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JAYBLK, many thanks for your report. I was an exchange student with La Universidad de los Andes in Bogota awhile ago and your report brought back some very pleasant memories. One of my hangouts (outside the University) was the bar at the Hotel Tequendama, a great place (then) to hook up with both local and foreign guys. I recall spending time with a local businessman I met there at Villa de Leyva - a well-preserved colonial town not too far outside Bogota that I would highly recommend (the place that is). I have gotten back to Colombia since then, on business and to see my host family, but your post has reminded me that it is time for a return visit.

Tomcal, I appreciated your response. I guess the timing you had mentioned piqued my interest since as mentioned I made my purchase decision at around the time of your initial visit! Clearly, you made the right decision, and I am happy for you, just as I could not have made a better life decision myself. Mainly for personal reasons, but as it were professionally since I worked here with a couple of companies before making the definitive move.

Hi tomcal, I regret that we appear to be going OT on this thread. If you prefer, I can start a new thread on this, say on "Residency in Brazil." This is not meant to be provocative, and if you check my post history, you will see that I am no internet troll here! On the contrary, I am a local resident who has tried to be be constructive here. Can you elaborate? A number of us here purchased at right around that time! And have not looked back. Economically, and certainly socially, it was absolutely one of the best life decisions that could have been made. I recognize that not all of us have that option, as professional obligations may dictate otherwise. I know that you appreciate Brazil, its culture, and its povo, so perhaps that was your case?

I believe you are well-intentioned and have on a few occasions complimented you on your posts. But as a local resident, like ihpguy, I would just recommend that you diversify your local news sources. Perhaps something written in the local language. I would personally recommend: Veja, Globo, Folha, Estadao, or Epoca.

Wouldn't you have been better off just making Brazil your home base? Clearly, that would have saved you a ton of travel time and travel fares - and afforded you a ton more time with the garotos as a side benefit. Of course with just a pied-a-terre, from what I recall, the exchange rate then was around what it is today (with local prices a fraction of what they are now). Even as a non-resident you could just rent it out to cover your expenses when not there - or cleverly try and work out a deal of rent in exchange for time spent with garotos....

+1 Speaking of the Rio Times, of course we're just talking about a local entertainment and real estate rag that happens to be written in English. When it strays too far from its roots facts tend to get in the way even within those two areas. As long as folks here understand that, then we're all good.

No, this is not the Middle East but forum members would be well advised not to casually dismiss the warnings of Ihpguy and others on this thread who actually live in the place called Brazil. There have been other incidents over the past few days in Rio including groups of 30-40 youths invading local commercial establishments such as bakeries and cleaning them (and their clients) out. The targeting of commercial establishments is a new and ominous development. There are certain subtleties here. In a case of PC gone berserk, the Policia Militar have just been deprived of their preventative policing powers by the local justice system, brought about by a well-meaning but seriously misguided rights activist who got a local judge to approve a collective injunction. As a result of the all too predictable criminal outbreaks, justiceiros (vigilante groups) have been forming to impose their own forms of justice against the youths. The Policia Militar, in turn, is reacting to the vigilante groups. You really don't want to be caught in the crossfire among any of the three factions - marauding youths; determined vigilantes; or Policia Militar. Unfortunately, this is not just another case of "typical petty crimes to be found in any major urban center."

I don't post often but I'll just weigh in here and say that i was a bit disappointed that, after my point-by-point on-the-ground rebuttal against the absolutely erroneous thesis that somehow Dilma had no responsibilitity for the current economic crisis, that mvan1 did not concede the point. Still, we can and will disagree on whether that is or is not an impeachable offense. (Clearly, most Brazilians have indicated that it is, as per the specific pollling responses to that very question.) I certainly agree with this. Since, from what I understand ihpguy actually lives off of Guanabara Bay, and has for the better part of a decade, I would certainly defer to him on this topic. This could be the problem. Riotimesonline is hardly a reputable news source. Why not read Folha, Estadao, Valor Economico, and OGlobo, to name a few and not just one but at least two for varying perspectives. I don't care if ihpguy is a retired pimp. But like many others I sure hope he sticks around and continues to contribute to this forum. As long as he does, both for his on-the-ground perspectives, and yes sometimes colorful way of expressing them, I and many others will continue to tune in, which will surely continue to support the site's traffic numbers.

As one of Brazil's former presidents put it today, while still Brazil's legal president, Dilma has become Brazil's illegitimate president, as a result of her own actions and the consequences of those actions. Legitimacy, at least in democracies, is ultimately decided by its citizenry, and Brazil's citizenry let the world know its verdict on Sunday. Illegimate presidencies seldom end well. Lack of governability is a symptom that has already manifested itself. Dilma, as minutely outlined above, is absolutely responsible for the economic and political mess she created, and for the good of Brazil's democracy, should consider what is best for the country above her personal interests - or the populace will ultimately decide for her.

