You may recall that we've suggested students leave their cell phones at home to preclude any "surprise" (i.e., astronomical) phone bills upon their return to the States. Why? Roaming charges for T-Mobile, for example, are $2.99 a minute. Besides, there is a 50% chance your student's cell phone won't work in Brazil anyway.
So, how can you get in touch with us in the event of an emergency?
In order of preference.
First option: Call the AYS office (875-1319). They will have our Brazilian cell phone number and can contact us quickly and directly. That way, the expense will be minimal all-around, and the AYS staff will be fully aware of the situation in order to assist however is needed.
Second option: Send a brief email to ays_in_brazil@yahoo.com with your name, phone number, and the nature of the problem. Please send a "cc" to ays@aysmusic.org.
Third option: Send a brief email to ays_brazil_2006@xemaps.com, including only your name, your student's name, and your phone number. This is converted to a text message, so please keep it short.
Last "fast" option: Send a brief text message to 1-505-480-5000. Include only your name, your student's name, and your phone number. Don't use this option unless you've already tried all of the above and waited for a reasonable time.
Two other "slower" options: Send an email to the hotel (available email addresses or website below) and mark it for "AYS/Mike Kruchoski". Or send an instant message (IM) to ays_in_brazil using Yahoo Messenger.
Hotels:
Hotel Tropical, Manaus (online email form only)
Estalagem das Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto -- apparently no web site or email
Parthenon Vila da Serra, Belo Horizonte
Rio Othon Palace, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
If you just want to know how things are going, watch several places:
We'll do our best to share our adventures with you. We're hoping the Tribune will carry our reports from the field.