Groups and Matches

Hello Guys!

So here are the groups for the first stage.

Some groups are fine while others are not very easy… oh, well!

Understand how the Final Draw works

Let's understand how the final draw works before it starts.
The Final Draw will be broadcasted live from fifa.com beginning at 1pm local time. (Costa do Sauípe - 03:00)

Final Draw by Globo

There are 32 teams, that will be divided first into 4 bowls of 8 teams.

In the bowl numer 1 will be added the 7 best teams according to FIFA Ranking of October 17th plus Brazil, the host country, those will be the seeded countries.

1. Spain
2. Germany
3. Argentina
4. Colombia
5. Belgium
6. Uruguay
7. Switzerland
8. Brazil

Bowls number 2, 3 and 4 were divided having in mind the geographical position of each country.
So, bowl number 2 will have 5 African countries and 2 from South America: Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Chile and Ecuador.
Bowl number 3 will have 4 Asian countries, and 4 from North and Central America: Australia, Japan, Iran, Korea Republic, Costa Rica, Mexico, Honduras and USA.
Bowl number 4 will be formed by European countries only: Croatia, France, Greece, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Netherlands, Russia, England, Italy and Portugal.
Since the bowl number 2 has only 7 teams and bowl number 4 has 9, an European team will be randomly chosen to join bowl number 2.

After that the draw will get started.

The first teams to be divided are the seeds, Group A will have Brazil, the host country, as seed. They necessarily will be put in position 1 of that group.
In order to have more equally divided groups, FIFA decided that shouldn't have be more than 2 teams from the same continent in each group. Fair enough!  

Brazuca by Adidas

So… that one European team that will be transferred to bowl 2 will necessarily be part of a group which a South America team is the seed.

One more thing, if Chile or Ecuador end up in a team which the seed is a South American country, they will automatically be reallocated to a group in which an European country is the seed.

So far so good?

The other teams will be divided into 8 groups following the order of the draw.

I hope this post was helpful!

Good Luck!

Final Draw

Are you guys excited?

We are about to find out in which group our nations are and who will be our first adversaries. 

Costa do Sauipe Resort - www.costadosauipe.com.br

When? October 6, 2013 - 1 pm local time
Where? Costa do Sauípe Resort, Bahia
Where can you watch? www.fifa.com

Stay tuned!

Songs: Engenheiros do Havaii

Today we will listen to a band formed in Porto Alegre in 1985, one of my favorite Brazilian Bands, Engenheiros do Havaii that in Portuguese means Engineers of Hawaii. The guys were students of architecture and the name of the band is a joke. 

"The band also was a success at the controversial Rock in Rio II, being the only Brazilian band positively mentioned by The New York Times." iTunes Store

The singer / songwriter Humberto Gessinger is a very intelligent and multitalented man who contributed a lot to the band. Since 85 he is the only original integrate of the band. 

Hope you guys enjoy it!

Ladies and Gentlemen... O Papa é Pop

Rio Grande do Sul - Highlands

Gramado by Fiero

Today's post is for those who are coming to Porto Alegre during the World Cup and for those who would love to discover a different side of the Tropical Brazil… 

Welcome to the Highlands of Rio Grande do Sul. With its German influence, I should actually say "Willkommen".

The winter in Brazil goes from June to August, exactly when you'll be here for the WC. So be prepared  to enjoy the cold weather while visiting these charming cities of German architecture and culture.

The cities of Gramado and Canela are not far from Porto Alegre, an average of 130 km and they are 7 km apart from each other. The ride through the road BR116 is already very charming and beautiful, and  you can make a stop at Nova Petropolis, the most German city of the state. 

Colina Verde Restaurant

Address: Rua Felippe Michaelsen, 160 - Nova Petropolis - 3 km from the city center. Website

Owned by the Schwantes family, the restaurant offers a nice banquet of German, Italian and Gaúcho dishes at a fixed price.

Continuing our trip is time to visit Gramado.
This trip is something totally different from what you have already experienced in Brazil. The city has European style, Alpine architecture, many sophisticated restaurants and several shops. One of the most visited site is the Lago Negro Park, it was inspired on Germany's Black Florest, even the trees were brought from there. Another option is the Joaquina Rita Bier Lake with many threes and flowers.
Gramado is also known for its 30 chocolate factories. There are 60 chocolate shops and some of them offer a tour. The Reino do Chocolate offers a magical visit throughout the time telling stories and making this an unforgettable experience. Another store that is also worth visiting is Florybal, there three thematic stores in Gramado.