@mvan1: Like others here I enjoy your posts on this forum. However, the above statement does not mesh with reality and could not be further from the truth. In fact, given Dilma's unprecedented micromanaging of the economy, in such a disastrous way, during her first term, it is clear that those very policies are responsible for the (predictable) economic problems that resulted in her second term. Let me try to explain with facts. The Dirty Details: - Dilma boasted during her first term that she was establishing a new Macroeconomic Matrix for the country, effectively dismantling the decades-long model of three economic pillars instituted by FHC and yes continued by Lula during his two terms. - The three pillars, otherwise known as the Tripod, were effective monetary policy control of inflation via a central target with a band of tolerance on either side; fiscal policy control via targeted primary surpluses; and a floating exchange rate. - Dilma singlehandedly dismantled those pillars of economic success, and the predictable result was runaway inflation - with no growth to show for it. Why not growth? No tackling of any structural reforms whatsoever. - In terms of monetary policy, while the Central Bank has never been independent, it had been largely autonomous - and Dilma destroyed that credibility built up in FHC's and Lula's two term in her very first term. She neutered Tombini, who was the protege of Meirelles, one of the most effective BC governors the country has ever had. In determining that she wanted Brazil's real interest rates to be at civilized levels, a laudable goal, at any cost, she simply ordered the country's benchmark nominal interest rate, the SELIC, to be lowered to its lowest level ever - 7.25%, regardless of inflation levels. With nominal rates at that level, and inflation above 5%, she achieved her goal of real interest rates of 2%. Real interest rates were about to improve further, into negative territory, with inflation spiralling out of control. That folly was recognized way too late, and the interest rate hiking cycle lasted well over two years - with nominal rates now at 14.25%, and real interest rates the highest in a decade at around 5%. Policy Grade: FAIL - In terms of fiscal policy, her administration spent heavily, with absolutely no structural reforms, and provided unprecedented levels of government subsidized loans to pet companies in pet industries (Odebrecht, in the contruction sector, comes instantly to mind - a notable player in Petrobras scandal). For the first time in decades, the country had no primary surplus - critical to credit rating agencies and investors - but ran primary deficits. Worse, through pedaladas, or accounting shenanigans clearly illegal as they run contrary to the country's Fiscal Responsibility Law (LRF), she tried to make the situation look better than it was. The TCU responsible for ruling on this matter, was set to issue a negative ruling which yes, would constitute grounds for a possible impeachment, but the political pressure on this theoretically technical body is enormous, and the decision will probably end in 'pizza.' It is the fiscal setbacks which led Moody's to downgrade Brazil to the cusp of junk last week, and set its debt ratios much higher than typical investment grade countries. And again, such fiscal recklessness led inevitably to runaway inflation. Policy Grade: FAIL - Exchange rate policy has also been erratic - her first administration attempted to manipulate on the devaluation side, then when disaster hit, she changed in midstream to strengthen the besieged real, and now is content on largely devalued real in the 3.5 range. These interventions have defied economic logic, and further hit credibility. The net result has been further inflation. Policy Grade: FAIL - Last but not least, the scale of her intervention in such sectors as electricity distribution has been as ill-thought-out as it was unprecedented since the days of military rule: controls that have discouraged further investment, increased costs, and huge tariff hikes on the end user, the consumer. Worse, during her re-election campaign, she blocked the resultant tariff hikes until after her electoral win, and so the electricty bills have increased close to 50% this year alone. Which by the way, is the largest contributor to the double-digit inflation rate. Policy Grade: FAIL I could go on, but enough is enough. Inescapable conclusion: Dilma's own (failed) policies were absolutely responsible for the predictable and ruinous economic consequences they wrought. The only upside here is that through her pyrrhic win, it is Dilma and Dilma alone who must deal with the political and economic fallout of ill-begotten decisionmaking. (Aside of course from the poor povao, who have to suffer needlessly through all this.) It just would not have been just for Aecio or Marina to have stuck with cleaning up Dilma's mess. The only other upside, as noted through the protests, is that the povao have woken up to this reality and desperately want her and her policies eliminated from their economic and political landscape.

Tomcal thanks for sharing and just do whatever you are ultimately comfortable with, I think you'll find that most folks here will back you up. From what I understand this is the first such 'incident' and it is a shame that one bad apple if you will is having such an outsized impact, but we fully understand that you must protect your relationships with the rapazes. Faceless pics might work but again it's all up to your comfort level.

Força. Take it easy. And let yourself, in good company, be nursed to recovery.

