Castelinho38

Grace 2nd Birthday

2008-08-28T05:51:00.002-03:00

For a short week we had the pleasure to have at C38, Little Princess GRACE, that celebrated her mother birthday with us and a small BBQ. From early morning until late Grace has enjoied the big rooms of C38, run around the main hall and jumped on the bean bags, giving us huge smiles.

The little princess is going to get a younger brother in october, as a gift for life, even if she is turning two years old today.So we will prepare a special cake to celebrate among our staff.

Grace s father will be also blowing on the candles tomorrow, but we are not allow to reveal how many will be...
Castelinho38 is wishing them a very special birthday.

Oto and the pups

2008-08-25T10:29:00.002-03:00

The time has come for our 8 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies to leave the mother and join their new family. Two brother left for Macae, as suprise birthday presents for Martina (10) and Francisco (13), sons of our C38 best client Alex. One has climbed the montain region with our friend Yann, to be his companion and guard in Benfica(S. Pedro da Serra)

The lady should meet soon her friend Silva( adult male RR ) in a superb mansion not far from here, in Santa Teresa...So don t miss the last pups available before is too late..
A special visit to the puppies arrived this sunday, with little OTO (almost one year old) interacting with the dogs..

Oto had a great time playing and looking the little ones around him, and so did we taking pictures and watching them having fun with eachother.

Serra Carioca - Montain Region

2008-08-21T06:56:00.004-03:00

A few hours drive from RIO de Janeiro, there are plenty of options for those who loves montains and a cooler climate.As the second biggest forest area in the Rio de janeiro state, in Macae de Cima we find the best nature expression.

Located on the mountains of Macae de Cima Forest (environment protected area), are the cities of Mury, Lumiar and Sao Pedro. Distant only four km from each other, and only minutes from Nova Friburgo, these cities offer you many attractions as waterfalls, valleys and mountains. During the day, walking, hiking, canoeing, horse riding through the rivers, valleys, ponds, and rivers beaches; at night the charming presence of restaurants, and small shops, inviting you to a relaxing amusement.

Lumiar and São Pedro da Serra are located in the forest of Rio de Janeiro, around 700 meters high. Weather is very nice in the summer, and intense cold in the winter

Sao Pedro city offers you also valleys and mountains. By car or bus, from the bus terminal of Nova Friburgo, go to direction the cities of Lumiar and São Pedro da Serra, 35 km far from the center of Nova Friburgo.

Corpos - Bodies

2008-08-18T15:46:00.003-03:00

Mostra Corpos No Castelinho38

Na ultima sexta, 15 de agosto,o Castelinho38 recebeu muitos amigos e convidados para prestigiar as obras dos artistas Daniela Antonelli e Mario Vitor.(http://danimario.carbonmade.com//)

Corpos reúne uma série de sessenta fotogravuras. Tudo feito a partir do trabalho de fotopinturas da designer gráfica Daniela Antonelli e das ilustrações e fotografias de Mario Vitor. O fio condutor é o corpo humano, que foi o principal objeto de estudo da dupla.

A mostra estara aberta ao publico de terca a domingo das 11hs ate 20hs, e vai ficar em cartaz ate dia 14 de setembro. Alem das fotogravuras, tem uma video projecao ilustrando o trabalho partindo das fotos do Mario que mostram os varios angulos do corpo da Antonella, que intervem em cima das fotos, criando uns efeitos de cores e lineas que vale a pena ver ao vivo.

Os artistas trabalharam muito para deixar a montagem da exposicao perfeita e estao de parabens pelo lindo resultado, a presenca em massa e as criticas positivas dos convidados confirmaram ainda mais o sucesso da noite.

Os convidados poderam se misturar aos hospedes e amigos do C38, no terrace-bar sob uma noite de lua quase cheia e temperatura de verao. A equipe toda do C38 agradece mais uma vez Mario e Antonella e convida todos para conhecer esse bellissimo trabalho!!

Winter Sunsets

2008-08-14T19:30:00.003-03:00

Young Artists coming soon @ C38

2008-08-12T18:37:00.002-03:00

Do not miss this coming friday, new exhibition opening at 19hs, two young artist showing their art works to the world at C38 gallery!!!

Barcas -Ferries

2008-08-05T11:35:00.007-03:00

C38 team strongly recommend the visit to Niteroi city.
This town is located in the other side of the Guanabara Bay, and it has an amazing view from Rio.