O Reino do Chocolate by Mapa de Gramado

Mini Mundo by Viaje Aqui

Another place that will please adults and children is the Mini Mundo (Little World). A cute outdoor park with replicas of buildings, lakes, trains from all over the world. The Little World even has its own currency, that is 24 times cheaper than the  Brazilian Real.

On your way to Canela you will find more attractions worth visiting such as the Super Carros, where you see and even drive super cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, among others. And you can make a stop at Hollywood Dream Cars Museum, where you will find many classic cars such as Cadillac.

Canela

Parque do Caracol by CHERLY_DF_BRASIL Flickr

The city of Canela is also very charming with many pleasant hotels where you relax and enjoy some leisure time…
But if you are not looking for something like that, no problem. For the adventurous there are some natural parks where you hike, rappel, climb, take pictures of the most famous waterfall of Rio Grande do Sul, the Cascata do Caracol. 
After all the adventures, you can stop for lunch at one of the restaurants of Italian or German cusine, like the famous Cantina 28 (Italian) or Strudelhaus (German). Both serve wine and have fireplace. Cozy right?

For the curious and for children a nice place to visit is Mundo a Vapor, there you will see replicas of steam powered machines and other engines, industrial machines, there is even a replica of a German steel industry from 1940. Very interesting. 

Mundo a Vapor by Arrumando as Malas

During the afternoon you can't miss a Colonial Coffee.

Gramado Café Colonial

Café Colonial: Is a German tradition brought to Brazil that became very popular over the years. In the afternoon the table is set with a large variety of bread, cakes, pies, waffles, coffee, fruits, yogurt, jam, cheese and so on. I highly recommend! 
Gramado Café Colonial serves more than 80 types of Italian and German food on a large table, they even make the shuffle between your hotel and the Café. Located at the Canela - Gramado Road.

The Italians who colonized the state in 1875 brought with them the passion for grapes and wines. That region called Vale dos Vinhedos is the biggest wine producer of our country, it includes 3 main cities Bento Gonçalves, Garibaldi e Monte Belo do Sul. If that's also you passion you should visit the city of Bento Gonçalves, located 128 km from Porto Alegre.

Vinicola Luiz Valduga & Filho by Viaje Aqui

Here are the wineries that offer tour, where you can taste, learn about the process of making wine and even be part of the harvest party.

 - Casa Valduga - website
 - Miolo Wine Group - website
 - Vinhos Salton - website

Vinhos Salton

Learn more about the capital of Rio Grande do Sul:

Porto Alegre

Porto Alegre - Typical Food and Drinks

Rio Grande do Sul is a state with many particular characteristics, it shares some habits with its neighbors Uruguay and Argentina, among those habits is chimarrão, a mate infusion that the gaúchos drink hot, all they long, no matter if it's winter or summer.

To experience a chimarrão you need a cuia (bowl), a bomba (pump), mate, and hot water. Before adding water it will look like the following picture.
I suggest you to ask a local to show you how it is prepared. This is so cultural, that you don't experience chimarrão your trip won't have its true value... It is that serious! 

Another tradition that won't be difficult to try is the churrasco… the gaúcho way of making barbecue. It includes steak, lamb, veal, and many other delicious meat. Where should you go to experience the typical churrasco gaúcho?

Na Brasa - Rua Ramiro Barcelos 389, Floresta - Porto Alegre
They offer 12 different meat cuts, besides fish, and a huge variety of wine. You can make reservations on their Website or thru the phone (51) 3225 2205. During the World Cup the restaurant will be opened from Monday thru Friday 12h - 16h and 18h to 13:30. On Saturdays, all day from 12h to 23:30 and Sundays from 12h to 22h

Na Brasa

Galpão Crioulo Steakhouse - Parque Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho, s/n - Centro - Porto Alegre
The place accommodates 600 people, besides the amazing meat, you will also enjoy traditional gaúcho and latin american dances and shop for typical products in their small shop to take home with you. They do take reservations. Website

Galpão Crioulo official website

Constantino Café - Rua Fernando Gomes 44, Moinhos de Vento
A cosy restaurant serving mediterranean food. If it's a cold evening, you can choose a seat by the fireplace.  Check more pictures here.

