Rio de Janeiro and the World Cup in Brazil

Who hasn't heard of the Marvelous City? It is the city that draws up Brazil for its stereotypes and stunning beauty. Rio doesn't disappoint anyone who comes to see the mix of an urban center and a beach town, with it touristic icons like Christ, the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the famous beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca.

Aerial view from Sugar Loaf, photo by Eliana Souza

Ipanema beach, wikipedia

Tijuca National park and forest

For being the capital of the country for more than a century and a half, the city preserves historic Brazilian landmarks with its monuments and museums, and enormous French influence. Rio was also the precursor of innumerous cultural movements that left behind roots, such as the creation of samba and bossa nova, for example. Its festivals, like carnival and New Year's Eve, are reason enough to highlight the city as an unforgettable destination.

Opera House, photo by Eliana Souza

Selaron stairs, photo by Eliana Souza

Carioca da Gema, traditional bar at Lapa bohemian district

Carnival parade, wikipedia

But, nothing is more impressive than the relationship between people from Rio, or Cariocas, and soccer, which is practically considered a religion. The four big teams in the city, Botafogo, Fluminense, Vasco and Flamengo, are venerated by their followers and cause commotion in their highly disputed games. It is estimated that 30 million fans root for Flamengo, considered the most popular team in the country. Players that have reached international fame, like Jairzinho, Garrincha, Rivellino, Zico, Ronaldo and Romário, all played for one of these teams.

Maracana stadium, before the renovation for 2014 world Cup, photo by Artur Bopré 

The home of the giant Maracanã stadium which has hosted around 155 thousand fans, it is there that games between the four rival teams are played. The stadium was inaugurated shortly before the 1950 World Cup, in order to be recognized as the biggest in the world. Five of the six games that Brazil played in the tournament took place there, including the historic final against Uruguay, when Brazil was beaten 2 to 1, and generated a national state of shock, which is difficult to wipe from the memory of Brazilians.

Maraca, as it is affectionately called by locals, is the stadium that has hosted the most games played by the Brazilian national soccer team. Several final games in the Brazilian championships, and many historic games, were also played there, like the famous soccer player Pelé's game where he made his 1000th goal, and his last game as part of the national team.

Maracana stadium prepared for 2014 World Cup, photo by Erica Ramalho

Totally remodeled with a capacity for 78.800 spectators, the stadium will be the stage for the final game of the World Cup in 2014. It will also host four games in the group stage, one of the round of 16 and another in the quarterfinals. Brazil wants to be there, in the final match, following its tradition and repeating the screenplay of the last Confederations Cup in 2013, when won the tournament with an expressive score of 3-0 against Spain.

This is the most important temple for the most popular and idolized sport in Brazil. Argentina, Spain, Chile and France are other strong contenders to play in the arena.

June 15^th – Sunday - 07:00pm - Argentina x Bosnia (group F)

June 18^th – Wednesday  - 07:00pm - Spain x Chile (group B)

June 22^nd –  Sunday - 07:00pm - Belgium x Russia (group  H)

June 25^th – Wednesday - 05:00pm - Ecuador x France (group E)

June 28^th – Wednesday - 05:00pm – 1^st of Group C x 2^nd of Group D (round of 16)

July 04^th – Friday - 01:00pm – 1^st of Group E or 2^nd group F x 1^st of Group G or 2^nd group H (quarterfinals)

The goals of striker Edin Dzeko from Bosnia National team

The skilss of Romelu Lukaku from Belgium National team

Eliana Souza - SPin Brazil Tours

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

Fabiana Passoni, a Brazilian singer, winner and example

Thomas Reaoch, Brazil business connector, cross-cultural trainer, social media coach and lecturer,  has mentioned Fabiana Passoni, Brazilian singer who lives in Los Angeles, in his blog and radio show - Talk2Brazil - the only talk show about business in Brazil: 

 

Fabiana Passoni is Talk 2 Brazil´s Person of the Year 2012.

Her life story is full of challenges as well as success. Fabiana Passoni is an excellent example of a woman who can manage her personal and professional roles, radiate optimism, share a bright outlook for the future and serve as an example of dedication and perseverance for all.

Fabiana Passoni, the best Brazilian Female Singer living in the U.S. Chosen by the Brazilian International Press Awards' 2012 Colégio Eleitoral composed of U.S. based Brazilian groups and community organizations as best Brazilian Female Singer living in the U.S. confirms Fabiana's ability to connect her fans to her music. Her recent single Lovin' You (2012) enjoyed several months in the Smooth Jazz charts. Another single, Rock With You was released in August 2012 . Fabiana Passoni has a  new album Dim The Lights to be released in January 2013.

Fabiana's three-year battle with breast cancer put her on a journey not only of survival but a discovery of her own personal musical style. With joyful rhythms and a velvety voice, Fabiana achieved her style with the acclaimed 2011 release of Naturalmente Brasil featuring 12 original tracks. Composed in the midst of her battle with cancer, chemotherapy and pregnancy, Fabiana's dreams of continuing her career never faltered even among many setbacks. Her spirit propelled her rebounding success.

Fabiana Passoni participated in a new musical called "Loving the Silent Tears" which had its red carpet premiere at the Shrine Auditorium on October 27, 2012. She starred along with Grammy winners Jon Secada, Jody Watley and Broadway stars in an impressive cast of top talents representing a dozen countries. It featured music from Oscar, Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award-winning composers. The grand production was created by 2-time Oscar winner Al Kasha and directed by the Tony-nominated Vincent Paterson (director of Michael Jackson's BAD and Madonna's Blond Ambition Tours).

In her role, Fabiana presented a taste of Brazilian music and culture. She stated, "I am proud and honored to have been invited for a part in the musical 'Loving the Silent Tears."

Born in Poços de Caldas, Brazil, Fabiana Passoni began singing when she was 6 years old. Her father would sit on the couch composing songs while teaching her the art of interpretation and how to play to an audience. With her father's musical influence as her foundation, Fabiana also received formal vocal training with Francisco (Chico) Campos, a famous Brazilian voice trainer.

Fabiana ran a successful music school in her hometown in the late 1990's before travelling to the United States. While in New York City, Fabiana began singing bossa nova jazz fusion to American audiences. Legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Leny Andrade influenced her approach to music while she was slowly developing as a singer songwriter. She finally found her voice after moving to Los Angeles in 2007 composing songs for her debut album, É Minha Vez.

For more about "Loving the Silent Tears" www.silenttearsmusical.com

Listen to the Talk 2 Brazil interview with Fabiana Passoni PLAY or DOWNLOAD  Broadcast on Aug.13, 2012