Porto Alegre Local Customs

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Yerba Mate is a tea which is common in southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uraguay, and Argentina. It is brewed from the dried leaves and stemlets of the perennial tree "Ilex Paraguariensis." Mate has been consumed since ancient times by the Indians of Brazil and Paraguay. In the 16th century, a Spanish explorer named Juan de Solis sampled the tea and noted that it "produced exhilatation and relief from fatigue." It became very popular among the Spaniards, whereupon the Jesuits developed tea plantations, and yerba mate became known as "Jesuit tea." Studies on Yerba Mate have found that it stimulates the circulation so one feels alert, yet it relaxes the smooth muscles so one feels physically relaxed.

Tip the gourd to the side, and fill it with the mate up to 3/4 its capacity. Add a little cold water into the hollow area of the gourd, but don't allow it to be filled over the top of the mate. Leave the gourd tilted for a few mintues until the mate has absorbed the water. Cover the bombilla (the metal straw) with your thumb, and insert it into the hollow area of the gourd. Pour the very hot water into the gourd and enjoy. Never use boiling water. It is common to have a thermos of hot water so you can continually fill your gourd and enjoy the yerba mate until it is virtually without taste.

Does Yerba Mate has caffeine? It has something called "matteine" which is similar in composition to caffeine, but which is valued for its regenerative effects. It does not cause jitters and nervousness, and it still allows you to sleep at night.

Some Benefits: stimulant, increases fat-burning, enhances memory, enhances immunity, lowers blood pressure, antioxidant, relieves pain, anti-depressant, balances and calms nerves.

his nickname is Ronaldinho Gaucho, born and raised in Porto Alegre, poor family, humble beginnings. he played first for the P.A. Club ..Gremio, then the bigger european clubs bought him.
he now is the World's best footballer, playing for Barcelona and dazzling footballfans around the World.
if you are interested in this nice man and outstanding footballer have a look at the website below

subtropical wet with 4 seasons
the avarage Summer temp is between 25C and 35C
in Winter it's a different kettle of fish..can be cold, frost is known but avarage 2C to 12C
the Entrance of Parque Farroupilha..on of the oldest Parks in Porto Alegre and Cherrytree Blossom in Spring, orf the Ipe Tree, are one of the most vivid memory I have of this City

where born in Porto Alegre, Elis Regina, one of Brasils greates vocalist and singer to name one.
she recorded with Jair Rodrigues in the mid sixties, making bossa nova known world wide. an other highlight was when she recorded with Antonio Carlos Jobim ..Elis & Tom.
she was small in stature but had an enormous voice.
Elis died suddenly in 1982, only 37years old
her recordings can be found on the net

Chimarrão is a typically gaucho drink. It is hot and bitter. It consists of a kind of tea made with hot water and mate herb. It is drunk in a special recipient called CUIA and you suck the liquid through a kind of straw called BOMBA. Gauchos (the people from the state of Rio Grande do Sul) usually have chimarrão in the morning, as breakfast, and every weekend, while walking in the parks of the city. You have to try it!

Men only shake hands, or hug if they are close. They sometimes tap each other on the back to show friendliness.
Women can both shake hands (more formal situation) or kiss on the cheek and hug, if they are closer.
Also, when kissing on the cheeks, we kiss three times and not two as in the rest of Brazil.

where we all one day have our resting place, so why not of interest when still alive. in South America Cementeries have there place in society, a sunday afternoon picnic here for the whole family is not rare

when you enter a House and can't see anyone around ..clapp your hands. try to get attention, but don't enter the house. this rule is definitly for the countryside, but used in the Cities too.
it is just good manner not to intrude.