DIB: Lei Seca – Don’t drink and drive law

This information is taken from an article in the local Sunday newspaper ( O Popular)  in Goiânia.
The number of driver’s licenses suspended due to driving while intoxicated was 150 in the year before the Lei Seca was implemented while only 38 drivers had their licenses suspended since the one year of the Lei Seca.  Although [...]

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LIVING IN BRAZIL: Phone Support Services (or lack thereof)

The major phone company for our area, Brasil Telecom, was bought out by Oí – now known as Oí Brasil Telecom.  Today’s paper had an article about BT/Oí’s totally unacceptable customer service.
Since January Procon (consumer protection agency) has received 7,500 complaints again Oí Brasil Telecom; 20% of all consumer complaints.
Procon sent an official notice to [...]

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CITIES-Goiânia: Jibóia (snake)

Firemen in Goiânia hold  a Jibóia snake that was crawling around a street in one of the suburbs.   This is a small one; only 2 meters (6 1/2 feet)!
This is the fifth one they have had to collect within the last 30 days.
The snake was taken to the Ibama institute – environmental agency of [...]

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LIB: Shopping at Chain Supermarkets

 
THE STORES:
The major chain supermarkets in Brazil (Bom Preço, Carrefour, Extra, Pao de Açúcar, Wal-Mart) and regional supermarkets offer a wide range of goods and products.  Some even carry imported items (normally very expensive).   One supermarkets is pretty much like another as far a layout and infrastructure are concerned.   The differentials are price and service.
PRICES:
The price [...]

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OFF TOPIC: Ultraviolet Index

 
The last few days have been similar to those during the dry season….hot and cloudless skies.  Today it is 35C/95F and only some scattered clouds.  This morning there was not a cloud in the sky.  During the dry season (May to September), there are days (many days) when there is not a cloud to be [...]

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CITIES: Goiânia – Hotels

As with any city of over 1 million there are numerous hotel options.  Most likely if you are coming to Goiânia, reservations will be made by someone here.  If not, the hotels listed below are all good and offer a range of prices.  There are other good options, but I only listed those with which [...]

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CITIES: Goiânia-Shopping Malls

Comfort Suites center – WalMart to the right
Goiânia is well served by Malls .
I think all of the Malls charge for parking except Boungainville.  Strange for Americans, but land is expensive and is considered a revenue source.
Major Malls are listed below.  All sites are in Portuguese, but taking a look will give you an idea [...]

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DIB: Traffic Jams

 
 
The electricity went off here today.  Rare.  No electricity + no traffic lights = the photo.
This happened around 1:40 when many people were returning to work from lunch.  Goiania is easy enough to get around in that many people go home for lunch; especially those who have two-hour lunch breaks.  
Most of the time [...]

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CLB: Walmart Online

 
 
Love them or hate them, seems they are everywhere.
Compare prices between Walmart Brazil and Walmart USA or in you country.
LINKS:
> Walmart Brazil Online

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Highway BR 060: Goiânia-Brasília

When I moved to Brazil in March 1986, I lived in Brasilia for about three months before moving to Goiania. The drive from Brasilia to Goiania took three and a half hours over a two-lane road that carried a lot of traffic; especially on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons.
Now the highway is four-lanes (except [...]

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LIB: Where to go shopping

I have added some links to national supermarkets and supercenters. These sites are in Portuguese, but you should be able to navigate around after a bit of hunting and pecking.
Wal-Marts is reported to be setting up an online purchase site such as the ones below. There is a Wal-Marts and a Sam’s Club [...]

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CLB – Renting an Apartment

(The water in the lake is not this clear, but it is still very nice. )
(To the the left, just out of sight, a very good restaurant and boteco – Kabanas)
(To the right, Brava Mall, new…great Boteco)
(Behind you, Goiânia Shopping)
Renting an apartment in Brazil for a long-term stay (one year+) will be difficult, [...]

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LIB: Birthday Parties

Photo from Maria-Bontia’s site
 
Birthday parties are big in Brazil.
If you have an extended family, they become a frequent part of your life here. Too frequent at times.
Nephew-in-Law had a small party tonight. He’s a pediatric surgeon, 30ish, two kids. All the other family members’ kids were there…..noisy. Brazilians have ears [...]

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CITIES-Goiânia: About

 
 
Goiânia is a city of 1 million+ located 1,000 km Northwest of São Paulo and 280 km Southwest of Brasilia; the Federal Capital.
LINKS:
> About Goiânia Wiki

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