Post: #51

Shit VP... that's some persuasive stuff. Will keep you guys posted, still 4-5 months away.

Post: #52

(08-25-2011 11:30 PM)Entropy4 Wrote:  Shit VP... that's some persuasive stuff. Will keep you guys posted, still 4-5 months away.

Yeah that post made me all giddy inside. The whole thread has great info. A quick question:

I'm working on my Spanish. Would picking up Portuguese at the same time hurt? With the similarities I was afraid it may be confusing. And to be honest, with Brazil's economy and the hiring of Americans, it seems to make sense to pick up the lingo. I'm only learning Spanish b/c the 3 yrs. I had of it in school, and my insatiable appetite for Latinas. Thanks guys!

Post: #53

I've heard that you should learn one and then the other. That's just what I've heard, not speaking from experience. But everything about languages I've seen says to really only focus on one language at a time.

Post: #54

Yea I also wouldn't recommend trying to learn more than one language at once. You'll just confuse yourself and likely won't get very far in either language.

Back to BH, we really need to get a correspondent on the ground there ASAP. Any volunteers?

Post: #55

(08-26-2011 08:10 AM)Entropy4 Wrote:  I've heard that you should learn one and then the other. That's just what I've heard, not speaking from experience. But everything about languages I've seen says to really only focus on one language at a time.

I would focus on mastering either Portuguese or Spanish first before moving onto the other.

Both languages have way too many cognates or words that sound alike, but are pronounced differently which could really screw things up for you if you learn both at same time. Depends on where you want to be the most however whether it's a Spanish speaking country or Brazil to choose a language.

Post: #56

My hometown, BH is the best, but maybe not for travellers. One with limitation on time and language may not be able to enjoy it´s real beauty (the girls).

If you ever go to BH and get shot down by the local women, you could still enjoy the nightlife (happening bars and decent rock´n roll scene); Inhotim open air museum and the surrounding historical cities, such as Ouro Preto, Lavras Novas and Tiradentes.

(11-21-2012 10:44 AM)yb13 Wrote:  

(08-26-2011 08:10 AM)Entropy4 Wrote:  I've heard that you should learn one and then the other. That's just what I've heard, not speaking from experience. But everything about languages I've seen says to really only focus on one language at a time.

I would focus on mastering either Portuguese or Spanish first before moving onto the other.

Both languages have way too many cognates or words that sound alike, but are pronounced differently which could really screw things up for you if you learn both at same time. Depends on where you want to be the most however whether it's a Spanish speaking country or Brazil to choose a language.

Post: #57

(11-21-2012 12:43 PM)Chapulin Wrote:  My hometown, BH is the best, but maybe not for travellers. One with limitation on time and language may not be able to enjoy it´s real beauty (the girls).

If you ever go to BH and get shot down by the local women, you could still enjoy the nightlife (happening bars and decent rock´n roll scene); Inhotim open air museum and the surrounding historical cities, such as Ouro Preto, Lavras Novas and Tiradentes.

(11-21-2012 10:44 AM)yb13 Wrote:  

(08-26-2011 08:10 AM)Entropy4 Wrote:  I've heard that you should learn one and then the other. That's just what I've heard, not speaking from experience. But everything about languages I've seen says to really only focus on one language at a time.

I would focus on mastering either Portuguese or Spanish first before moving onto the other.

Both languages have way too many cognates or words that sound alike, but are pronounced differently which could really screw things up for you if you learn both at same time. Depends on where you want to be the most however whether it's a Spanish speaking country or Brazil to choose a language.

Chapulin are many mineiras still as hard to bang in BH, as when I was there 2 and a half years ago? Things have changed somewhat in Brazil, so hoping it has made them easier. But the quality in BH is IMO a bit higher than Medellin, Colombia. That says a lot about the city.

Post: #58

I was just recently in Belo Horizonte for a weekend. Unfortunately it was raining so I didn't get to do much but I did venture to downtown and Savassi. Visited a few bars and Lord Pub in Sao Pedro. The place definitely had pretty girls and I saw several patricinhas at the shopping center, however one weekend wasn't enough time. I did meet two girls through I guy I met on the bus from Rio. He was super cool and we hanged out. He introduced me to his gf and the cousin of the gf. So I also spend some time with her and made out in her car. It is rather more difficult to get around the Rio.