Niteroi is also famous for the fish market and the Museum of Contemporary Art, that was designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
The museum is the main attraction and also the post card of the city.

The best way to reach the city is using the ferry boat.
The ferry leaves from Praça XV every day, each 30 min

The crossing takes approximately 20min and give you a different perspective from Rio.
Once there you are only 5 min away from the museum and Icarai beach.
Enjoy...

Progetti - New Art Gallery in town

2008-08-05T11:24:00.005-03:00

A Cidade do Rio de Janeiro ganhou uma nova galeria de arte!

A Galeria Progetti, localizada na Travessa do Comércio, junto à Praça XV, ocupa um sobrado de três andares de 1889, que faz parte de um dos conjuntos arquitetônicos mais bem preservados do Rio de Janeiro.

A mostra individual de Jannis Kounellis, um dos nomes centrais da arte contemporânea internacional, e um dos expoentes da arte povera abriu a galeria, sabado 02 de agosto, contando com a presencia de todos os artistas e autoridades da arte contemporanea no Brasil.

À frente da Progetti estão os galeristas italianos Paola Colacurcio e Niccolò Sprovieri, ambos com larga experiência nas artes, que escolheram a cidade do Rio de Janeiro para sediar a segunda experiência como galeristas – Niccolò é o responsável pela Sprovieri Progetti, sediada em Londres, e Paola trabalhou por mais de vinte anos na histórica Galeria Lucio Amelio, de Nápoles.

Kounellis é um dos mais importantes artistas oriundos da arte povera, movimento que nasceu nos anos 1960 na Itália e estendeu sua influência para diversos países.

Jannis Kounellis, dia 05 de agosto a 01 de novembro de 2008, de terça a sábado, das 11h às 19h, na Galeria Progetti, Travessa do Comércio, 22, Arco do Telles |Centro, Rio de Janeiro (RJ). | Telefone: (21)2221-9893| Email: info@progettirio.com.Entrada franca

GUEST OF THE MONTH (JULY)

2008-07-29T11:40:00.003-03:00

In July C38 was full of really nice guests.
It was a tuff decision.
But in the end the chosen one was Sunita Rappai.

She has been traveling for 10 months since she quit her job as a journalist in London and left behind the cold and rain in this great adventure around the world.
After Argentina and lots of steaks she flew to Rio where she supposed to stay for 3 days with her friend Daniel Tickner.
Here she fell in love for the Caipirinha and the city and ended up staying a week more.
She was trying to enjoy the most because Rio was the last stop before she goes back home.

But she wont stop, she is planing to move to Cairo to study again.
C38 team wishes you all the luck in your endless journey.

Chapada Diamantina

2008-07-25T07:44:00.005-03:00

The Diamond Highlands is one of the most impressive places in Brasil, a sort of Gran Canyon covered of green and abundant in crystalline waters, with historic small town perfectly preserved has always a greater number of people visiting this place away from the normal touristic route.

After 6-7 hours drive from the capital Salvador, the visitor is rewarded with a rare combination of unforgettable landscapes, elegant colonial architecture and fascinating history.

Chapada Diamantina main activities nowadays are hiking, riding, mountain biking and visits to waterfalls, rivers and caves.

It s hard to imagine that almost 150 years ago, this region was the world s principal diamond producing region – economically important enough for the French to built a consulate in Lencois.

The best place to stay in Lencois is the house on the picture below. Estalagem do Alcino (http://www.alcinoestalagem.com) has the charme of an old colonial house and the comfort of the best hotels. Alcino is a great artist who has specialized in tiles and ceramics, his atelier is open for a visit and the all staff is very kind and smiley.A special mention to the breakfast, one of the best ever had, taken in a shared big table together with the other guests with Alcino himself handing the hot specialities, secret recipes and fresh coffee from the big kitchen next door.

Starting from Alcino C38 made new friendship also with Deborah Doitschinoff, great chef and owner of Etnia(eastern cusine) and Cozinha Aberta (www.cozinhaaberta.com.br)- organic and slow food and last but not least Max and Laura, from El Jamiro, a great Music bar and restaurant on the main little street of Lencois.

C38 has been able to find some old friends that like many others that came for a few days ended up settling down here. Solange and Rubens have just became parents of little Thomas while we were there. Congratulation!!

Salvador de Bahia

2008-07-22T11:46:00.008-03:00

One of the most hot destination, after visiting Rio de Janeiro, for many of our guests has been Salvador, capital of the State of Bahia. C38 decided to check it out personally in the last weeks.
Salvador is one of the biggest cities in Brasil, counting more than 2 millions habitants and the ancient capital of the country in the 18th century. It s where you can still breath, eat and feel the African heritage and culture that has arrived during the slave trade, and specifically in this region never left.

