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Vol XV-
JAN.09
Produced by the British & Commonwealth Society of Rio de Janeiro for the English-speaking CommunityProduced by the British & Commonwealth Society of Rio de Janeiro for the English-speaking Community
BCSChristmas PartyAMERICAN SOCIETYThanksgiving Day Dinner and more:ST ANDREW SOCIETY Ship's Carpenter Story,The Homecoming Book & Film Reviews, WDA Help DeskJumble Sale & Raffle
Copacabana beach at New Year’s Eve. Photo Rio CVB/Pedro Gam
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JACK WOODALL
English spelling has always been a snarefor the unwary. Even Shakespeare was-n’t sure of his own name, sometimessigning himself Will Shakspear. GeorgeBernard Shaw famously said that theword “fish” could be spelt “ghoti” – “gh”as in “cough”, “o” as in “women”, “ti” asin “nation”.
With the recent addition of more countriesto the European Union, the demand forinterpreters and translators has soared, aseach country must have all EU regulationsavailable in their own language. Anymeasure to reduce these costs wouldsave millions of Euros. Esperanto andInterlingua have not caught on as univer-sal languages. Perhaps the target shouldbe more modest. Bislama, the pidjin spo-ken in the South Sea island nation ofVanuatu, could at a stroke reduce three ofthose languages to one, as it is composedof words from English, French and Portu-guese, spelt more or less phonetically.
Bislama is humorously explained in abook called Every Samting Yu WantemSave Long Bislama Be Yu Friet Tumas
Blong Askem (“Everything you wantedto know about Bislama but were tooafraid to ask”). As an example, “Plenblong nambawan pickinini blong Kwin ifoldaon” (Plane belonging to theQueen’s number one son it fall down)means that Prince Charles’ plane hasjust landed, not crashed! The sign at aferry in Vanuatu reads “Yu wamtem ferrykillim gong”, meaning hit the gong – forto kill someone you say killim ded. Thebathroom is rum blong swim!
Examples of other words from Frenchand Portuguese, but with Bislama quasi-phonetic spelling, are: arier (arrière),bonane (bonne année), busong (bou-chon), duane (douane), gato (gateau),kalsong (calção), kameong (caminhão),kemes (kermesse), kaojuk (caouchouc),kilot (culottes), lafet (la fête), ligim (legu-me), and of course save (sabe, savvy).
Another language that is easy to under-stand is Bahasa Melayu, the Malaysianlanguage, with its many phoneticallyspelt English words -- once you realizethat they do not have the letter “X” in
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From the Editor...LANGWIDGE
their alphabet. For example, last yearwe attended an international conferencein Malaysia. We took the Ekspres Basfrom Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, then ateksi to the hotel. At the ConvensyenSenter we took the lif and then aneskalator to the registration kaunter,where we received tikets to the inaugu-ral bankuet.
Other languages have their spellingproblems. If you have been to Rio’ssplendid Teatro Municipal, you mayhave noticed, carved into the marble lin-tel THEATRO with an H, and into the lin-tels of the exits, the word SAHIDA.Since its construction in 1909, the H hasbeen dropped from the Portuguese wordsfor theatre and for exit, which is nowspelt saída. A new Portuguese orthographycomes into force this month, supposedto rationalize some of the difficulties inspelling, accents and grammar of thelanguage. For example, is the local hoochcorrectly written cachaça or caxaça?
We shall see how soon it is adopted bythe press and public. Angola and SãoTome & Principe have already opted out.
Believe it or not, there is actually a Rioby-law that stipulates a small fine forincorrectly spelling a word on a publicnotice – one of the many Brazilian lawsthat não pegou.
AroundRio• The Andrew Gray family was backin Rio for a Christmas visit. Andy, sonof Bill & Gill Gray of Barra, wasnamed President of Souza CruzBrazil in 2007 at the record-breakingage of 41. Last January he waspromoted to BAT Head Office inLondon, in charge of Africa. His wifeJenny is the daughter of BCSPresident Mary Crawshaw, who isproud of her two grandsons Johnny,aged 19, at York University, andPeter, 17, at the International Schoolin Cobham, near London. LastNovember, Mary's youngest daughterDiana with her husband Paul Rusbyand their two little girls, Jessica andAlice, spent three weeks in Rio,Búzios and Friburgo taking advantageof the sun, beaches and mountains.
• With great sadness, we report the deathon 25th November 2008 in Búzios ofMolly Jenkins, widow of the late PhilipJenkins, C.B.E. Her burden of ill healthin recent years was an immensely heavyone. Her daughter Pippa Blancpain andfamily cared for Molly with exemplarydedication, and we offer them our deepestsympathy.
Molly was born and raised in BuenosAires, of an English father, Horace Haleand a Scottish mother, Ileene Maitland-Herriot. She was educated there and inEngland. Her father was Grand Master ofthe South American Lodge of Masons andHonorary Secretary of the British Hospitalfor 35 years. Her maternal grandfatherwas a founder of the River Plate Bank inthe late nineteenth century, which becamethe Bank of London & South America.
She came of an athletic family, her fatherhaving been selected for the Oxford boatfour times and her brother was captain ofthe Eton cricket eleven. She and her sisterwere both good golfers. She reached thathall of fame as a golfer in her youth whenshe drove a hole in one. She was an avidbridge, canasta and mahjong enthusiast,she enjoyed music and the arts anddeveloped a successful small business withher bright floral furniture and crockerypainting.
She moved to Rio with her husband,Philip Jenkins, in 1958. She had aninnate medical sense and passion,working with Ivo Pitanguy as a voluntaryscrub nurse for many years and was afounder of the Rio Health Collective,among other areas, running the BloodBank donor scheme. In her 88th year, shewas working with the Blood Bank atFundão, raising blood for the hospital ina variety of ways. She also worked withBoy’s Town in Edgar and Amy Nicholl’stime.
She was a popular hostess, both in theAvenida Atlantica and Parque Guinleflats, on Itacuruça island at AguasLindas and later at the Jenkins’ countryestablishments in Petrópolis.
She had two sons by her first marriage,Robert and Andrew Paterson, and adaughter by her second, Philippa JenkinsBlancpain. She left eight grandchildrenand a great grandchild.
• Christ Church was not as full for theMessiah singalong as it had been aweek before for the SCM ChristmasConcert, when extra chairs had to beplaced in all the aisles. The mainreason for this was competition frommany other choral events. However,as usual the singalong was a greatexperience for all those who tookpart. The orchestra was provided byDavid Chew’s Rio Strings, and thesoloists were from the choir itself:Martin Hester – bass-baritone,Marcelo Sader – tenor, JuremaFontoura – contralto, and EulitaRufino Martins and Beatriz Westphal– sopranos. The church pews weredivided amongst the four voices, InêsRufino was on the organ, and ofcourse SCM choirmaster RuyWanderley conducted.
A singalong Messiah has beenperformed annually in ChristChurch for over 50 years, andHandel’s wonderful music as alwaysraises the spirits, especially theHallelujah Chorus, with which theconcert ends. It is so well known thatone year, with a storm raging outside
the church, all the lights went out,and after a hushed silence theconductor announced that we wouldsing the Hallelujah chorus in thedark. Neither the orchestra nor thechoir missed a note! Only the firstpart of the Messiah is sung, beingmost suitable for Christmas.
• Her many ex-pupils will be sad to hearthat Veronique Bossard Feitosa(Veronica) passed away at the age of 90and was buried at Gamboa cemetery inthe Swiss Community grave on 22ndDecember 2008. Veronica was a Swiss/British national who came to Brazil afterthe war with her first husband. Aneducator by nature and by profession, sheran the British School in Niterói for manyyears. She moved to the British School ofRio in the early 60's and taught there attwo different periods until 1988. After herretirement she continued to give privatelessons. Veronica passed away at the age of90 and was buried at Gamboa cemeteryon December 22nd. May she rest in peace.
• Gracy Morrison writes: “With greatsadness, I inform you of the death on19th December 2008 of my husband,Walter Lawson Morrison. He wascremated on 21st December. Myhusband was an active member of theBCS and President of the St. AndrewSociety years ago.”
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The Gray Family
Phil and Molly Jenkins
Jurema Fontoura and Beatriz Westfal - soloists
Martin Hester - soloist
Christ Church during The Messiah singalong
THE BRITISH &COMMONWEALTHSOCIETY (BCS)Greetings from the ChairThe year 2008 has just ended and wehave seen in the year 2009. I trustyou all had a very Happy Christmas.