Post: #59

(11-21-2012 07:50 PM)Freedom Wrote:  I was just recently in Belo Horizonte for a weekend. Unfortunately it was raining so I didn't get to do much but I did venture to downtown and Savassi. Visited a few bars and Lord Pub in Sao Pedro. The place definitely had pretty girls and I saw several patricinhas at the shopping center, however one weekend wasn't enough time. I did meet two girls through I guy I met on the bus from Rio. He was super cool and we hanged out. He introduced me to his gf and the cousin of the gf. So I also spend some time with her and made out in her car. It is rather more difficult to get around the Rio.

Yes it is Freedom. But i will never forget the mineiras from Brazil, no matter how difficult they were. They are a level above cariocas or paulistas.

Post: #60

I'm going to BH, Juiz de Fora, and a touristy picture trek to Ouro Preto with low expectations, but it will be nice for me to say..hey..I went..the girls really are that amazing, etc

Post: #61

Anyone have ideas/recommendations for scoring an apartment/hotel for the weekend in Belo Horizonte? Going with one other friend.

Post: #62

(02-19-2013 10:02 AM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  Anyone have ideas/recommendations for scoring an apartment/hotel for the weekend in Belo Horizonte? Going with one other friend.

Last time I went I stayed at Enzo Apart Hotel - Avenida São Paulo nr 1636 (referência Av Bias Fortes). Bairro Lourdes, BH, tel 31 32915559.

Not sure if they speak good English though (could you try spanish?).

The apartment was OK in terms of ratio quality-price, nothing great to speak of, but it was conveniently located, clean and had internet plus a small kitchen and a balcony. They also have a private garage where you can park your car. You could also ask if they have 2 bedroom apartments (I'm not sure they have) which would make it cheaper per person.

I didn't actually stay at any of the places mentioned below, but they were recommended by a local when I asked for tips (also supposed to have OK price-quality ratios plus rather well located).

http://www.mkaparthotel.com.br/
http://www.soaparthoteis.com.br/aparthot...zio-uno-19

Don't forget to bargain. If you insist a bit (and it's not some major holiday) you usually get a better price.

If this doesn't help, send me a PM and I will look for the contact of a private broker with whom I exchanged a few emails at that time.

Post: #63

(02-19-2013 10:30 AM)Locksmith Wrote:  

(02-19-2013 10:02 AM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  Anyone have ideas/recommendations for scoring an apartment/hotel for the weekend in Belo Horizonte? Going with one other friend.

Last time I went I stayed at Enzo Apart Hotel - Avenida São Paulo nr 1636 (referência Av Bias Fortes). Bairro Lourdes, BH, tel 31 32915559.

Not sure if they speak good English though (could you try spanish?).

The apartment was OK in terms of ratio quality-price, nothing great to speak of, but it was conveniently located, clean and had internet plus a small kitchen and a balcony. They also have a private garage where you can park your car. You could also ask if they have 2 bedroom apartments (I'm not sure they have) which would make it cheaper per person.

I didn't actually stay at any of the places mentioned below, but they were recommended by a local when I asked for tips (also supposed to have OK price-quality ratios plus rather well located).

http://www.mkaparthotel.com.br/
http://www.soaparthoteis.com.br/aparthot...zio-uno-19

Don't forget to bargain. If you insist a bit (and it's not some major holiday) you usually get a better price.

If this doesn't help, send me a PM and I will look for the contact of a private broker with whom I exchanged a few emails at that time.

Thanks man. Is Enzo and the other spots in the Savassi neighborhood? Looks like the spot you stayed at was in Lourdes? How close is that to the action? I hear Savassi is where the nightlife is concentrated so I want to be as close to there as possible. My boy speaks Portuguese mais o menos and we both speak Spanish but he's a native speaker. We might have these cute local girls we know through social circle do that for us.

Post: #64

(02-19-2013 12:50 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

(02-19-2013 10:30 AM)Locksmith Wrote:  

(02-19-2013 10:02 AM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  Anyone have ideas/recommendations for scoring an apartment/hotel for the weekend in Belo Horizonte? Going with one other friend.

Last time I went I stayed at Enzo Apart Hotel - Avenida São Paulo nr 1636 (referência Av Bias Fortes). Bairro Lourdes, BH, tel 31 32915559.

Not sure if they speak good English though (could you try spanish?).