The old part of Salvador, better known as Pelourinho has been refurbished 10 years ago and is now a days considered the heart of the city. Built on the top of a hill Pelourinho- easily reachable with the elevator- has hundreds of old churches and colonial houses, restaurants, galleries and many music events at night.
The city has many interesting areas, Itapoa, Itaparica Island, Rio Vermelho, Barra, but our favourite has been Santo Antonio, just a few steps away from noisy Pelourinho, an old neighbourhood on the hill that remind our Santa Teresa in Rio de Janeiro.

Here we stayed at Pousada das Flores, a charming Maison d Hotes of 3 floors, superbly run by Eric and Rose from 17 years. The room are maybe the most spacious we ve ever seen, some with a balcony, some with a little patio and other with a great veranda looking over the bay or the old roof of the city.

The staff is very kind and helpful, they have a little shop at the reception which is perfect for a gift or a last minute souvenir, and the breakfast – in the first floor terrace is plenty of tasty typical things from the region.
We felt so much at home there that we ve elected Pousada das Flores , C38’sister hotel in Salvador. Now we are looking forward to meet again Eric and Rose here in Rio, as soon as they will have some time(they will open a new gorgeous place in St. Antonio this September).

For those who like to be closer to the beach and away from the pulsing city centre, we can recommend one of the villas in Villas do Atlantico, north of Salvador. Massimo was part of C38 staff last year, is now in charge of the agency that is taking care of more than 5 different villas by the beach, all equipped with swimming pool and other comforts, where you can experience a Kite surf course nearby.

Renovation

2008-07-15T16:08:00.004-03:00

After a long week when C38 drive to craziness the wood carpenter and other workers, with a tide schedule and a dead line set by future guests.
Now we are back to our peaceful routine.

The renovation happened a few weeks ago in a gap between the bookings.
Now castelinho has his rooms from 1866 with a new look.

The big hall on the second floor also received new painting and a brand new illumination system that put the art pieces literally in the spot light.

Those improvements intent to give to our guess a better and more comfortable stay.
Started with our bar and the next step is probably the garden that will receive some new plants to become even more beautiful.
Stay tuned for the next changes.

Puppies RR38

2008-07-13T10:14:00.003-03:00

Castelinho38 best friends had multiplied themselves!!! Our lovely Rhodesian Ridgebacks Jazz and Zuzu, became parents for the second time. ( Last year at the end of march they had 7 wonderful puppies)

The previous saturday, 5th of July, Zuzu gave birth to 8 incredibles little ones...being 7 of them males and only one girl.
At the moment we are taking good care of them not far from C38, as otherwise we couldn t give enough attention to our guests anymore, but as they will be 45 days old they probably will settle in our garden until we ll find them a new family.

Rhodesian Ridgeback is not a very common breed in Brasil, their origin is South Africa and they are great dogs, for company, children and house watching. Jazz & Zuzu are both pedigree certified dogs from very good breeders and lines blood.
If anyone is interested... They should be ready to leave the mother by the beginning of september.

CCC 7th anniversary

2008-07-11T10:09:00.000-03:00

Last Monday 07/07 Castelinho38 have been kindly invited by our partners CCC – Centro Cultural Carioca –to their 7 anniversary party.
CCC is a beautiful sobrado in Lapa/city Centre , one of the most prestigious places to hear good brasilian music in RIO, a cultural centre with Dance Classes, Art Exhibitions, and a fabulous authentic carioca cusine.
The encounter between CCC and C38 has been through the great mandolin master Mike Marshall, our guest of the month of December, when he performed with Hamilton de Hollanda.
Since then our tower is one of the logos among their partners in the monthly CCC Artistic Programme, so accurately prepared by Alfredo Galhoes and Isnard Manso.

Business aside, CCC is one of our favorite and most recommended place for a music night out, where recently we saw the new generation of samba like Princesess Roberta Sa, Martinalia, Leticia Tui and Teresa Cristina or Dukes Herminio Bello de Carvalho, Rodrigo Maranhao, Paulinho Moska and Pedro Miranda.

Before blowing CCC seven candles, some masters of Samba and Brasilian Music and Poetry performed on stage together with Grupo Semente: Nelson Sargento, Aurea Martins, Paolo Marques, Agenor de Oliveira, Leticia Tui and Elisa Lucinda.
“ Because Music and Poetry = Brasilan samba, the cultural mark of this country”, our friend and writer A. Riva would say.

