Mondays to Fridays: from 9:30am 11:30am - from 2:00 to 4:00am
Saturdays: from 9:00am to 3:00pm - Sundays: from 9:00 to 01:00pm


2. Surrounded by knowledge  - campus of  USP - University of São Paulo

The largest Brazilian public university, located in the west, is the desire object of many local students from all over the country. Its academic and research centers are reference for other national and Latin American educational centers.

More than 25 different colleges are part of the total campus that houses the central offices and several museums, surrounded by a huge green area that is an invitation for jogging and byke trails.

USP - University of São Paulo - aerial view from Hector Carvalho

USP - University of São Paulo - close to FEA - Business Administration and Economics School

photo from Fernando Stickel

USP campus: Av. Afrânio Peixoto, s/nº - www5.usp.br

Mondays to Fridays: from 5:00am to 8:00pm. - Saturdays: from 5:00am to 2:00pm

3. Research with a little of fear - Butantan Institute

Close to the University of São Paulo, the Butantan Institute is an exotic site for testing your fear of snakes.
Located in a green park, the institute is an international renowned research center which is the largest producer of antivenon and vaccines in Latin America.

In the Biological Museum you can observe several live animals, among which snakes from different regions of Brazil and other countries, spiders and scorpions.

The outdoor serpentarium allows that more than 50 different species of snakes from the Brazilian fauna live loose. It takes times to recognize species like jiboias, cascaveis and jararacas as they are hidden, resting in trees or in the undergrowth.

The Microbiology Museum is also an interesting option to get information of the invisible world of microorganisms interactively.

Serpentarium where the snackes are hidden or prepared for its sun bath, photo by Marcos Santos 

Two albino python snakes examined by a biologist on the exhibition pavillion, photo by AP

Butantan Institute: Av. Dr. Vital Brasil, 1500 - Butantan - www.butantan.org.br -
# (11) 2627-9300 - Tuesdays to Sundays: from 9:00am to 4:30pm - closed on Mondays

4. When business meets history - Victor Malzoni building

Strolling through the city is an obligatory tour in the middle of its several business centers. However sometimes you can be faced with surreal mix of power and past. That is the case of Pátio Victor Malzoni, an imposing office building settled at Faria Lima Ave.

Headquarters of prestigious companies like Bank of China, BGT Pactual investment group and Google, the amazing top-quality tower features luxuries like a wide black and white marbled indoor reception, floor sizes bigger than any other buildings in town, 35 elevators, six underground garage floors, ecological  and sustainable practices and a rooftop helicopter parking.

Botti Rubin Architects designed the project according to severe governmental rules that demand the restoration of an old historic house found in the field of construction. The 17-century pioneer house, called Casa Bandeirista, heritage of the first pathfinders of São Paulo, was rebuilt and renovated completely by Brazilian specialists.

The preserved house in whitewashed walls and red-tiled roof can be seen from the street, in the middle of the 11-floor bridge that links the two 19-floor structures.

 Victor Malzoni Building comprised by three blocks has a 44,4-meter gap to allow the sight of a historic heritage, 
photo by Kelly Carvalho 

Historic house of "bandeirantes" from XVII century in the middle of Faria Lima business center, photo by FSP 

Pátio Victor Malzoni:  Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 3477 - Itaim Bibi


5. Peace in nature = Foundation Maria Luiza and Oscar Americano

To relax the spirit and be astonished with the lush Brazilian fauna and flora, the Foundation Maria Luisa & Oscar Americano can delight your soul.

The 1500-square meter house integrated in harmony with wide-spreading gardens was the home of the brilliant Brazilian engineer and entrepreneur Oscar Americano, who left several important engineering works in the country. Designed by his friend and architect Oswaldo Bratke the house was a daring modern construction in the 50´s when the Morumbi district was still a far away destination, and became a classic of the innovative Brazilian architecture.

Objects of sacred art, silverware, pottery, furniture, tapestries, sculptures and paintings from relevant international and Brazilian artists from different periods of the Brazilian history are important part of the valuable art collection of the family, that can be seen in the museum inside the house.

However your eyes will bewitched by the well-maintained and opulent gardens. The landscape architect Octávio Teixeria Mendes was contracted by Americano´s wife, Maria Luiza, to project and cultivate a productive garden with Brazilian native species, when the house was under construction. The result can be admired in the park comprised by 25.000 species that belong to the Atlantic rainforest and surround the property. You can choose ten different itineraries to cross green paths and admire 29 native species like pau-ferro, pau-brasil, jacarandá-da-Bahia and angico-vermelho, properly identified. 

Foundation Maria Luisa&Oscar Americano, the modern house built at Morumbi district

Foundation Maria Luisa&Oscar Americano, trail in one of the routes of the gardens, 

Foundation Maria Luiza & Oscar Americano: Av. Morumbi, 4077 - Morumbi -
# (11) 3742-0077 - www.fundacaooscaramericano.org.br
Tuesdays to Sundays: from 10:00am to 05:30pm - closed on Mondays


6. Strangeness with culture - SESC Pompéia

SESC non-profit private organization offers cultural, educational and social actitivies for employees of commercial establishments and their families all over the country.