For the BCS it has been a verysuccessful year, with a programme ofinteresting talks, and two majorevents in which most of the Britishand Commonwealth communitytook part and thoroughly enjoyed:the Queen's Birthday Party and theBCS Christmas Party. All these wereorganized by Henry Adler, who apartfrom being the First Vice-Chairmanis in charge of events. Stan Pickstonably assisted him in organizing thepopular Christmas party. In fact, allthe BCS Council members havebeen very active during 2008, givingmuch of their time and effort andworking hard in their fields.
One of our most important aims is ourWelfare work, and this has been verywell taken care of by Noreen Smith,who is also the Second Vice-Chair,and David Weller, our Chaplain. Ourfinances couldn't be in better handsthan those of Robert Barclay, whohas much experience in this field.Jane Richardson-Gentil is theHonorary Secretary. Our Website islooked after by Clare Cato and the e-News comes from Jenny Byers, whoalso supervises the website. JackWoodall enjoys his work as editor ofThe Umbrella magazine, to which anumber of members of BCS and otherEnglish-speaking societies contributecolumns and articles. Derrick Phillipsis always available to give a helpinghand. Andy Bott, besides being onother sub-committees, was one of twoexcellent Father Christmases, thesecond being Paul Wiseman, whois always most helpful andcooperative.
Not forgetting Gaynor Smith andElizabeth Barnes in the BCS office,
who rendered sterling servicethroughout the year.
It just remains for me to wish you,our BCS members, and all our fellowsocieties, a Very Happy and Suc-cessful 2009.
Mary CrawshawBCS Chair
Word of thanks from MC StanleyPickston – Organizer of the ChristmasParty 2008Many, many thanks to Henry Adlerwithout whom the party would neverhave got off the ground. Hiscoordinating skills made it all cometogether.
Thanks to Clare and Elizabeth formaking sure all the children hadsuch an enjoyable time.
Thanks also to Gaynor for coordi-nating the administrative andtechnical aspects so successfully.
Thanks to all the BCS Council forhelping on the night, especiallyMary at the door.
Special thanks to the entertainers
and both Father Christmases. Alsothe nice staff from the British Schoolwho managed to set up the soundsystem and microphone deserve aspecial mention.
Thank you all very, very much forcoming.
See you all again next Christmas!PS – Prestige position up for grabs:New MC for next year’s Xmas Partyneeded!
SubscriptionsIn view of the financial crisis, theCouncil has decided to keep theBCS subscription unchanged in2008. It was also decided that thediscount for those who pay by 31stJanuary 2009 will be the same as2008, ie. more than 20%. Early andrapid payment makes our lives mucheasier as chasing up unpaid subs is atedious, time-wasting exercise for ouroffice. So we are happy to give thisbig discount to those who arethoughtful enough to pay on time. Wewill shortly be e-mailing our memberswith a link to the site where you canprint off your boleto. For those withoute-mails, we will send a letter with astamped addressed envelope tofacilitate subscription-paying. Wehope that many of you will alsocontinue to donate to the charitieswhich we sponsor.
We still offer Life Membership. Thisis particularly suitable for thosemembers who often forget to paytheir subscriptions and then sufferthe bother of being chased up by usall the time. If you are one of these,
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HMG Consul Tim Flear, BCS Chair MaryCrawshaw & Chaplain David Weller
Raffle!
One of the 2 Father Christmases
Carol singing around the piano
please opt for life membership. Youwill never again be bothered, youwill save the BCS a lot of work andcost (countless boletos) and you willget a good deal. Life membership isthe equivalent of only ten years ofthe normal subscription -- or fiveyears if you are over 70 years old. Ifyou choose life membership and payby 31st January, you will enjoyespecially favourable rates, as the lifesubscription is ten times the heavilydiscounted annual rate. We alreadyhave about 30 life-members, who willof course not need to pay anysubscription, but we will still offeryou the opportunity to donate to acharity, if you wish.
Fees for 2009 are as follows:Single member: R$80,00Family member: R$120,00Single Life Membership: R$800,00Family Life Membership: R$1.200,00
Payments made before 31 January2009 will be as follows:Single member: R$60,00Family member: R$90,00Single Life Membership: R$600,00Family Life Membership: R$900,00
BCS Council 2009OfficersMary Crawshaw, ChairHenry Adler, First Vice-ChairNoreen Smith, Second Vice-ChairJane Richardson-Gentil, HonorarySecretaryRobert Barclay, Honorary Treasurer
Members: Andy Bott, Clare Cato,Les Hayes, Derrick Phillips, NoreenSmith, Jack WoodallSubstitute Member: Stan Pickston
Ex-officioDavid Weller, British ChaplainTim Flear, Head of the ConsularMission, Rio de JaneiroPaul Wiseman, Head of the BritishSchoolJenny Byers, Immediate Past Chair
THE AMERICANSOCIETYPAST EVENTSThanksgiving Day DinnerOn Thursday evening, 27th November2008, the JW Marriott Hotel in Copa-cabana was filled to overflowing withnearly 130 Thanksgiving diners.
Before dinner, many attended anInterfaith Thanksgiving Service led byRev. David Weller, Chaplain of ChristChurch, also held at the hotel.
Then, after a blessing by Rev. Wellerand the reading of the President'sThanksgiving Proclamation by CamilleRichardson of the U.S. Consulate,representing Consul General Eliza-beth Martinez, all sat down to awonderful meal prepared and servedto perfection by the Marriott's masterchefs. The Society’s good friend Jorge Berrio,General Manager of the Marriott, was
on hand to supervise and tackle anylast minute snags. The turkey and dress-ing just kept on coming, the freshly
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MARGARET MEE’S CENTENNIAL AMAZON TRIPOn May 22, 2009 Margaret Mee would have been 100years old. In 1988, on her 15th and last trip to the Ama-zon, Margaret commemorated her 79th birthday on theshores of the Rio Negro at Gilberto Castro’s house. In thatlocation we now have a beautiful bronze plaque placedon marble in her memory. In this Centennial year we plan to pay our respects onthat same spot. The 17th trip will be from May 18th toMay 24th, so we will be there on the 22nd for our toastto her memory.
Dulce Nascimento’s Botanical Illustration trip in the Amazon will be from May 25 - 31, 2009.
Eco-Tour with Snorkeling in the Amazon will be from July 20 - August 2, 2009.
For more information please contact Lorraine Kaminsky Martins in Rio de Janeiro: Tel./Fax: (55-21) 2257-1510, E-mail: [email protected]
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prepared Caesar Salad was crisp andcold, and the desserts and pies disap-peared quickly.
The excellent food, refined ambiance,and just plain-old good companycombined to make ThanksgivingDinner one of the highlights of 2008.
To see more photos visit theSociety’s website atwww.americansociety.org.br.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGOn Thursday evening, 27thNovember 2008, just beforeThanksgiving Dinner, about twodozen members attended theSociety's Annual General Meeting atthe JW Marriott Hotel inCopacabana. After presentation ofthe President's Report by WalterPalmer and the Treasurer's Report byMark Bures, the attendees elected tothe Board of Governors:
Gerry Eigen for the 2008 – 2009 term
Caren Addis, John Callon, MarkBures, Inez de Mello, Daniel Cadete,& Kevin Perri for the 2009 - 2010term.At the close of the meeting, it wasannounced that Lindsay Duval willbe the Society President for 2009.
Twenty-four people enjoyed anevening of wine, cheese, chocolateand other goodies at the wine tastingevent at the house of Andre daSilvaand Deanna Kerrigan. Wine expertJeni Bonorino, proprietor ofWine4Her, presented several top-quality Brazilian wines and gavegeneral wine buying and servingadvice.
The Society thanks Jeni Bonorino fordonating her time for this event, andAndre daSilva and Deanna Kerriganfor opening their home.
HOLIDAY PARTYSaturday, 13th December 2003, wasan afternoon of family fun at the
Union Church in Barra da Tijuca.The seventy people in attendancefeasted on a traditional holiday mealbefore singing carols led by Anitaand Amy and welcoming Santa Claus(who looked strikingly like GerryEigen …) to visit the children.
The raffle winners were: Michael Royster (round-trip ticketto the US on American Airlines anddecorative bird from LedouxJewelers)Les Hayes (weekend-for-two at theSheraton Barra)Peter Warner (earrings fromLedoux Jewelers)Silvia Chvaicer (weekend-for-two atPousada Bela Vista in Penedo)Andre Barros (facial by SilviaAesthetique)John Callon (copy of BarackObama’s book A Origem dos MeusSonhos).
After an exciting bid-off with DavidDarman and Paul Duval, MorganJackson won the second auctionedAmerican Airlines round trip ticket tothe US.