Check the programme for the next 2 months, visiting their site www.centroculturalcarioca.com.br
Or simply go there any time, as the quality of people, music and food is excellent!

Roberta Sá & CANAL BRASIL

2008-07-09T13:16:00.000-03:00

One more time C38 is pleased by the presence of a great artist. This time Roberta Sá shown up to shoot a program for CANAL BRASIL.
She presents a TV show called "Faixa Musical" that shows concerts from Brazilian musicians.

The young artist released her first album "Brasileiro" in 2005 and the second in 2007 " Que belo estranho dia pra ser ter alegria"
Regarding our fine musical taste, the singer was already in our playlist and is one of C38 most played artist.

Thanks a lot, Roberta & Canal Brasil team.

Arte de Portas Abertas

2008-07-07T19:13:00.006-03:00

Last week-end, our lovely neighbourhood Santa Teresa celebrates its annual Art Festival “ Arte de Portas Abertas”, where all the restaurants, ateliers, galleries and shops take part of a Opened Circuit which gather thousands of visitors every year.

For the very first time C38 was officially part of this Festival, that among the official programme has hundreds of events, music happening and interesting spots to be discovered. We had been indicated as one of the Cultural Centres, because of the Collective Exhibition that took place in our beautiful and just refurbished main Hall, which has been already named by someone Galeria38.

We had especially prepared some creamy Brazilian Hot Soup, served with freshly baked bread and tasty cakes and pies, together with our delicious Capuccinos and Expresso Coffees. The lovely weather and good vibes have been our special guests for the weekend together with the usual friends of Santa Teresa and hundreds of new visitors that had discovered our artists and privileged place for the first time.

We d like to introduce to you one of the most interesting Exhibition we had hosted so far, which gather our friends Andrea Rausch, Eduardo Amado, Fernando SImoes and Peter Mirow together with French and almost Brazilian Pacal “Zouloup” who has a great hand and hability in the kitchen, we had the chance to experienced on Sunday. One of our next post will be dedicated to present you better their different works and technics.

We would like to present here and send our GRAZIE the other partners and friends we have invited for this special events at C38 CICLOAMBIENTAL and Isabele Delgado presented their new winter collection 2008 of original and ecologic clothes made of recycled Pet materials, FUTON with Eduardo and Virginia presenting their wide range of Bio-comfiest tatamis, futons and cushions. On Sunday we had the honour to host a stand of AZULEJARIA and the ladies, Laura, Marcia, Solange e Paola responsible for the nicest tiles – art in Brazil. Last but not least the special Brecho of vintage female second hand clothes that probably will become a monthly appointment of C38.

GUEST OF THE MONTH ( June )

2008-07-02T19:29:00.004-03:00

For the very first time a Brazilian guest take the nomination for the month of JUNE.
Renato Mesquita from Porto Alegre has been nominated after his second visit in our premises.
He came first in May together with his partner Tania as he had some business meetings in Rio and did not want to stay in the usual hotels in Copacabana like he did in the past.
Renato couldn t believe that a big city like Rio had a very special and quite neighbor like Santa Teresa, with its little castel where he could find home away from home.

Renato, apart his business, is one of the founder of the Porto Alegre Cia de Danca, who had just presented its first show "Olhos fechados no Sol" with Tania Baumann as the first dancer in the company and Mark Sciezkarek as coreographer, especially invited from Europe. To know more about the Dance Company visit their blog:http://portoalegreciadedanca.blogspot.com/

Congratulation Renato for you title, hopefully you ll be back soon and the Porto Alegre Cia de Danca will be soon presenting in Rio.

The C38's camp fire

2008-06-30T10:29:00.008-03:00

C38 has invited his friends to celebrate São João's (Saint John) day (24/06)with the usual camp fire.
This kind of party happens all over Brazil during June.
Unfortunately the rain ruined our plans but didn't stop us.
The celebrations was rescheduled for the 26th. Saint Pellagio's day.(who is that guy?)

Anyway, It was a cold beautiful night.
The fire helped to warm all of us, and besides we also had the cachaça and the Quentão, hot wine with spices.

But there are no Festa Junina without a good Cangica, corn cake, paçoca and caldo de feijao. We had them all.....yummy
A nice night among friends, great view from the city lights.

Thanks everybody till next camp fire in June 2009!