With 15 centers in São Paulo, SESC Pompéia is recognized by the locals as one of the most proficious and preferred facilties for leisure, sports and culture. An award that is due to the tremendous and passionate work of the Italian architect Lina Bo Bardi, responsible for the imaginative and wierd project of the complex, finished in the middle of the 80´s.

 By keeping the old factories that were part of the historical industrial activities of the region, she projected the construction of three high concrete towers, being one for water supply and two others for sporting courts connected to the changing rooms by hilly concrete walkways. The use of exposed concrete and the unusual shapes, particularly in the windows, shocked the market and citizens at that time. However the success came from the users and locals that easily identified that Bo Bardi was right in putting into practice an inclusive architectural plan with spatial solutions that fostered conviviality, promoted recreation much more than competitive sports and attracted interest of all kind of people, ages and social classes.

Nowadays the open street at the entrance, the varitety of educational workshops, the selected cultural agenda with well-assembled exhibitions, the affordable restaurant with comunal tables, the wide reading area and even a wooden deck for sun bath in the summer transformed SESC Pompéia in a smart way of experiencing leisure in the northwestern region.

SESC Pompeia and its daring construction, by British photographer Daniel Allen

SESC Pompeia, Antique toy at Toys exhibition, by Brazilian photographer Gal Oppido (press image)

SESC Pompéia: Rua Clélia, 93 - Pompéia - # (11) 3871-7700 -
http://www.sescsp.org.br/unidades/11_POMPEIA - closed on Mondays
Tuesdays to Saturdays:  from 9:00am to 10:00pm - Sundays: from 9:00am to 8:00pm

7.  Adventure in the water: Reservoir of Guarapiranga

Refreshing yourself with water and enjoying the sun make the perfect double to seize pleasant hours in the city.

The complex of the reservoir of Guarapiranga in the south region is the meeting point of the ones who love to practice nautical sports, like sailing and wind surf. Three private nautical clubs are settled in the edges of the dam that supplies 20% of the  population of São Paulo. With seven different parks, interconnected by bike lanes, the site offers sand courts, playgrounds for kids, walking trails, green sectors with native trees and areas for contemplation.  It also gives you the possibility of just admire nature with idleness or rent equipments to have technical classes.

The Ecological park located in the Riviera highway has an unusual trail to explore the native vegetation.
Here you will have all your senses sharpened: blindfolded, barefoot and in silence, you will be led by a guide to walk in a track that you do not see, only feel. The trail is short however several sensations are aroused in a unique experience.

Sailing tournament in reservoir of Guarapiranga, photo by Yacht Club of Santo Amaro

Marina at Reservoir of Guarapiranga, photo by Rogerio Luz

Reservoir of Guarapiranga/ Ecological Park : Estrada da Riviera, 3286 -
every day: from 8:00am to 5:00pm

Information about boating rental or windsurf classes:
Pera Nautica: #(11) 99274-6580 and Tempo Wind Club # (11) 5517-6096


8. A bite of delicious Brazilian cheese

The handmade production of cheese in the Brazilian territory is not promoted outside. Only the locals can have the privilege of tasting its incredible flavour.

The cheese specialist Fernando Oliveira has brought to town his expertise of identifying the best labels to promote and sell the ones made by smalls producers all over the country. His charming and tiny shop located at Vila Madalena, the artsy neighborhood in the west region, is an irrefutable invitation for grabing some samples.

You will find a selected variety from Minas Gerais State, that locals recognize as the best region for cheese-making. The big round ones from Serra da Canastra in Minas Gerais State that remind a good Swiss emmental or the Zé Mario brand that is salty and smaller are there. Another salty one from Serra do Salitre is similar to the pecorino one, found in Italy, but made with cow milk. From Rio Grande do Sul, he offers the buttery tough and salty Serrano that comes from Campos de Cima da Serra. The most expensive brand comes from Pernambuco State in the brand Saupe that is lightly sweet.

During the visit you will also find honey, handmade sausage and bread. It is quite irresistible to buy some and prepare a sandwich right in the store to eat after a long walk in the hilly region surrounded by art galleries, alternative stores and graffitis.

 The wide range of Brazilian artisanal cheese at A queijaria, photo by Gastrolandia 

Cheese from Serra da Canastra, in the State of Minas Gerais, photo by 

A Queijaria: Rua Aspicuelta,35 - Vila Madalena - # (11) 99995-9091
Mondays to Fridays - from 10am to 7:00pm / Saturdays: from 10:00am to 04:pm.


9. Trying a funny and creative style in your clothing - El Cabriton shop

In the region where you will find the popular Havaianas flip-flops and the artsy Mellisa plastic shoes, the t-shirts of El Cabriton can complement your shopping experience.

In a corner of Augusta Street, that crosses the trendy and stylish Oscar Freire St, in Jardins neighborhood, the store comanded by two young entrepreneurs has bet in a new trend:: to sell unusual t-shirts.The funny and stripped prints with a irreverent sense of humor have conquested the young market looking for a pop footprint.

