Brazil stops for the World Cup

Well Brazils World Cup dream may be over now but this just shows the passion Brazil has for its football. The photo below was taken outside of a major (international) DIY store. Its says:

Dear Customers, Due to the Brazilian Team playing on 02/07, xxxxxxx will close at 10.30 and reopen 15 mins after the game has finished.

I have blanked out the name of the store to protect the guilty. Shops closed, schools finished early and the streets were deserted. Football really it a passion down here, it was just green and yellow everywhere, the national colours.

It's not really my sport but everyone gets caught up in World Cup fever.

Give me Formula 1 or the Ryder Cup any day.

Carnival time in Brazil

Well in case you mised it last week was carnival week here in Brazil. The world famous carnival once again got under way. What a lot of you (outside of Brazil) probably may not realise is that the main Rio carnival that we all know is actually a fiercely fought competition held over 3 days between 12 main samba schools and is held in closed off area called the Sambodrome. It's 700 mtrs long and has tiered seating for 70,000.
Carnival in Rio has become a big tourist attraction and everybody says that the true carnival spirit lies in the smaller towns where it is held on streets and anyone can join in.

Maybe one day I will go and see it. Yes, i've lived in Brazil 6 years now and never seen it. So I have to admit that the pictures are not mine but they do show what a great event it is. The costumes and whole spectacle is quite amazing from what I have been told, told from a very reliable source, my wife, who actually participated in it many years ago now, but that's another story.
Enjoy the photos.

New Office in Brazil

At the start of this year Fundisoft Consultoria Ltda, Synchro's arm in Brazil moved to their new office. Our new address is

Raja Work Center

Av. Raja Gabaglia, 4859, Sala 233

Sto. Lucia

Belo Horizonte

This has been a significant investment and shows the level of commitment we have for expanding Synchro in Brazil. We can now offer training in the quiet of our offices where customers can sit and concentrate on their training without the day to day interuptions that do tend to happen on site. Fast internet connection and telephone services are supplied so you can always keep in touch with the foundry.

Located in a purpose built office block, with parking facilities and all amenities close by. 10 mins from the Anel Rodaviário, and 5 minutes from BH Shopping, very easy to find.

We have a lot of leads to follow up and can now concentrate on turning them in to sales. All the signs here are good, Brazil seems to have weathered the recession well, business is starting to look up again and a number of foundries that I have visited recently are investing in new equipment, always a good sign.

Until next time

Kevin