Interview and photo shooting at C38

2008-06-26T10:35:00.003-03:00

Castelinho38 had the honour to be choosen again for a special afternoon of photo shooting.
This time the spots and microphones were pointed towards the beautifull young actress Tamy Calafiori, now starring in Tv GLobo soap opera "Ciranda de Pedra".

The beauty of Tamy has left the C38s breathless...

Interviewed by Joao Bernardo Caldeira for the magazine "Isto E gente" and fotographed by Ana B. , Tamy felt immediately at home and while she was dressing up, she enjoyed our special coffee and admired the amazing view of our terrace. Thanks to all the equipe that shared with C38 staff a very special day.

France-Brazil year at C38

2008-06-26T10:02:00.001-03:00

France-Brazil year starts a bitt early at C38
Once more C38 supported an artistic and cultural project hosting 13 people from a french theater company.
The Parnas theater group come to Brasil to present the spectacle "Le retour au desert" or "The return to desert" written by Bernard-Marie Koltès

That is part of Catherine Marnas' project who creates french theater with brazilian actors.
She has been trough Spain, Mexico and China directing spectacles like, Dom João e Eva Perón
The group was practicing in Rio de Janeiro but the first presentation will be in July at São Jose do Rio Preto Festival.

After that they are going to practice at Théâtre La Passerelle, in Gap and Théâtre des Salins, in Martigues.
In November the real play ll be presented in the famous Théâtre de la Ville in Paris.
2009, during the year "France in Brasil" there are plans for a brazilian tour.

According to Catherine Rio for sure will be one of the stops.
We are looking forward!!!

Sailing in Rio

2008-06-26T09:59:00.001-03:00

Castelinho38's members and friends have temporarily become part of Fim de Papo's crew.
Fim de Papo is a 29ft sail boat, anchored at Urca Yacht Club.
João Ponde the Captan, is a C38 good friend.
He donated the famous sails who dress our terrace in special events and parties, giving the whole house a special charm.

Those incursions through the Guanabara Bay give the opportunity of a different point of view from the city, that is even more beautiful seen from the water.
It's also interesting give a close look to the Rio-Niteroi's bridge and Copacabana's Fort, if it's your lucky day you might see the dolphins.

Tourists can also enjoy this experience with charter boats or in a quick ride across the bay with the old ferry boats that goes strait to Niteroi.
The best privilege besides hear the city noises far away is watch the sunset, sailing peacefully at Guanabara's Bay

Many thanks João.
Best wishes from C38 sailors.

Special dates

2008-06-11T19:49:00.006-03:00

We had so many things going on lately that we didn t know where to start with so after almost a week without news, here a summery of what happened and what has to come this month...

Starting with our beloved TADEO, who lived with us some unforgettable months here at Castelinho38 last year, and is celebrating his birthday today 11 of June. Tadeo is now living in San Clemente del Tuyu, not far from Pinamar in Argentina with mamma Mariel, for who we will always be thankful for all she has done @ C38 . Parabens Tata from all the C38 staff and Santa Teresa friends you have left behind. We are missing you, take care and a lot of saudades!

Our dear friend and neighbour ALBERTO RIVA has launched yestarday, 10 of June, in a famous Library of Milan, his second book during a very special night. The book " Seguire i pappagalli fino alla fine" its a concentration of stories, interviews, chats and facts about Rio de Janeiro and its multiples souls. Stefano Bollani, the greatest pianist and jazz musician who has just launched a CD with only brasilians tunes, was there on the piano to make the night unforgetable! C38 team was there with our hearts..

Last saturday 7 of June Casteliho38 hosted one of the nicest event ever! The children were the main actores during a fantastic afternoon were adults and the small ones enjoyed our terrace bar and played till late. Jardim Ciranda is a nursery following the Waldorf education system and is looking for a place to settle in Santa Teresa. Here at castelinho38 they have found last saturday many new friends and parents interested in this lovely project we have supported since the beginning. Our next post will be dedicated to them and will show you fotos and tell you more about it!

It has officially ended the 1st of June, our first partnership with Rede Record TV, with whom we have started in October and have been broadcasted during 6 months during prime time in all the country, showing our beautiful house facade.
The soap opera has found great number of fans during these months and we at C38 had always worked in harmony with the big Tv crew, technicians, actors and all the equipments they used every time they had filmed here. Our Manager Fabio will be missing a lot his tv stars wondering around our terrace bar.