To develop better the concept and promote the shop they have invited artists to paint its outside walls. The strategy was so successful that today they have a waiting list of artists inerested in showing their art work.  

The partnership with artists is also explored in other products like beer coasters and playing cards. For the set of cards the onwers have invited 54 young artists to develop different themes and graphic illustrations that resulted in unique pieces that are in the fourth edition now.

 El Cabriton store, interior, photo by Madmag

El Cabriton, in the corner of Augusta St., main entrance

El Cabriton: Rua Augusta, 2008 - # (11) 3081-6130 - www.elcabriton.com


10. Be grabbed by your stomach - Mocotó Restaurant

Outside the usual well-known food circuits, Mocotó restaurant in Vila Medeiros, a district located in the northeastern region, will make the visit worthwhile. With focus on the traditional Brazilian culinary, the celebrated chef Rodrigo Oliveira exudes authenticity and personality in his inventive and exceptional menu.
Following the steps of his father who has worked in the food business for more than 40 years, chef Rodrigo gave a fresh atmosphere to his restaurant and revolucionized the menu by printing his personal style that privileges the local ingredients.

The several types of appetizers will help you to wait without complaining.Chips of manioc, rice rolls, cubes of tapioca with curdled cheese and pork cracklings are just some of the divine options that perfectly match with the famous Brazilian drink, caipirinha, mixed with regional  fruits like cashew, jabuticaba - a native berry, passion fruit or mandarin. When it is time for the main courses you will understand why the experience takes so long to last. Dishes like baião de dois - regional mix of rice and beans, dobradinha - jerked beef, pirarucu assado - roasted Amazonian fish, costelinhas de porco - boned pork tibsall, among others, will always come in the right temperature with fine presentation and delicious taste.

Mocotó restaurant, photo by Destemperados

Mocotó restaurant - Pork cracklings, photo by

Be prepared to wait for a table that can be shared with locals as well as to spend some hours with no hurry, because the flavours and smells will convince you to enjoy at the most.

If you are impatient to taste the novelties, make a reservation at Esquina Mocotó, next door to the traditional one. In the new restaurant with another exclusive menu, you can watch Rodrigo and his team preparing other courses, with the same quality, care and devotion through an open counter. In this address they offer daily executive menu, which means courses for lunch by fixed price.

Mocotó Restaurant: Av. Nossa Senhora do Loreto, 1100 - Vila Medeiros - www.mocoto.com.br
Mondays to Saturdays: from 12pm to 11:00pm - Sundays: from 12:00pm to 5:00pm


Eliana Souza - SPin Brazil Tours

Campinas city attracts Portuguese National team to 2014 World Cup

Campinas city will host the Portuguese team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup that will be held in twelve cities of the huge Brazilian territory from June 12^th to July 13th.

Located in the countryside of the State of São Paulo, about 90 km or 50 miles away from the capital São Paulo, Campinas is a developed and well-structured technological, educational and economical urban center.

Campinas city, photo by Revista Com Tudo

Portugal park, photo by Campinas city hall

Trail at Jequitibás (huge Brazilian trees) grove in the city of Campinas 

Site of a major Portuguese community, the locals are excited to receive the players, particularly the star Cristiano Ronaldo, considered one of the most successful and renowned sportsmen in the world.

The unmistakable Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese descents and associations are planning to organize an amusing welcome party and several events drizzled by their traditional delicious dishes and snacks, among which the popular and tasty codfish roll.

Codfish roll, a typical Portuguese snack the Brazilians also love

The training sessions will take place at the headquarters of Brazilian Serie B outfit Ponte Preta. The athletes will use the outdoor stadium and the Athletic Association training center for giving them more privacy.

Ponte Preta stadium

The players will have the opportunity to experience the accommodations and relax at Royal Plaza Palm, the largest resort of Campinas, whose owner - Mr. Armindo Dias, is an influent Portuguese businessman and entrepreneur.

Hotel Royal Palm Plaza, photo by Eliana Souza

Portugal has been drawn in the World Cup's Group G with Germany, United States and Ghana. The matches will take place in three different cities of Brazil: Salvador, in the northeastern region, Brasília - capital of Brazil, in central west, and Manaus, in the northern region. 

The proximity of Viracopos airport has interfered positively in the choice of the Portuguese squad as the hotel will be only 6,5 miles away. Campinas has also one of the best meteorological conditions for take-offs and landings in Brazil.

Campinas Viracopos airport

Since 2012 Campinas Viracopos international airport has been completely modernized and widely expanded after a process of privatization - the first one in this sector in the country, awarded by BAC – Brazil Airport Consortium. Their daring plans include to attract more airlines to operate in the airport as well as to expand their routes initially to Latin America and further to North America, Europe and Asia.

Nowadays the airport is the hub of the domestic low-cost Azul Airlines, commanded by Brazilian born David Neeleman, co-founder of JetBlue.

Azul´s Embraer 195 landed at Viracopos-Campinas International Airport

Eliana Souza - SPin Brazil Tours