The highlight of the event was thepresentation of the2008 Ralph
Greenberg Award to Lindsay Duval.The award is given annually to a UScitizen resident in Rio to who hasunselfishly contributed time andenergy to the community. The awardwas presented by Carla Benini of theUS Consulate, representing ConsulGeneral Elizabeth Martinez, andreceived by Lindsay’s husband Pauland her two sons, Adam and Eric.
The Society thanks Coca Cola Brasilfor donating the soft drinks andwater for the event; Union Churchfor renting its facility at a specialprice; and American Airlines,Sheraton Barra, Ledoux Jewelers,Pousada Bela Vista, SilviaAesthetique, and Teresinha Soaresfor donating raffle prizes.
To see more photos visit the Society’swebsite at www.americansociety.org.br.
NOVEMBER HAPPY HOURAbout a dozen people attended theNovember Happy Hour at Joe &Leo’s in Barra. Special thanks tomembers Virginia and Daniel deSouza for helping to organize this.They are presently scouting otherlocations in Barra/Recreio forHappy Hours for next year, so staytuned!DECEMBER HAPPY HOUROver 40 people took a break fromholiday shopping and office partiesto attend the December Happy Hourat Bar Odorico in Botafogo, endingthis year’s string of successful HappyHours in style. Watch the January E-Newsletter forinformation about the January 2009Happy Hour.
GENERAL NEWSThe Society welcomes its newmembers! Stephen Foyil, AllisonGraves, Kathleen Coogan, PatriciaNagao, Doug Trent.
We are pleased to report that theSociety added over 90 newmemberships during 2008, whichamounts to about a 50% increase inmemberships from January. Don’tforget to tell to your friends,relatives, neighbors and coworkersabout the Society, so we can do evenbetter in 2009!
Society raises over R$ 4,000 forcharity in 2008We are also pleased to announce thatthe Society raised R$ 4.325,00 during2008 to be donated to this year’ssponsored charities: Instituto Central
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de Povo, Dreams Can Be, CrecheRopa Suja, and Espaço Aberto dancestudio.
The Society thanks all members andguests who made this possible bycontributing to the Ralph GreenbergCharity Fund at various eventsthroughout the year.
Society Office Holiday Closing Please note that the Society officewill be closed from Wednesday, 24thDecember, through Monday, 12thJanuary, reopening Tuesday, 13thJanuary.
ST. ANDREW SOCIETY*Founded in 1906*
The Year That’s Awa’ and the Yearof the Homecoming The revival of the Society continuedthroughout 2008 thanks to all thesupport which continues to flowfrom our compatriots in Macae. TheSAS x MOGA golf tournament isnow an established annual event,kilted Scots from Macae havebecome a familiar sight at theCaledonian Ball, and the secondannual Macae Ceilidh in theSheraton Hotel with the IainMacPhail Scottish Country DanceBand from Edinburgh was betterattended than the first one. More“Macaenses” have been learningScottish Country Dancing withAudrey Hieatt and Robin Brown, sothat we can look back at 2008 with acertain amount of quiet satisfaction,having achieved our objectives againin these turbulent times. Manythanks to the Copacabana PalaceHotel, York Research, Core IRM,TSC Offshore, Transocean, Natio-nal Oilwell Varco & Rili for theircontinued generosity, which allowsus in turn to support a local charity.We wish you and all our membersand friends as successful aHomecoming Year 2009 as possiblewithin the confines of this GlobalRecession which is upon us.
Worldwide Toast to Robert BurnsAll our events in 2009 will be linkedto the worldwide celebrationssurrounding the 250th anniversaryof the birth of Robert Burns. Thetraditional January Burns Supperwill be replaced by a higher profileevent which will be held after theschool holidays and Carnival. Weare presently waiting on instructionsfrom Julie Deans of Scottish Geminiin Falkirk how to be included in a
worldwide toast on the bard´sbirthday on 25th January aimed atbreaking the previous world record,to be included in the Guinness Bookof Records. Audrey Hieatt has alreadywon a commemoration set of RobertBurns crystal, which can be viewed atwww.worldwidetoasttorobertburns.comand we have received gift packs fromthe Scottish Government fordistribution to guests at our eventsthroughout the Homecoming Year,the highlight of which will be theHomecoming Gathering & HighlandGames in Edinburgh on 25th and26th July, where the St. AndrewSocieties of South America will berepresented together with the IainMacPhail band and the worldfamous Highland Games athletes whocompeted in our events in 2000,2001 and 2003. It will be the biggestclan gathering since Edinburgh wasoccupied by the army of BonniePrince Charlie in 1745, and will betelevised worldwide. Check it out onwww.thegathering2009.co.uk
Here’s a universal auld Scottishwelcome for 2009 “Lang may yourlum reek, an’ may your bedspringsnever squeak!” Enjoy the fireworks onthe beach at Hogmanay and dinnaeforget who invented New Year!St.Andrew Society Committee -2008/9 - Rio de JaneiroPresident: Jimmy Frew: 2586 3413/9206 1977 [email protected]: Robin Brown: 2235 [email protected] Treasurer: Chris McLauchlan 2271 [email protected]: Fiona Brown: 2235 [email protected] Membership: Suzan Carter 3410 [email protected] Dancing: Audrey Hieatt:2274 0752
[email protected]: Philip Healey: 3410 [email protected]: Moira McLauchlan:[email protected]: Ana Campbell: 3084 [email protected]
Macaé Chairman: Pete Campsie: (22)2791 8200 [email protected]
THE ROYAL BRITISHLEGION (RBL)Brazilian RemembranceRBL Rio President John Mason andhis wife Audrey represented the RBLat a ceremony at the war memorial inFlamengo, to commemorate Brazil-ian dead in World War II. The Presidentof Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who wasvisiting Brazil at the time, laid awreath and reviewed the assembledveterans. Afterwards, he shook handswith John and Audrey, as well as therepresentatives from Belgium, theUSA, France and Poland.
The Brazilian armed forces -- Army,Navy and Air Force -- laid on a greatspectacle, which included a 21-gunsalute and a fly past. Annual General MeetingThe AGM of the Rio Branch will be
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Rua Carlos Gois 375 | 501, Leblon21 2511-4632 | 21 9872-3400
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held in the Paissandu Club, Leblon,at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 17th February2009. There will be a full report ofthe last year's activities and a newcommittee will be elected to servethe branch. All members of the RBLare welcome to attend.
RBL COMMITTEE OFFICERS 2008-9President: John Mason: 2286-9404Chairman: Charles Beney: 2480-7289Vice-Chairman: Philip Coate: 2267-3432Treasurer: Bridget Novaes: 3411-5819Secretary: Ron Lees: 3392-6020Welfare Chairman: David Weller2539-9488Membership Secretary: Robert HartleyMembers: Audrey Mason MBE 2286-9404, Stan Haynes MBE 2542-8614,Lucy Beney: 2480 7289.
[Lucy Beney’s Interview of RBL PresidentJohn Mason is on page 13. – Ed.]
THE INTERNATIONALCLUB2009 EXECUTIVE BOARDPresidentKatharina [email protected] 9664.7046First VPJacqueline [email protected] 2540 0958Second VPBeatrice [email protected] TreasurerMary Pinner [email protected] 0440 / 8272 7772Recording SecretaryVirginia De [email protected] 2495 2294Membership SecretaryCathrin [email protected] 2495 1808 / 9103 4564
ParliamentarianPatricia [email protected] 9726 5356Member at LargeLina [email protected] 3281 2473 / 9982 9774CDC LiaisonAgnes [email protected] 9370 5377Honorary AuditorWard Ryan [email protected] 0046
WOMEN’S DIOCESANASSOCIATION (WDA)Hooray we made it! Thanks to thewonderful support received fromeveryone and to the hard work anddedication put into the event by theWDA ladies, we are pleased to informyou that once again the Bazaar was agreat success. The total result for theentire year including the proceedsfrom our annual Jumble Sale held inJuly and from the sale of ourmarmalades, pickles and chutneysthroughout the year, was excellent --we were able to donate the sum ofR$24,000 to various charities.
Our Giant Raffle was very popular andthe winning numbers were:
1.Samsung Home Theatre (513)2. Weekend For Two - CopacabanaPalace Hotel (119)3. Kit Of Bathroom Accessories -Fabrimar (113)4. Oil Painting - Olive Arantes (041)5. Ballantines 12 Yr Whisky (208) 6.Feijoada For Two - CopacabanaPalace (503)
7. Fabrimar Ipanema Shower (429)8.Book - Topologias (671)9. Champagne (283)10. Dental Treatment – Multi Oral (126)11.Wöllner Back Pack (204)12. Liqueur (146)13. Dinner For Two At Nam ThaiRestaurant (602)14. Fabrimar Star Hand Shower (417)15. Book - Coração Do Brasil (259)16. Feijoada For Two - CopacabanaPalace Hotel (334)17. Leather Wallet (329)18. Picture (034)19. Saladeira (679)20.Lunch For Two - Atrium Restaurant(680)21.Oil Painting - Olive Arantes (247)22. Bavarian Crystal Containers (140)23. Book - Costa Verde (248)24.Dental Treatment – Multi Oral (267)25. Picture (660)
Special thanks go to our sponsors,listed below:
Atrium Restaurant, Bodman – Morris,Coca Cola, Copacabana Palace, Fabri-mar, H.M. Consul General, JamerBooks & Things, Manfred Hufnagel,Multi Oral, Olive Arantes, Petrobrás,Restaurante Nam Thai, Silano, SusanWeller.