Constantino Café

Now, if you are more interested in nightlife, relax! Porto Alegre has many bars, pubs,  and I chose a tapa bar to suggest:

Rambla Tapas and Music - Rua Félix da Cunha, 977 - Moinhos de Vento - Porto Alegre

The bar was opened in January 2012 and was already elected one of the best cousines in its category.  They try to keep the Spanish atmosphere in it's decoration and on the menu. On the upper level there is music and you can taste a good beer or caipirinha.

Rambla - official website

For more steakhouses around the country check this post: Steakhouses 

Porto Alegre - Hospitality

Today I will give you some hospitality options. I selected the hotels and hostels considering it's availability, price, location and comfort.

All of them are between 15 to 25 minutes from Beira Rio stadium.

Here they are:

Deville Porto Alegre Aeroporto - website 
25 minutes from the stadium, very comfortable, the hotel offers gym, tennis court and restaurant.

Deville by booking.com

Mercure Porto Alegre by Expedia

Mercure Porto Alegre Manhattan - website
Very comfortable hotel, close to the stadium, 20 minutes. There is a restaurant in the hotel and gym.

Bordini's Residence - website
Very well located, at Moinhos de Vento, 20 minutes from the stadium, where you find nice restaurants, shops and bars. 

Porto Alegre Eco Hostel - website
Located 15 minutes from the stadium, this hostel has shared kitchen, the breakfast is included and offers wifi in every room. 

Hostel Por do Sol - website
This hostel is pioneer in the city, located 20 minutes from the stadium… if you like it, book it soon… there only few vacancies available for June 2014.

Hostel Por do Sol official website

To check the matches that will be played in Porto Alegre click here.

Porto Alegre - Things to do

What to do in Porto Alegre? There are many nice things and many attractions there, here I posted just a few. If you have some more suggestions, we will be more than happy to hear from you.

Mercado Público
Because tourists love to go shopping! With its beautiful neoclassical architecture, the public market was built in 1869. There you will find cafés, crafts, restaurants, many stores, fruits and local products. Don't leave the city without making a stop there.  

Mercado Público by Viajar pelo Mundo

Santander Cultural

The Santader Cultural is located near the Public Market. Just the architecture is already worth the visit, but there is more. Music presentations, arts, photography exhibitions, are one of the attractions. There is also a cinema and a café.

Santander Cultural by Panoramio

Science and Technology Museum - website
"Life is more fascinating than you can imagine" this is a must-go. Very interactive, there over 700 experiments to interact both kids and adults.

Science and Technology Museum by Repensando Museus

Sunset at the Gasômetro
The surrounds of the former power station is the best place to watch the sunset in Porto Alegre. Located by the Guaíba River, the building was delivered in 1928 and generated electricity to the city until 1954. It's chimney is 117 meters hight. Nowadays, the cultural centre hosts many plays, dance presentations, arts exhibitions and more. It is also one of the most beautiful places for a bike ride.

Usina do Gasômetro by portoalegretche.blogspot

Parcão or Paque dos Moinhos de Vento

Moinhos de Vento in Portuguese means windmills, there are several of them in the park . This calm park is surrounded by trees where you join yoga at 8 am, or just enjoy it at anytime! While there, you can have some fun shopping and walking through Avenida Goethe and Padre Chagas or at Moinhos de Vento Mall, a very cool neighborhood.

Moinhos de Vento by Wikipedia

Parque da Redenção
The favorite of the locals. They enjoy going during the day to have their traditional hot herbal tea, chimarrão, and to relax, to watch people,  appreciate arts and crafts or to buy organic food from the local farmers' market. 

Parque da Redenção by Revista Viajar

Dear readers, I wish I could stay here all day posting about Porto Alegre… in the next few days I will show you other nice places you can visit in this beautiful state. See you!

If you would like to learn more about other cities click on the links below:

 - Curitiba

 - Belo Horizonte

 - Rio de Janeiro

 - Cuiabá

Porto Alegre - Rio Grande do Sul

Hello everyone,

This week I introduce you to Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, the 5th most popular, and the southernmost state in Brazil. It is the birthplace of famous people like the supermodel Gisele Bündchen, the soccer player Ronaldinho Gaúcho* and Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. The state is the home of Beira Rio stadium, with capacity for 48,849 soccer fans, it will host 5 games during the World Cup. 
*Gaúcho is the name given to those born in Rio Grande do Sul and have a particular culture and lifestyle that you only see in that state of Brazil.