Associaçao Pedagógica Ciranda

2008-06-09T14:29:00.007-03:00

Castelinho38 foi invadido pelas crianças neste último sábado.
O evento que foi uma parceria entre C38 e a Associaçao Pedagógica Ciranda; fundamentada na Pedagogia Waldorf, a APC está divulgando o seu trabalho para que mais famílias de Santa Teresa possam se beneficiar desse especial jeito de lidar com o desenvolvimento infantil e com a valorização do livre brincar das crianças pequenas, através da administração coletiva de um Jardim de Infância Waldorf.

Os pais e mães que assumiram a tarefa de dirigir a associação estão a procura de uma nova sede para a continuidade do atendimento do Jardim de Infância Ciranda aqui em Santa Teresa. O evento contou com um espaço especialmente arrumado pelos associados para o a brincar infantil, aonde objetos e materiais recriaram o ambiente de um Jardim para infãncia Waldorf.
Para os adultos presentes teve oficina de pães que impregnou todo ambiente com aquele cheirinho gostoso , bazar e a cafeteria que além de cafés e cappuccinos serviu também doces e salgados feito pelos próprios associados .

O fim de tarde ainda foi animado com o agradavel som de flauta de Mariana Zwarg e do violino de Renata Neves , também moradoras de Santa Teresa, integrantes da Itiberê Orquestra Família.Outros eventos como esse serão futuramente organizados pela APC.Aguardem!

A equipe C38 e os membros Associação Pedagógica Ciranda agradecem a todos os presentes e deseja um amplo futuro para essa bonita iniciativa dos moradores do nosso bairro.

Cuore tricolore

2008-06-05T16:07:00.004-03:00

We ve been waiting for long time....and finally RIO is back into international football scene, our favorite team, greatest FLUMINENSE won the semifinal against argentine master BOCA JUNIOR and just qualified to the final for the Libertadores CUP.

Castelinho38 team ( Andre, Alice, Fabiana, Isaias )had the honour and pride to be part of the fantastic Torcida Tricolor, thanks also to the perfectly organized " Be a Local" staff.

The group included our friends, Gareth Chetwynd (BBC football expert ) and Pascal Philippe (former Bordeaux football player) together with a "last minute surprise" Valdir from one side.

And of course our last "Guests of the month for MAY" Benoit and Delphine wearing Fluminense uniforms, and part of the greatest vibes ever felt before at Maracana stadium completely Red, white and Green - tricolor!

The Fluminense flood/flag had cover the supporters of defending champion Boca Junior three times, recovering from 0 x 1 goal from giant striker Palermo at the beginning of the second half.
An incredible moment we all experienced was the Maracana singing the name of Fluminense just after they suffered the goal, even lauder than if they had score!

Thanks to torcida's chants and the young forwards DODO, who came in after the goal and participated to all crucial actions and scored the final third goal.
.....By that time RIO de Janeiro was celebrating even more than a carnival crazy night all over the city.

Today the Fluminense flag is shining from Castelinho38 window, and will be back to Maracana for the final decision versus LDU Quito (Equador) the 2nd of July.
Book your tickets now!!
Saudacoes Tricolores

Visiting a Coffee Plantation

2008-06-02T16:00:00.006-03:00

Castelinho38 was part of a very well organized excursion recently that took us in south of Minas Gerais State. We went to discover a beautiful área called Zona da Mata together with a group of “baristas”, all graduated with Mestre Emilio Rodrigues at his prestigious “ Casa do Barista”

Our head quarter in Araponga hás been Pousada Serra d Água, a charming and simple structure located at the feet of Parque Estadual Serra do Brigadeiro, recentely open State park at 1300 mts. of altitude.

Ronaldo and his little daughter Paloma were the perfect hosts and the local specilities from the kitchen have been seriously responsible for our extra Kilos at the end of the week end.

The Mattos family at Fazenda Brauna in Ervalia district, have won the last Illy Award for the Best Coffee in Brazil. Their property hás more than 100 years of tradition in the coffee sector and João explained to us the all process from the planting to the roasting of the “green gold”, as the coffee is known.

José Antonio Bittencourt Soares, hás been our guide in the Park the next day, while we all were riding his horses, from a Cabana Aldeia da Vida and discovered the beautiful trails and waterfalls of Brigadeiro Park.

Zé Antonio had a special cachaça and fantastic stories to share with us during the horse ride, even if it didn t help our “bump” from hurting.

Thanks to all the partners for the great time we all had in Minas Gerais, a very authentic and original destination we are going to recommand to all our guests.