You''ll have a great time - it sounds like you've done the necessary legwork! Do report back on Atins, I was based in Barreirinhas. It also sounds like you're also well accompanied LOL. I was with a stud at the time from Porto Alegre, we started out from Fortaleza, made the trek to Jericoacoara (WAY overrated from the beach side - but fantastic from the lakes side), passed through the Delta de Paranaiba en route to Lençois. Quite the region for some amorous adventures.

Boa viagem - Lençois Maranhenses is absolutely spectacular! I'm sure you'll have a great time as I did, well accompanied, a few years ago. A quick tip, in case you haven't already been. Hire your own 4x4, and for the first trips at least, hire a guide. Avoid at all costs the group tours for all the obvious reasons. (Alternatively you could hire a guide with his vehicle, but that may run more expensive.) It is a bit of a splurge, but well worth it. You'll certainly feel less of a tourist - all the group tours have similar routes at similar times and stop for lunch at many of the same places, and then all head out at the very same time. BTW that very same time is just before sunsets - and you don't want to miss that - the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen were there. (At which time, especially after the long drives and walking, is very romantic in good company, going for a swim in one of the natural lakes there. Time literally stands still.)

For the 2014 World Cup, Brazil did NOT waive visa requirements. Instead they created more bureaucracy, introducing a new type of visa, a "temporary special" World Cup Visa, that was non-renewable, and valid for up to 90 days, and had various event-specific requirements, like demonstrating proof of WC ticket purchases, but totally free of charge.

I monitor Citi's exchange rates fairly carefully and the conversion fee-free rates received are always right at wholesale (i.e. commercial - not retail/tourist) as reflected on Bloomberg or Valor Economico, or even the PTAX base rate published by the Banco Central. With some of their packages you can receive a withdrawal limit of up to USD 2,000 per account per day with separate limits for checking and savings, for a total limit of USD 4,000, although I certainly would not suggest withdrawing that much in R$ 1,000 increments at one go.

Local clients may not miss HSBC all that much (not so competitive and service levels were not great) - but no question that from an ATM perspective especially for visitors it is the loss of an important option. Bradesco seems to be still smarting from the loss of its long-held asset leadership position vs Itau, with Itau's mega-purchase of Unibanco and would seem the most logical candidate to purchase and in fact Bloomberg has "leaked" that (reportedly) Bradesco is presently leading the bidding. I don't want to overly tout Citi here - I would never open an account with them here for similar issues that HSBC had - but their ATM options are very helpful for visitors and residents alike especially with a Citi relationship stateside. Some of their US packages allow you to avoid that 3% conversion fee, with no additional ATM charges, and in those packages you can generally withdraw up to US$ 2,000/day per account (checking and saving count separately), which is fairly generous, just be prepared to make multiple withdrawals of R$ 1,000. Of course, there are a number of US banks that don't charge that forex fee, but I don't know, apart from the ATM limits of that institution if Citi's local ATMs impose a daily withdrawal limit or impose additional fees.

What's extratordinary is that this bank actually managed to lose money in Brazil last year. Locals know that is a very difficult feat in a country known for having some of the highest banking spreads on the face of the earth in addition to relatively high fees. This while its local banking peers (Bradesco, Itau) had returns on equity well in excess of 20%.

CCBB used to house some excellent film 'festivals' as well. Have not been drawn there though for quite some time. Was very eclectic. Even a Nicholas Ray fest around three years back with film rarities along with a lecture by Susan Ray.

In a separate thread, ashiker602 commented on his experiences in Porto Alegre and tealady had some follow-up questions. For that I certainly defer to fellow forum member tomcal who has been so very generous over the past few years in providing panoramic images of the beautiful scenery that PA has to offer! I just wanted to comment in a new thread, so as not to hijack the Atlantico one, to tealady and some others, if you become attached to Porto Alegre and its offerings, including its natural resources then you may want to consider also exploring more of Rio Grande do Sul and the Serra Gaucha. Well accompanied, you can have some incredible experiences exploring wine country in Bento Gonçalves, which, despite certain limitations, has progressed very nicely over the past decade. Casa Valduga (among others) is a longtime favorite in the Vale dos Vinhedos. I also like the Marson Vinicula in Cotipoa - quite a drive, but a scenic one. Once you have engaged in the wine tastings (hire a driver so you can freely partake!) and stocked up on your favorite vintages, proceed to Gramado, which has some wonderful pousadas (B&Bs) and upscale restaurants. I like going there in the"cold" of winter outside of the film festival crowds, in a romantic hideaway complete with fireplace. Once there,visit neighboring Canela. If you're lucky there will be snow flurries (happened to me a couple times). Lots of memorable experiences in excellent company. And a real opportunity for those young men you'll be meeting in the capital to get out and see more of their state.

tealady If you like what you find in PA, then you may eventually want to consider exploring outside the capital. I started a separate thread on that if you are interested.