We hope that we can count on yoursupport again next year.
The WDA ladies are now taking a well-deserved rest but will be back on thejob on Tuesday 3rd March 2009.Meanwhile, from all of us at the WDAwe trust you enjoyed the Christmasfestivities and we wish you A VERYHAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Advertise in The Umbrella! Call the BCS office for information: 2537-6695For Umbrella ads prices access www.bcsrio.org.br
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British Minister for Latin Americavisits Rio de Janeiro
Appointed by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown inhis recent reshuffle, the new Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign & CommonwealthOffice (British Ministry of Foreign Affairs) withresponsibility for Brazil and the rest of Latin America,Gillian Merron MP, paid her first official visit to Rio deJaneiro on 9-10 December.
Following up on the UK's positive working relationshipwith the Rio state Governor – who visited London inSeptember 2008 at the head of a major businessdelegation – the Minister's first meeting was with SérgioCabral at the Palácio Guanabara. On the agenda, apartfrom trade and investment, were the Olympics --London 2012 and Rio's bid for 2016. The UK is ready toshare ideas and experiences with Rio, along with theother 3 candidate cities, reinforcing a messagedelivered by the UK Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell,who visited Brazil in November 2008. In that context,Gillian Merron took a look at Rio's major sportingvenues, including the world-famous Maracanã stadium,together with Rio state secretary for sports and leisure,Marcia Lins.
Promoting UK keenness to engage in the oil and gassector in Rio, the Minister also visited the Wellstreamfactory in Niterói. Wellstream produces flexible lines fordeepwater use and is a leading supplier of Petrobrás.The firm invested approximately US $115 million in thefirst phase of the plant's construction.
Gillian Merron has separate global responsibilities foroverseeing the delivery of UK consular services. In Rioshe was able to meet up with regional consular officials– British diplomats and some Honorary Consuls –participating in local training to exchange views.
The Minister left Rio fully understanding why it isknown as the "marvellous" city, and wanting to comeback.
"New Year Wishes from the British Consulate Tim Flear, his partner Christopher Curtain and all themembers of the British Consulate-General send bestwishes for the New Year to readers of "Umbrella"magazine."
British Consulate
Minister Gillian Merron visits Wellstream factory in Niterói
Dear All,
Happy New Year! 2009 is upon us!
As 2008 drew to a close I spotted var-ious programmes looking at thehighlights and the best events of2008. There were certainly a lot tochoose from. If there was one eventmore than any other that really stoodout for me, it happened in the mid-dle of December. Two weeks beforeChristmas in fact, a Korean Americancall Dong Yun Yoon was interviewedon CNN.
Dong Yun Yoon lives in San Diego,California. His wife, two young
daughters called Rachel and Grace,and his mother-in-law, were killedwhen an American F-18 fighter jetcrashed into their house. He was outat work. Interviewed outside thewreckage of his home, with fighterjets from a nearby base still flyingoverhead, Mr Yoon appealed to theworld to pray for the pilot who hadsafely ejected from the plane, "Idon't blame him. I don't have anyhard feelings. I know he did every-thing he could, it was an accident”.With members of his family andMethodist church around him, Hegave thanks to God for the gift of hiswife of only four years, and was filledwith the joy of the blessing of his two
children. Overcome with grief, hisfaith in Christ meant that thanksgiv-ing, forgiveness and prayer filledever word he said.
It was, quite simply, one of the mostpowerful witnesses I have ever seen,of Christ’s call to forgive.
Sue, Rachel and I join together inwishing each and every one of you ahappy, safe, prosperous and joy-filled 2009.
God bless,Rev. David
Christ Church
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D O Y O U T H I N K Y O U M I G H T H AV E A D R I N K I N G P RO B L E M ?AA meetings in English in Rio de Janeiro:
SUNDAYS - Copacabana: Av. N. S. de Copacabana, 435/1005 - 6 to 7 pmTUESDAYS - Botafogo - Rua Real Grandeza, 99 - 6 to 7 pm
SATURDAYS - Ipanema - Rua Visconde de Pirajá, 156/610 - 4 to 5:30 pm.Any questions please e-mail [email protected] or call Mr Bob N. 21 2557-7098
Serge - (21) 9974 8824 [email protected] - Stuart (21) 8295 9995
Christ Church Thursday Discussion Group - January 2009Would you like to meet up over a cup of coffee and discuss issues as diverse as money and beauty, peaceand forgiveness, patience and relationships? These are some of the subjects we have looked at during 2008.
The discussion group is open to all. If you have a little or a lot of knowledge of the Bible, and want to dis-cover how God’s Word helps us today, give us a try in 2009. Just arrived, and stuck at home whilst yourspouse is working long hours - get to know other English speaking folk living the ex-pat life and exploreChristianity at the same time. Come with questions, thoughts and ideas of what you would like to discuss.
Our meetings alternate between Zona Sul and Barra/Recreio. They will begin again when the schools returnin February – so look out for details in the next edition of the Umbrella. In the meantime HAPPY NEWYEAR, may God bless you with friends, company and a growing faith in Him.
For more details contact Rev. Sue Weller, tel. 2539 9488 or [email protected]
Don’t Drink and Drive Don’t Drive if you Drink
JB Taxi -Tel: 2501-3026Ouro Táxi - 2106-7777
Central Taxi -Tel: 2195-1000Keep this card in your wallet for easy reference
Non-Denominational ContemporarySunday Worship in English 10:AMFor map: www.unionchurchrio.com
3325-8601 Pr. Lucas Ribeiro
UnionChurch
Of Rio de Janeiro
Market rules change fast. You have to be prepared to digest them.
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Film Review
THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS:NOW SHOWINGThis film is seen through the innocent eyes of eight-year-oldBruno (Asa Butterfield), the son of a Nazi commandingofficer (David Thewlis) who gets moved to a house in thecountry with a concentration camp next door. With no oneto play with and having exhausted the potential of the garden,Bruno seeks adventure outside. Through the concentrationcamp fence he strikes up a friendship with a youngshaven-headed prisoner Shmuel (Jack Scanlon). A relation-ship develops with unexpected and dramatic consequences.
The story unfolds simply and elegantly as questions areraised about parental responsibility and the impression-able nature of a child's character. At first Bruno believesthe camp to be a farm and wonders why the "farmers"working there all wear "pyjamas". His parents, forced intodilemma of whether to tell the truth or fuel the story,choose the latter. When sinister-smelling smoke crossesover the property it is dismissed as just rubbish beingburnt at the farm. This sombre duping of a young boy'smind is cleverly juxtaposed with his fathers own self delu-sion that his actions are for the good of the fatherland,his sisters brainwashing by a home tutor, and the nation'scompliance via propaganda.
The English language and accents are mystifying and irri-tating for an independent film in this day and age. It mayhave been acceptable at the time of films such as TheGreat Escape for Nazis to walk around speaking English asthough they had completed a course at BRASAS with hon-ours, but these days cinema should be a bit more sophis-ticated. It is basically a pre-dubbed movie, isn't it?
However it is testament to the sensitivity and humanitywith which director Mark Herman tells this story thatafter while it was possible to stop grumbling and by theend of the film be so engrossed as to forget all about thisprincipal error. Ultimately, though, this is the kid's film.Both Butterfield and Scanlon deliver strong, poignantperformances which make the dramatic finale close tounbearable. Bring tissues. Lots of tissues.
BE KIND REWINDBe Kind Rewind is a loveable lo-fi comedy from directorMichel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, TheScience of Sleep). The story surrounds a failing VHS videorental store in a run down neighbourhood. Slightlyuptight Mike (Mos Def) is entrusted with looking after
the store while its owner (Danny Glover) is away.Unfortunately, accident-prone Jerry (Jack Black) acci-dently becomes magnetised and consequently wipes outthe entire catalogue of VHS tapes. When an angry cus-tomer demands a copy of Ghostbusters the hapless duodecide their only option is to film their own version of themovie and hope the customer never realises the fraud.What follows is a whirlwind tour through the history ofcinema as they attempt to re-film the entire shop cata-logue. Of course the customers aren't that stupid, but thewacky productions become cult items in the neighbour-hood, with more and more members of the communitywanting to rent the customised (or "sweded") tapes, andfurthermore star in them.
