Wireless access was out of service and the Internet cafe closed when we arrived here at Hotel Tropical last night.
However, all is well. The Brazilians are warm and gracious. We are enjoying ourselves and everyone is safe and happy.
More info in a day or so.
Mike
Look for the lead-in article by Albuquerque Tribune reporter Casey Phillips on Wednesday. If all goes as planned, we will begin reporting from Brazil that same day. Look for us in the "Blogs" section of there web site.
If it all works out and you like what you see, take a moment to thank Tribune Editor Phill Casaus and Managing Editor Kate Nelson for making it happen.
From Yahoo Weather, the current conditions and five-day forecasts for:
Sao Paulo
Manaus
Brasilia
Belo Horizonte
Ouro Preto
Rio de Janeiro
Petropolis
and, of course, Albuquerque.
You can get a quick view of the forecast at Brazil Outlook.
Or you can review the weather at our destinations in the week leading up to our tour (May 22-28) here.
In case you have misplaced the seven-page "Information for the AYS Tour to Brazil", which has the student rules and recommended packing list, here it is (in Adobe pdf format).
Several people have asked about the locations and times of the concerts in Brazil, and about getting tickets. A summary of the concert schedule is available here in an Adobe pdf format.
As far as I know, admission is free. We will check whether tickets will be needed (and how they might be obtained), then post the information here.
Q: I apologize for this question, as I know that I have already seen the answer in someone's email, but I cannot currently find it. What I remember is that we do not need special adaptors for plugging in electrical devices in Brazil. Is this correct?
A: The following information is from TAM's (temporary) web site,
Electrical Current
"In Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the current is 127 volts (60 cycles) but many of the larger hotels also offer 220 volts. If there is any doubt, check with the front desk of the hotel or the owner of the house or apartment. Transformers to boost the current from 110 volts to 220 volts are available in most good electrical supply stores."
"Not all of Brazil is 127 volts, however. Salvador and Manaus, for example, are [127 volts], while Recife and Brasília are 220 volts."
"For most electric appliances Brazil uses a two round-pinned socket."
Here is a picture of a typical electrical outlet Mr. Kats saw on his conductor's tour.
I believe Mr. Kats reported that he had no problem plugging his appliance into the outlet, which appears to have incorporated the flat blades we use here in the U.S. Nonetheless, "Brazil--The Rough Guide" recommends taking a universal electric plug adapter, but that advice is probably meant for nationwide travel, not specifically for our destinations. I believe the hotels can sometimes lend adapters to guests (don't count on it, however), and adapters will certainly be available in the free trade zone market in Manaus (an electronics shopping mecca).
If we find any other information, we will post an update here.
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.
Remember, it's spring here, so it's fall in Brazil -- although that doesn't mean a lot in the Amazon.
Take a look at the "Brazil Outlook" weather forecast from Yahoo!
Here are the recent high and low temperatures at our destinations:
Sunday, May 28
Saturday, May 27
Friday, May 26
Thursday, May 25
Wednesday, May 24
Tuesday, May 23
Monday, May 22
AYS is excited to be traveling to Brazil in just 12 more days. However, we're disappointed that four of our original travelers will not be able to join us as planned.
Those four seats are available for anyone who has a valid passport and is ready to take advantage of this last-moment opportunity.
What you will get for $2250:
-- 13 marvelous days in all (May 29 through June 10)
-- Round-trip air from Albuquerque to Brazil and in-country destinations
-- Air-conditioned tour bus through the Atlantic rainforest
-- Concerts in five cities: Manaus, Belo Horizonte, Ouro Preto, Rio de Janeiro, and Petropolis
-- Amazon boat tour including an overnight stay on the river
-- Superior tourist class hotel rooms (double occupancy)
-- Breakfasts, dinners, and three paid lunches
-- Samba show in Rio
-- Stay right on Copacabana beach
-- Cristo Redentor ("Christ the Redeemer" statue) tour
-- Airport security taxes included
What you will need:
-- Brazilian visa ($110 fee; requires immediate application)
This is an outstanding travel value, especially for AYS family members who once thought about but dismissed the idea of sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's also ideal for retired travelers who are flexible, as well as teachers who need a vacation bargain after a demanding school year.
If this deal is not for you, maybe you know someone who's perfect for it.
Contact Mike Kruchoski directly: 480-5000 (cell phone -- at any time) or ergo@lobo.net
An updated color tour flyer is available here. Print it to post in your office or hand to a friend or neighbor.
You can see them with brief descriptions here.
Here they are, hot off the press:
Seven companion travelers flying internationally with the students (but with the other companion travelers within Brazil)
Companion travelers
Main group flying TAM to Manaus
Small group flying Varig to Manaus
More info as it becomes available. Remember, only three weeks and we'll be on our way!
If you've misplaced those forms needed for the Brazil tour, you can get copies here (in Adobe pdf format):
Start with the tour packet letter that tells all that you need to do.
The first important matter is the application for a Brazilian visa. We've summarized the application instructions and requirements for your convenience. The application form itself is available online, but you can get it here with some key information already entered on page two. Please note: students should list themselves as "student" (in block 14), with their school name (block 15), address (block 17), and phone (block 18) as appropriate.
If your student is under 18 years old, you will also need to send a notarized original copy of this permission form and a photocopy of the birth certificate. And you will need to include a copy of the international travel plan (i.e., itinerary). (However, disregard anything about a sponsor letter. Please do not mention AYS performances in your visa application, because we are traveling under tourist visas.)
Mailing instructions are here, with more detail here. At this late time, it is critical that you complete these properly, so please call (480-5000) if you have any questions.
Additionally, there are three forms to send to AYSPA: the Permission to Travel form (also available in Word format), the Medical Release form, and the Instrument Information form. The Permission to Travel form and Medical Release forms must be signed and notarized, even for students who are 18 years old. The instrument information form does not need to be notarized.