Porto Alegre by Revista Viajar

Border with Argentina and Uruguay the state is different from anything you've heard about Brazil, beginning with the cold weather and the landscape, Rio Grande do Sul is a very traditional state, its process of colonization was late, until 1807 the state belonged to Spain while most of the country belonged to Portugal. They've battled hard to become independent from Brazil in the past. It's main characteristics are the heritage from the colonization process made by Italian, German and Polish farmers. You can notice that on the architecture, by the Gaúcho accent, their appearance, clothing, and cultural characteristics. 
There is a lot to see in this beautiful state, and I will make sure to tell it all.

Airport: Salgado Filho International Airport
Distance from other capitals: 

• Curitiba - 714 km
• São Paulo - 1122 km
• Rio de Janeiro - 1573 km 
• Belo Horizonte - 1724 km
• Brasília - 2113 km

Weather: Because of its location on the south, Rio Grande do Sul tends to be, most of the time, colder than other capitals during the months of winter, June, July and August. In some cases we can even experience some light snow. Click here to check the climate in Porto Alegre.

Beira Rio Stadium by copa2014rs

Let's review the dates and games* that will be played in Porto Alegre:

• 15 June - France x Honduras
• 18 June - Australia x Netherlands
• 22 June - Korea Republic x Algeria
• 25 June - Nigeria x Argentina
• 30 June - Round of 16 - 1G x 2H

Beira Rio address: Av. Padre Cacique, 891 - Menino Deus - Porto Alegre, RS

*After the groups have been decided, on December 6th, the information above about the games will be updated.



To learn more about other host cities and stadiums click here.

Qualifier's Almost Over!

I want to congratulate Ghana, Croatia, Greece, France, and Portugal, they've made it to the 2014 World Cup! Congratulations!

Cristiano Ronaldo scored all the 3 goals… what an amazing player! 
Will he win the next Ballon d'Or? 

Cristiano Ronaldo by fifa.com

It is nice to be part of the biggest event on Earth and we, the Brazilians, are waiting for you.

French Flags - fifa.com

Today we'll have Mexico and Uruguay confirming their spot… we are cheering, guys!

Next month ---> Final draw on December 6th, 2013
The groups will be defined and you will be able to book your flights and hotels :)

So exciting!

I'll leave you with Sweden x Portugal highlights

 footballdaily2

Thank you guys!

Qualifiers

Hello! Hello!

Today is the day...

This is the last chance for France to prove they can make it to the World Cup.

Last game they lost to Ukraine 2 x 0, now the Bleus need a difference of 3 goals to win. Will they make it? 

Watch tonight from Saint-Denis - 21:00, local time.

fifa.com

Portugal won at home, Cristiano Ronaldo scored… tonight Sweden will give their best at home.
The game will be broadcasted from Solna at 20:45, local time.

fifa.com

Today you will also watch:
Croatia x Iceland
Romania x Greece
Egypt x Ghana

Music Contest

If you love music and football there is a very cool contest coming soon… 

This nice contest is about submitting original songs that will be chosen and recorded by Ricky Martin to be in the next World Cup.

fifa.com

Starting on December 2nd, 2013 you can submit your video to www.SuperSong.com. The songs should be in one of the 2014 World Cup official languages: Portuguese, Spanish or English until January 6th, 2014. The winner will be announced in February 2014.

From FIFA's official website:

"The winner will travel to Puerto Rico to work with Ricky Martin and a top music producer on the final version of the song, which will be recorded by Ricky Martin & included on the Official Album of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, to be released by Sony Music Entertainment in 2014.

The winner and a guest will also travel to Brazil where they will be VIP guests of Sony at the final match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in July 2014 and also receive additional prizes from Sony."

Isn't it cool?

Who's going to give it a try? Good Luck!

* The official Word Cup Song will be released in mid-2014.

Want a Local Friend?

Dear readers how are you today?

Have you been planning your trip to Brazil?
It's not too early at all!

Today I'm here to talk about this idea that I fell in love with...

...to rent a local friend!

Want a friend? by bothsidesofthetable.com

I've never used this service, but it might be very useful in a country like Brazil where the majority of people don't speak English, or French, or Deutsch. And I guess the majority of travelers prefer to experience a country like a local other than a tourist. And more... this is a great alternative if you are traveling by yourself.