The dialogue of the film is naturalistic and chatty, oftenwith characters talking over one another, which gives thefilm a naturalistic feel distinctly different from mostHollywood comedies. Often scenes seem partly imrovisedbut have an energy because of this, also due to the char-acters (and actors) enthusiasm for the project they haveset themselves. Michel Gondry has shown his love forassembling visual effects from household items in bothhis music videos and his previous film The Science of Sleep.Much of the fun of Be Kind Rewind, in addition to spottingthe movies they are re-creating (and paying homage to),comes from watching the endlessly inventive ways theyhave come up with creating the sets and effects for themovies. A particularly impressive sequence where achurch organ is recreated shows that you don't have tohave a mega budget or CGI for jaw-dropping visuals.
Above all Be Kind Rewind is a heartwarming tale of a commu-nity coming together for a common goal. The storytelling andhumour might not appeal to all, but if you fancy seeingRobocop made of pots and pans and King Kong with a toytruck for a head this is highly recommended DIY cinema.
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18
InterviewJohn and Audrey Mason are two of mymost favourite people in Rio – and aninspiration to us all – so it gives me greatpleasure to begin 2009 interviewingJohn Mason. It also brings you the otherhalf of the story, begun in our interviewwith Audrey three years ago, when wetalked to her – as a fellow octogenarian– to mark the 80th birthday of the Queen.
For the past twelve years, John has beenPresident of the Royal British Legion’sRio branch. This organisation – whichoffers financial, emotional and practicalsupport to serving and retired servicepersonnel – is very close to his heart.
Following flight training in Canadaearly in the Second World War, Johnreturned to the UK to fly Wellingtonbombers. As a captain, with six crew,one of his first missions was to fly fromthe UK to Malta, via Gibraltar. InMalta, he had less than an hour on theground, before flying on to Cairo, witha lady and her two small girls –something John found ver y nervewracking, knowing only too well therisks they were running.
In Cairo, he joined 40 Squadron at ElShallufa, near the Suez Canal, andwas engaged in bombing missions toTobruk. When he lost an engine andcrashed in the desert, he spent the nextten days walking across the desert withhis co-pilot, travelling by night, to avoiddetection and the searing heat, andlying up and “baking” during the day.They were helped by locals along theway, but their luck finally gave outwhen they tried to steal a truck from theItalians. “We didn’t realise it was fullof armed men”, explains John. “At first, theyfled, but when they realised there wereonly two of us, it was a different story”.
Two and a half years in a prison campin eastern Germany followed. “I’m oneof the lucky few to have flown with theRAF and the Luftwaffe”, says John, ofbeing flown into captivity from NorthAfrica. He then suffered another longmarch in appalling conditions, when theRussian advance led to the camp beingevacuated. This time, John walked fordays through winter time northernEurope, a great cost to his health. “I wasin poor shape afterwards”, he declares.
Back in Rio, he worked for Vulcan(engineering and architecture) for 37years, becoming a director before retiring.John and Audrey have a son and adaughter, both of whom live here in
Brazil. This year, they will celebratetheir 60th wedding anniversary.
When did you/your family come tolive in Rio?My mother and father came toBrazil in 1913. My mother came fromSomerset and it was her first tripout of England. Once here, she wasshipped into the interior of Goiásand established in a little shack,with four Alsatians to keep hercompany. I was born in England,though, during the nine months ofhome leave which my parents hadevery four years. I first came to Rioat the age of about seven.
What brought you/your family toBrazil?My father came to Brazil to lay tele-phone lines across the interior, inGoiás and São Paulo. He would go out,for days at a time, on horseback.
What were your first impressions?The thing I remember most wasthe travel survival kit, which myparents had. It was a book, whichcame in three volumes, and wasstandard issue for people goingabroad. It covered every eventual-ity from cooking and dressmaking(when whalebone was hard tocome by!) to minor surgery.
Where else have you lived?I was sent to school in Englandwhen I was 13. I went first to aGrammar School in Shoreham, onthe grounds that the weather waswarmer in the south of England,but I wasn’t happy there. I latermoved to a Grammar School inSolihull, which was a very fineschool. I stayed in England tostudy aeronautical engineering atDe Havilland and volunteered tojoin the RAF from there, at theoutbreak of war.
Is your spouse Brazilian? Whereand how did you meet?Audrey was born in Brazil. We meton Arpoador, swimming. Mutualfriends introduced us, which was agreat stroke of luck.
What is your favourite place in thecity?I was very fond of the beaches. I don’tlike the centre – it’s very grubby.
Do you samba?I was very good at samba –although there were dances duringthe war, I only learnt to danceproperly here in Brazil.
Beaches or mountains?I like both. My family had a placein Petrópolis, but I always lovedthe beaches.
Where is your favourite place to eat?I have lots of favourite places,depending on the weather and thecircumstances!
Caipirinha or chopp?I love both equally! The caipirinhahas to be made with Bacardi Ouroand the chopp has to be very cold.
What has changed most in Rio inthe time that you have been here?A great many things. When I wasyoung, Rio was a town – not a city.I went everywhere by bike, even toSão Conrado.
Can Rio's problems be solved?They will be, but new problems willpop up – all big cities have them.Really, Rio is out of control. Also,we’re going to be choked by cars.But the beauty of the hills is stillthere…
Do you follow closely what goes onin the UK?Yes, I do. I watch the BBC andCNN.
Are you an optimist or a pessimist?I am an optimist, absolutely. I havebeen an optimist all my life. I havehad to be.
What keeps you busy?At the moment, I have the awfuljob of clearing out all the clutter Ihave collected over I don’t knowhow many years. At one time, I wasa painter, painting with oil paints –however the last thing I paintedwas the kitchen stool. At my age, Ifeel very lucky that I can still walk,see and chew!
Interview by Lucy Beney
John Mason
13
HEARD ON THE LONDONUNDERGROUNDA list of actual announcements that London Tube train drivershave made to their passengers...
1) 'Ladies and Gentlemen, I do apologize for the delay toyour service. I know you're all dying to get home, unless,of course, you happen to be married to my ex-wife, inwhich case you'll want to cross over to the Westbound andgo in the opposite direction.'
2) 'Your delay this evening is caused by the line controllersuffering from E & B syndrome: not knowing his elbowfrom his backside. I'll let you know any further informa-tion as soon as I'm given any.'
3) 'Do you want the good news first or the bad news? Thegood news is that last Friday was my birthday and I hit thetown and had a great time. The bad news is that there is apoints failure somewhere between Stratford and East Ham,which means we probably won't reach our destination.'
4) 'Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the delay, butthere is a security alert at Victoria station and we aretherefore stuck here for the foreseeable future, so let'stake our minds off it and pass some time together. Alltogether now.... 'Ten green bottles, hanging on a wall.....'.'
5) 'We are now travelling through Baker Street ... As youcan see, Baker Street is closed. It would have been nice ifthey had actually told me, so I could tell you earlier, butno, they don't think about things like that'.
6) 'Beggars are operating on this train. Please do NOTencourage these professional beggars. If you have anyspare change, please give it to a registered charity. Failingthat, give it to me.'
7) During an extremely hot rush hour on the CentralLine, the driver announced in a West Indian drawl: 'Stepright this way for the sauna, ladies and gentleman...unfortunately, towels are not provided.'
8) 'Let the passengers off the train FIRST!' (Pause ) 'Ohgo on then, stuff yourselves in like sardines, see if I care -I'm going home....'
9) 'Please allow the doors to close. Try not to confuse thiswith 'Please hold the doors open.' The two are distinctand separate instructions.'
10) 'Please note that the beeping noise coming from thedoors means that the doors are about to close. It does notmean throw yourself or your bags into the doors.'
11) 'We can't move off because some idiot has their handstuck in the door.'
12) 'To the gentleman wearing the long grey coat tryingto get on the second carriage -- what part of 'Stand clearof the doors' don't you understand?'
13) 'Please move all baggage away from the doors.'(Pause..) 'Please move ALL belongings away from thedoors.' (Pause...) 'This is a personal message to the manin the brown suit wearing glasses at the rear of the train:Put the pie down, Four-eyes, and move your bloody golfclubs away from the door before I come down there andshove them up you’re a*** sideways!'
14) 'May I remind all passengers that there is strictly NoSmoking allowed on any part of the Underground.However, if you are smoking a joint, it's only fair that youpass it round the rest of the carriage.'