The team of friends is made by all kinds of people including journalists, photographers, chefs, that like you, also love to travel.

They will create a tour that includes everything according to your interest, so let them know exactly what you like and the places you want to visit when filling up the form.
The best idea is to choose a friend that has the same interests as you, and that speak your language.

You will find friends in the following host cities:
São Paulo, Rio, Curitiba, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Natal, Recife, and Salvador.

The video bellow is cool and explains it all, take a look:

Website: Rent a Local Friend

Like the idea? Have you used this service?

Leave your comments bellow.

Até mais :)

Tchau

Pantanal wetlands

Hello dear readers,

Today my post is about this curious place, a wild land with so much to discover, it is word's largest wetland, perfect for birdwatchers and wild life enthusiastic... welcome to Pantanal! 

A vast place with “amazing ecological quality” despite cattle farming and other environmental concerns. National Geographic

In the Pantanal, the jaguars may be evasive, but the capybaras, the hyacinth macaws, the giant anteaters and the ring-tailed coatis will practically pose for you if you approach quietly. The New York Times

Onça Pintada (Jaguar) - Trip Advisor

You are about to visit the best place in South America to spot wild life, so in my opinion you should plan this trip in advance. The dry season, considered by many people the best season to go to Pantanal is between April and September, during this time it is easier to spot the animals and is less muddy. Here is my first advise: Vaccines. It is important to take yellow fever, malaria and tetanus shot before traveling to Pantanal. And bring bug spray!

Alright, now let's see how you can make this trip work. 

by New York Times

If you are in Cuiabá the best way is to take a bus from the bus station and get a hotel (simple and rustic) in one of these cities: Poconé, Cáceres or Barão de Melgaço. Most of the hotels offer breakfast, lunch and dinner included. But if you are not into simple stuff, you have other options such as the SESC Porto Cercado Hotel, or Pousada Pouso Alegre in Poconé.

The best thing is to hire a guide to show you around, they are local people that take you to the coolest places where you can spot the animals. A binocular and a flashlight are also good items to bring besides the camera!

Caiman by Interativa Pantanal

Once you get there, the hotels will offer you tours options, like hike, sunrise view, boat trip, night walk... 

Tuiuiú - Symbol of Pantanal
by Sonia Furtado via Flickr

Check some expeditions before you go:
-  Interativa Pantanal
-  Pantanal Nature
-  Jaguar Ecological Reserve

Hotels:
- Pousada Rio Claro - Poconé
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, free wi-fi, horses, pool, ac.
- SESC Porto Cercado - Poconé
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, horses, pool, playground, ac.
- Araras Eco Lodge - Poconé
Breakfast, luch and dinner, horses, pool, ac.
- Hotel Baiazinha - Cácere (good for fishing)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, playground, pool, horses.

Dual Survival: Pantanal

Cuiabá - Places to Visit

Dear readers and visitors of Cuiabá...

Enjoy some tips on things to do in the capital of Mato Grosso.

Chapada dos Guimarães - A Must Go for the adventurous
The National Park is 69 km (42.87 miles) from Cuiabá. A rocky formation with steep cliffs, crystal clear waterfalls and caves. 
The Expedition Interativa Pantanal can take you there, check the website for information about hospitality.

Chapada dos Guimarães National Park by interativapantanal

SESC Arsenal - art museum
You can visit the art gallery, crafts exhibition, even have a beer!
Every Thursday meet other people there, eat Brazilian food and see crafts for free. From 6 to 10 pm. 
http://www.sescmatogrosso.com.br/sesc-mato-grosso/

SESC Arsenal - by www.mochileiro.tur.br

Casa do Artesão - shop
Good place to buy souvenirs and crafts from Cuiabá, there are many works made by native indians that you can see.
http://www.sescmatogrosso.com.br/casa-do-artesao/

Casa do Artesão - crafts

Nossa Senhora do Bom Despacho - church
Considered the most beautiful church in Cuiabá, it has a neo-gothic style, is located up the hill Morro do Seminário. The church was built in the XVIII century, but the current architecture was built in 1918.  In the same space you will find the Museum of Sacred Art, where pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries are exhibited. The visit is free of charge.

Nossa Senhora do Bom Despacho by Francisco Aragão on Flickr
For more about the culture of Mato Grosso visit the Flickr: Ação Cultural

Tomorrow you will find out about the wild wetlands of Pantanal