Humour
14
Looking backLIFE OF ROBERTOVENSTON, BRITISHSEAMAN &CARPENTER (1780-1814)John Ovenston
For over a year now, Chris Hieatt has beencorresponding with John Ovenston in the UK,whose great-great-great-grandfather wasburied in Gamboa cemetery in 1814.There is no grave or gravestone, but theBurials Regis-ter records the burial asfollows, for the year 1814 -- "Dec 28 -Robert Ovinston [sic], of HMS Cherub -Carpenter". In one of his emails, John says"Finally, whilst I was at the NationalArchives at Kew, I managed to traceRobert Ovenston's entry in the MusterBook for the Naval Hospital at Rio deJaneiro.”
[It seems the Gamboa Cemetery´s BurialsRegister mis-spelled his family name,changing the E to an I. – Ed.]
Robert was a Scot, born in Leith (notthat far from Fife from whence camehis family). He was probably bornlate 1780 (ages given as 29 in Novem-ber 1808 and 27 in January. It seems hedied as a consequence of dysenteryafter about 28 days in the hospital.(He had previously been in thehospital at Antigua for the samecomplaint). He would therefore neverhave seen his son Robert (my great-great-grandfather) who was born 24thMay 1813 while his father was at seain HMS Cherub (as Ship's Carpenter).I do hope he at least knew of his son’sexistence!
He was married in St Dunstan'schurch, Stepney on 29th October1806 to Joanna Booth. It appears hemay then have boarded a commercialship (possibly as carpenter) which landedhim at Barbados. As a Scotsman, hemay have been celebrating Hogmanaytoo well, because on 1st January 1808the Press Gang got him and 3 othersat Barbados and took them on boardHMS Hawke (a sloop). At that time hewas 27 and his place of birth wasgiven as Edinburgh. His co-'pressees'included an Aberdonian, a New-foundlander and a Londoner, allaged 19-21. On 1st February 1808,
Robert was appointed Carpenter'sMate on HMS Hawke (16 guns). On26th November 1808 (it says 1806,but this is clearly a mistake) he wastransferred to HMS Star (anothersloop).
The Muster of HMS Star (18 guns)shows Robert as taking up post on28th November 1808 as Carpenter'sMate. His age is given as 29 and birth-place as Leith (the port of Edin-burgh). On 20th June 1810, Robertwas transferred and promoted toHMS St Christopher (also a sloop).
The Muster Book of HMS St Chris-topher (18 guns, Capt. Henry N Rowe)shows Robert's appointment byWarrant as Carpenter on 21st June1810. No age or place of birth isgiven. He was transferred again on13th July 1811 to the Flag Hospital atAntigua. The hospital Muster Bookhere shows that he was suffering fromdysentery.
The Muster Book of HMS Cherub(Capt. Thomas Tudor Tucker) showsRobert again as Carpenter perWarrant on 14th December 1811.Cherub returned to Portsmouth,England in late 1812 when the crewwas given a month's leave. Robertmade his will on 1st September whilstCherub was berthed at Portsmouth. Hewas able to see also the wife (Joannanée Booth) he had left behind inStepney in 1806/7. The result about8-9 months later was his only child,my great-great-grandfather Robert,born 24th May 1813.
Robert returned to his ship inDecember 1812 when it sailed to thePacific and captured the Americanship USS Essex off Valparaiso, Chile[see footnote at end. – Ed.]. He remainedon Cherub as Carpenter until transfer-red to the Naval Hospital in Rio on30th November 1814, where hesubsequently died at about 8 in themorning of 27th December 1814,aged about 34, sadly never havingseen his son. I do hope that somehowthrough the mails he knew that hewas a father. The Log of HMS Cherubfor 30th November 1814 shows MrOvenston, Carpenter as being sent to
Hospital. The Log for 27th Decem-ber 1814 records his death at 8 thatmorning. The hospital was the NavalHospital at Rio de Janeiro, whoseMuster Book shows that Robert diedas a consequence of dysentery after28 days.
Joanna Ovenston remarried (JamesDuke) on 31st October 1818, thoughRobert was quoted as father when hisson Robert was christened on 18th April1815. His Will was proved 15thApril 1815.
There is a record of Robert Ovenstonhaving been buried at The EnglishCemetery at Gamboa, Rio de Janeiro.There is no memorial stone [but ChrisHieatt arranged for a plaque on theMemorial Wall. – Ed.]
A somewhat sad but not untypicalstory of the time, I suspect. Robertobviously did well to gain promotionto the rank of a Warrant Officer, andI am proud of him for what heachieved in his short life.
15
“This all from memory but as I remember it the Essex during the War of 1812 was sent to the Pacific to prey on the British whalingfleet. USS Essex was a frigate and I can't remember whether she was as large as Constitution but am sure she was at least a 38 gunfrigate. The bad news was that she was armed solely with carronades, I think 32-pounders, which of course were short ranged butuseful for sinking whaling ships.” Source: Google.
Do you have a good history to tell? Send it to The Umbrella Editor: [email protected]
16
CULTURE SHOCKNewly arrived or not, most immi-grants, expats, foreign-born workers,and returning immigrants living inRio come to know what it is to livebetween two (or more) worlds, real-izing that their immigration will per-manently alter their identity. As aresult of living abroad, the individualmay feel profoundly divided betweenthe two countries, two cultures, andloved ones in each place.
The challenges that surface in one'slife as an immigrant are of an infinitevariety and each new phase of theacculturation and adaptationprocess brings different dilemmas,frustrations, disappointments, andtriumphs. To be immersed in anoth-er culture, with distinct customs andanother point of reference, can beextremely stressful. Since arriving inBrazil, who has not felt confused,depressed, anxious, a little lost, notknowing who to trust, and isolated?Many times we do not want to admitto ourselves or to others that we arestruggling (even suffering), that wehad a different idea of what it wouldbe like to live overseas, concealingour painful reactions.
These feelings and responseschange with time, and usually theyvary between the idealization of onecountry and the devaluation of theother—as if one country only hadadvantages and the other was full offlaws -- one becomes the 'good' placeand the other the 'bad' place. Itdoes not matter which of the coun-tries is considered the 'good' andthe 'bad' one, since this will reverseitself many times over, depending atwhich point the immigrant findshim/herself in the immigrationprocess. For example, a person who
plans tomove abroad, tends to deval-ue the place they are leaving,emphasizing all the problems theyare leaving behind, while possiblyexaggerating the wonders of thenew land (the Eldorado or paradise)where they are headed.
The returning immigrant, goingback to his or her country of origin,lives out the opposite process.Anyone anticipating a move of thismagnitude utilizes this mechanismto be able to face what is beingdemanded of him/herself, so thatthey can undertake the move: sepa-ration of relatives, friends, culture,language, customs, job setting, possi-bly the place where they have liveduntil then, the environment, andmuch more. At the same time, sothat one can cope with these lossesbrought on by the separation, theimmigrant highlights what will bedesirable in the new country. Thisdynamic is observed in its variouspresentations, often with the individ-ual's inability to perceive his/heroscillation between what is idealizedand what is devalued. Feelings ofhomesickness, saudades, and a long-ing to go back do not always recedeas easily as some people would like tobelieve. It is essential to recognizethe various emotional states result-ing from being an immigrant, even ifthey can be contradictory. Each per-son tries, in the best way possible, toachieve an internal dialogue wherethey can co-exist with these fluctuat-ing feelings, whether they be painfulor joyful.
In the vast majority of foreigners,this is lived out daily: the ongoingcomparisons between the countries,the attempt to arrive at a definitiveconclusion knowing that tomorrow
one's views mightbe quite dissimilar.
With time, anddepending on theexperiences thatthe immigrantcomes to have inthe new country,this tendency toorganize one'sfeelings and per-ceptions in oppo-site extremes(one consideredall 'good' versusthe other mostly
'bad') can worsen, or the individualbecomes able to gradually reconcileboth worlds, with a more realisticappraisal, evaluating each place withits advantages and its problems.Eventually, the comparisons dimin-ish; at an emotional level, the twocountries co-exist internally withoutmuch conflict. On the other hand,several immigrants conclude thatthey no longer belong to their coun-try of origin, nor feel at home in thenew country. This can be an agoniz-ing realization that can lead to adeep sense of alienation, feelings ofdisplacement, and emptiness.However, it could be an incentive forone to cultivate an internal dialogue,where one can inhabit a spacebetween two countries, that encom-passes both, enriching one's life asone includes and identifies with whatis meaningful (important) in eachplace. Hopefully, one develops amore efficient personal paradigm.
To be shaped by two or more cul-tures offers unique possibilitiesindeed. One is moved to understandhow this impacts one's sense of self,of where 'home' is, and the experi-ence of belonging to more than oneplace on this earth. These experi-ences color one's world-view, solidifyone's values, enrich one's perspec-tive on human nature and resiliency,shape one's dreams, form one's iden-tity, call into question assumptionsand attitudes, while providing morethan one point of reference fromwhich to comprehend yourself, theothers in your life, and the worldaround you. Ultimately, one hopesto integrate the losses and gainsfrom such a life.--Inez de Mello e Souza, Ph.D. is alicensed clinical psychologist, who isBoard certified in California and Rio deJaneiro. Her doctorate in clinical psy-chology is from The Wright Institute,in Berkeley, California. She has over26 years of clinical experience workingwith adults, the elderly, and adolescentsin individual, couple, and group psy-chotherapy (24 years working in theSan Francisco Bay Area and 3 yearsworking in Rio de Janeiro). Currently,Inez maintains a private practice inRio de Janeiro (office in Ipanema). Sheis on the American Consulate approvedlist of English-speaking health careproviders. Contact Dr. Inez de Mello eSouza at: (21) 3874 – 0559 or [email protected].
Help Desk
BooksFRENCH WRITER WITHBRITISH FATHER WINSNOBEL PRIZEReader Bonnie King writes:The opening paragraph of The Umbrella’sNovember Book Review notes that TheMan Booker Prize is "...the world's mostimportant literary award." I think it'spretentious to refer to it as the WORLD'Smost important. After all, there is theNobel Prize (which is not too shabby), thePrix Goncourt, the Medal of Honor,among others. I was curious as to whowrote the article. In any event, I think abook review is a nice addition to TheUmbrella -- and I already have a copy ofThe White Tiger to read!
[I should have noted that thestatement came from the Man Bookerwebsite! To make amends, here is awrite-up on this year’s Nobel Prize forLiterature. – Ed.]
The French writer Jean-Marie GustaveLe Clézio, whose work reflects aseemingly insatiable restlessness andsense of wonder about other placesand other cultures, won the 2008Nobel Prize in Literature. In itscitation, the Swedish Academy praisedMr. Le Clézio, aged 68, as the “authorof new departures, poetic adventureand sensual ecstasy, explorer of ahumanity beyond and below thereigning civilization.”
Mr. Le Clézio’s work defies easycharacterization, but in more than 40essays, novels and children’s books, hehas written of exile and self-discovery,of cultural dislocation and global-ization, of the clash between moderncivilization and traditional cultures.Few of his books are available inEnglish, but he is considered a majorfigure in European literature. Theawards ceremony was on 10thDecember 2008 in Stockholm, whenhe received 10 million Swedishkronor, or about 855,000 Britishpounds.
Mr. Le Clézio was born in 1940 inNice and raised speaking English andFrench. His father, a British doctorwith strong family connections onthe island of Mauritius, lived in Africafor many years while Jean-Marie wasgrowing up. When he was 7, Jean-Marie traveled to Nigeria with hisfamily and spent a year out of school,an experience he recalled later in hissemiautobiographical novel Onitsha(1991).
He studied English at the University
of Bristol, graduated from the Institutd’Études Littéraires in Nice, received amaster’s degree at the University ofAix-en-Provence and wrote hisdoctoral thesis for the University ofPerpignan on the early history ofMexico. He has taught at colleges inMexico City, Bangkok, Albuquerqueand Boston; has lived among theEmbera Indians in Panama; and haspublished translations of Mayansacred texts.
Mr. Le Clézio became a literarysensation with his first novel, LeProcès-verbal (1963), published inEnglish as The Interrogation. The novelfollows the meanderings around townof a sensitive young man who windsup for a time in a mental hospital. Ithas been compared in mood toCamus’s The Stranger. But his styleevolved in later books, becomingmore lyrical and accessible, andtaking on bolder and more sweepingthemes, often with an ecologicalunderpinning.
In 1980, Mr. Le Clézio publishedDésert, the story of a young nomadwoman from the Sahara and herclashes with modern Europeancivilization. The book was consideredhis definitive breakthrough, and itbecame the first winner of the GrandPrix Paul Morand, awarded by theAcadémie Française.
Mr. Le Clézio is not one to seek thelimelight. He once described himselfonce in an interview as “a poorRousseauist who hasn’t really figuredit out.” He said, “I have the feeling ofbeing a very small item on thisplanet, and literature enables me toexpress that.”
Asked at the news conference if hehad any message to convey, Mr. LeClézio said: “My message will be veryclear; it is that I think we have tocontinue to read novels. Because Ithink that the novel is a very goodmeans to question the currentworld without having an answer thatis too schematic, too automatic. Thenovelist, he’s not a philosopher, nota technician of spoken language.He’s someone who writes, aboveall, and through the novel asksquestions.”
[By Sarah Lyall, New York Times]
[These books can be ordered through theJamer English bookshop – see their ad onpage 15. Support our advertisers! – Ed.]
Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio
17
18
PETS’ CORNER
MARGRIT [email protected]
Over the last years, this column has been publishing websites ofhotels all over Brazil that accept pets, as well as those of “pethotels” in or around Rio de Janeiro, where you may leave your pets(mostly dogs but also some cats) while you are travelling.Unfortunately, I have never received any feedback, so must con-clude the websites I advertised last year are still current.
For those guardians who wish to take their pet along, this is thewebsite to browse: www.hotelinsite.com.br/regioes/hoteis_que_aceitam_animais.htm(note the underlines in the spaces between the wordshoteis_que_aceitam_animais).
As to where to accommodate your pet while you are travelling, Ijust spoke to the owner of the Hotel Bon Voyage in Jacarepaguá,Sr. Alain, whom I recommended some time ago and on whose ken-nel I received excellent feedback. He says he accepts cats, dogs,birds, and most other kinds of pets. The website is now:http://www.hotelbonvoyage.com.br; Tel.: 2424-4064, 2426-7186
Other websites:http://petlar.net Tel.: 2495-7478, 8864-3952. Their website announces that they accept cats, dogs, and exóticos.To prove this, there is a lovely photo-montage on the websitehome page of several puppies, a cat and kitten, two rabbits, anda cockatoo (reproduced here).
I have two more websites of kennels for dogs only:http://www.canilpguaratiba.com; Tel.: 2427-1165, 3155-8375http://www.brunotausz.com.br; Tel: 2442-2951.
If last January’s O Globo is to be believed, they all have waiting lists,so, if you are looking for a home away from home for your pet, youshould make a contact either through the Internet or by telephone.
May I close by saying that, whatever your experience, this columnwould be grateful for feedback, either by telephone 2239-7401 or e-mail to: [email protected]
VACATIONING WITH OR WITHOUT PETS
Advertise in The Umbrella! Call the BCS office for information: 2537-6695
Worthy Causes
BCS Community-supported CharitiesEvery year the BCS provides a way for itsmembers to donate to the charities supportedby our Community, and we ask you kindly todonate generously again this year when youpay your subscription (there will be anappropriate space on the boleto). Most of the entities depend entirely onvoluntary work and donations to survive, makingimportant contributions to local society. Thelist of supported entities and special funds is asfollows:• BCS Community Fund• BCS Welfare Fund• Christ Church• Boys' Town• British Burial Fund• Royal British Legion• Niterói Rest Home Fund• Ambulatório da Praia do Pinto• Task BrasilWe have invited the charities to describe brieflywhat they have done over the past year and whythey need donations, and we are pleased tosend you their descriptions below:
BCS Community FundThis fund is responsible for all the BCS's mainactivities. It will sometimes end up subsidisingan event, though we always strive to at leastbreak-even. The Umbrella has recently falleninto negative territory as the number of adshas declined. Our new editor is fighting toreverse this and return to profit. This fund alsoprovides all our membership services, such asthe list of members which is inserted in theyearbook.
BCS Welfare FundYour BCS Welfare committee works hard tosupport those in need. Apart from financialsupport we pay frequent visits, give advice andcompanionship. This moral support alsoextends to those who qualify for help from theNiterói Rest Home (NRH) Fund. Apart fromthe help we give, there are always someproblems to be worked out which ourdedicated Welfare committee managesuccessfully to solve. If anyone is interested injoining the Welfare team please contact Gaynor,our secretary, who will pass this message on.They will be most welcome. We are alsoextremely grateful for any donation you maygive to the Welfare section.Noreen Smith, Chair of the BCS Welfare Committee
& Mary Crawshaw, Chair of the BCS Council
Christ ChurchChrist Church, Botafogo is the only English-speaking Anglican church in Rio. For nearly200 years Anglicans have served the English-speaking community of Rio de Janeiro andbeyond, whether or not they have beenmembers of the Church, whether they arepermanent residents, here on short contract orsimply passing through this part of the world.Your gift will enable this work to continue.
Christ Church is a welcoming, friendly churchfor people of all ages and backgrounds, church
or not. We meet together every Sunday in thebeautiful Church building in Rua RealGrandeza, 99, Botafogo. Our services areconducted in English and according to theliturgy of the Anglican Church. We offer BibleStudy Groups, discussion groups, prayercounselling and many other ministries in thecourse of a busy week. Our church building isused for Wedding blessings, Baptisms andMemorial services. We hold an annual Memorialservice at the English Cemetery in Gamboa, aRemembrance Day service and CommunityCarol service. We support a number of goodcauses within and beyond the city.
I consider it a privilege serving at ChristChurch as Chaplain. Whether you offer a giftlarge or small, I will ensure it is carefully andwisely used.
Rev. David Weller, Chaplain
British Burial FundThe Cemitério dos Ingleses is one of the oldestBritish institutions in Rio. It is a state andmunicipal-listed monument and has to be keptin first class order. Maintenance and upkeep of5 acres of cemetery and the chapel is expensive,and income basically consists of annuities,donations, and the sale of plots, income fromthese sources covering only a small proportionof yearly expenses. Last year operational resultswere a little less than break-even, but thanks go toall who contributed, sponsored garden benches,or bought plots. Donations for 2009, whatever theamount, will be most welcome.
Chris Hieatt, Honorary Treasurer
Niterói Rest Home FundAs you all know, we no longer have the NiteróiRest Home in itself, but continue to help thosein need over the age of 70 years. We arecurrently helping four members of ourcommunity, and fully supporting another in aHome. We still have in mind the idea of havinga Home of our own, as well perhaps, of aretirement community which would helpsupport the costs of a Home for the lessfortunate. We have been checking locationsand prices for land.
We have six Trustees and an InvestmentCommittee of four to make sure the funds fromthe original sale of the Home are kept secureunder the wing of the BCS, and growing untilsuch time as we are able to have our newHome. Your support is always very welcomeboth for help with the aged and also for thefund which will be used for a future Home.
Mary Crawshaw, Second Trustee of the NRH Fund
Ambulatório da Praia do PintoFor the past 54 years the Ambulatório da Praia doPinto has been in existence, originally foundedinside the then Favela da Praia do Pinto on theedge of the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, by Rev. R.K.Reibs, ministering to all in need, medically andsocially, independent of colour, creed or politics.When the favelawas removed, the Ambulatóriomovedto Rua Jardim Botânico. There are GPs, gynae-cologists, paediatricians (every day morning and
afternoon), a dermatologist, psychologists, aspeech therapist, dentists, ultra-sound (pelvic,abdominal), a varicose veins specialist and anophthalmologist attending over 133,500families.
We employ about 20 doctors/dentists and givethe medication prescribed by them FREE toour 'clients'. We also give tapestry work to about60 ladies who work at home, are given all thematerial necessary and are paid per squaremeter produced. These tapestries are then soldto the public. All this has a considerable costand we are always in need of donations. If youcan, please donate through the BCS. We wouldalso be delighted to sell you a tapestry. Justtelephone me for details! (21)2535 0288.
Don't throw away your unused medication;give it to us -- provided it is within its use-by date-- and we will put it to good use! Please leave itin the BCS office or drop it off at theAmbulatório (Rua Jardim Botânico 187, corner toMaria Angélica).
On every Wednesday afternoon the tapestryladies bring their finished work and take neworders. Do come and see how your money isemployed by visiting us in loco any time duringthe week – Monday to Friday, 8:00 - 16:30.
Audrey Mason MBE, member of APP administrative council
Task Brasil Trust The mission of Task Brasil Trust, a UKregistered charity, is to offer a loving andsupportive home environment to the streetchildren and adolescents of Brazil, ensuring thatall of their basic needs are met so that theyacquire the skills necessary to go on to lead rich,fulfilling and independent lives. At Task Brasil,2008 will be remem-bered for the constructionof Casa Irlanda and the 10th anniversary of CasaJimmy. Casa Irlanda will open in 2009 and providea home for 20 children aged between 7 and 11.This new project will enable Task Brasil toprovide care from birth to 22 years of age. At CasaJimmy six children have been adopted and afurther twelve children have been reunited withtheir families. For some of our teenagers, 2008was a year for vocational training: computing andbakery courses for the boys at Epsom College farmand administration and customer service (onthe Jovem Aprendiz programme) for the boys atCasa Roger Turner and one of the girls at CasaCharlotte. We were also given some scholarshipsat Cultura Inglesa.
The BCS donation was used to complementthe other financial donations covering thegeneral running costs of our five projects. Aspecific donation was given to buy two pigs toimprove the farm’s diversity and help teach theboys animal husbandry. We are extremely grate-ful for this vital support. Thanks to Jenny Byersand Lucy Beney, who invited us to share theBCS stall at the British School Founder’s DayFête, where our teenagers sold some of theitems they produce and valuable funds wereraised for the projects.
Ligia da Silva, founder and director
Classified ads
Sudoku
SERVICESDRIVER AVAILABLE FROM JAN 2009 PEDRO IS 100% TRUSTWORTHY AND HAS GIVEN US SEVERAL YEARS OFEXCELLENT SERVICE AS OUR FAMILY DRIVER IN HELPING WITH SCHOOL, PAR-TIES, OUT-OF-TOWN LOCATIONS, NUMEROUS DAILY CHORES AND TASKS.PEDRO SPEAKS ONLY PORTUGUESE. CONTACT: STEVE (3515 9465), JANICE(9637 0665) OR PEDRO (9519 0705).
The editors of The Umbrella accept no responsibility for
claims made either in the advertisements or the classifieds,
and the opinions expressed in the articles published are
those of the writers, and not of The Umbrella.
The British & Commonwealth Society of Rio de Janeiro - RuaReal Grandeza 99, Botafogo, 22281-030. Secretary: GaynorSmith. Office hours: Mon to Fri from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm -Tel: 2537-6695 - Fax: 2538-0564 - [email protected] -www.bcsrio.org.br The American Society of Rio de Janeiro - Office manager:Monica Haitz - Office hours: Tue to Fri from 9 am to 2 pm -Tel: 3852-5993 - Fax: 2509-1563 [email protected] www.americansociety.org.br International Club of Rio de Janeiro - General Inquiries:[email protected] - President: [email protected] -www.incrio.org.brThe British School - Rua Real Grandeza 87, Botafogo, 22281-030. Tel: 2539-2717, Fax: 2266-5040 - www.britishschool.g12.br The American School - Estrada da Gávea 132, Gávea, Tel: 2512-9830 - www.earj.com.br - [email protected] Lady of Mercy School - Catholic American School inBotafogo - Rua Visconde de Caravelas 48, Botafogo -Tel: 2266-8282 / 2266-8250 / 2266-8258 - www.olmrio.orgThe St Andrew Society - Rua Real Grandeza 99, Botafogo,22281-030 - President: Jimmy Frew - Tel: 2586-3413 [email protected] - www.standrewrio.com.brThe Royal British Legion - www.britishlegion.org.uk -www.bcsrio.org.br/activities/rbl.asp
Societies INFO
Calendar
DEADLINE for our February 2009 Edition
is TUESDAY, JANUARY 20But please don’t wait until then. Send your
articles – letters – adsas soon as possible. Thank you
20
JANUARY06 InC New Member's Gathering 10:0012 InC Deadline for submission to Echo 15 InC Cafezinho – Barra 10:0030 InC General Meeting 10:3030 SAS Burns 250th Anniversary Supper
FEBRUARY03 InC New Member's Gathering 10:0004 TBS First Day of Term09 InC Deadline for submission to Echo 17 RBL Annual General Meeting 7.30pm22 Carnaval27 InC General Meeting 10:30
MARCH03 WDA meeting03 InC New Member's Gathering 10:00 09 InC Deadline for submission to Echo 27 InC General Meeting 10:30
APRIL12 Easter Sunday20-24 TBS Half Term Break
The Umbrella is published monthly by the British andCommonwealth Society of Rio de Janeiro. Print run: 900copies. Editor: Jack Woodall <[email protected]> Graphic Design & Desktop Publishing:Marcia Fialho <[email protected]>. Films & Printing: Gráfica Falcão. Society articles are the responsibility of each society.The Umbrella is distributed free to all members of the Riode Janeiro BCS, American Society, The St. Andrew Societyand The Royal British Legion. Classified ads: Gaynor Smith at the BCS office: Tel: (21)2537-6695, Fax: (21) 2538-0564. E-mail: [email protected] Commercial non-classified ads: please inquire about technical procedures with Marcia Fialho. tel: (21) 2522-0159