The apartment was OK in terms of ratio quality-price, nothing great to speak of, but it was conveniently located, clean and had internet plus a small kitchen and a balcony. They also have a private garage where you can park your car. You could also ask if they have 2 bedroom apartments (I'm not sure they have) which would make it cheaper per person.

I didn't actually stay at any of the places mentioned below, but they were recommended by a local when I asked for tips (also supposed to have OK price-quality ratios plus rather well located).

http://www.mkaparthotel.com.br/
http://www.soaparthoteis.com.br/aparthot...zio-uno-19

Don't forget to bargain. If you insist a bit (and it's not some major holiday) you usually get a better price.

If this doesn't help, send me a PM and I will look for the contact of a private broker with whom I exchanged a few emails at that time.

Thanks man. Is Enzo and the other spots in the Savassi neighborhood? Looks like the spot you stayed at was in Lourdes? How close is that to the action? I hear Savassi is where the nightlife is concentrated so I want to be as close to there as possible. My boy speaks Portuguese mais o menos and we both speak Spanish but he's a native speaker. We might have these cute local girls we know through social circle do that for us.

Lourdes and Funcionarios are OK neighborhoods bordering Savassi (which is usually more expensive for the same quality of accomodation). Enzo Apartments was, if I remember well, 20 minutes walking to the heart of Savassi, the streets with pubs and so on.

If you find something suitable in Savassi, perfect, just do it. If not, those two alternative areas may prove pretty doable. Just to be sure, whatever options you have, google map the distance on foot from your possible crib to Savassi and decide accordingly what's best.

I was about to tell you this and you're spot on! Local contacts in BH (and Minas Gerais) is pure gold! The whole difficulty there consists of breaking the walls of social circles in a culture of outward conservatism and good manners and proper behavior in public. But once you're in, prepare to have access to some of Brazil's hottest and sluttiest girls (whom you'll discreetly fuck away from the public's eyes). I love Mineiras, oh man, I really do.

During my last trip to Minas I had a super wingman who increased my nr of bangs by literally 300% just because he opened doors and introduced me to the girls as someone who was part of the circle of friends.

With social contacts on the ground, be prepared for gatherings at people's places (usually the best and easiest way to close them) and to spread out. But that's not something you'll regret doing...

Post: #65

(02-19-2013 01:35 PM)Locksmith Wrote:  

(02-19-2013 12:50 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

(02-19-2013 10:30 AM)Locksmith Wrote:  

(02-19-2013 10:02 AM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  Anyone have ideas/recommendations for scoring an apartment/hotel for the weekend in Belo Horizonte? Going with one other friend.

Last time I went I stayed at Enzo Apart Hotel - Avenida São Paulo nr 1636 (referência Av Bias Fortes). Bairro Lourdes, BH, tel 31 32915559.

Not sure if they speak good English though (could you try spanish?).

The apartment was OK in terms of ratio quality-price, nothing great to speak of, but it was conveniently located, clean and had internet plus a small kitchen and a balcony. They also have a private garage where you can park your car. You could also ask if they have 2 bedroom apartments (I'm not sure they have) which would make it cheaper per person.

I didn't actually stay at any of the places mentioned below, but they were recommended by a local when I asked for tips (also supposed to have OK price-quality ratios plus rather well located).

http://www.mkaparthotel.com.br/
http://www.soaparthoteis.com.br/aparthot...zio-uno-19

Don't forget to bargain. If you insist a bit (and it's not some major holiday) you usually get a better price.

If this doesn't help, send me a PM and I will look for the contact of a private broker with whom I exchanged a few emails at that time.

Thanks man. Is Enzo and the other spots in the Savassi neighborhood? Looks like the spot you stayed at was in Lourdes? How close is that to the action? I hear Savassi is where the nightlife is concentrated so I want to be as close to there as possible. My boy speaks Portuguese mais o menos and we both speak Spanish but he's a native speaker. We might have these cute local girls we know through social circle do that for us.

Lourdes and Funcionarios are OK neighborhoods bordering Savassi (which is usually more expensive for the same quality of accomodation). Enzo Apartments was, if I remember well, 20 minutes walking to the heart of Savassi, the streets with pubs and so on.

If you find something suitable in Savassi, perfect, just do it. If not, those two alternative areas may prove pretty doable. Just to be sure, whatever options you have, google map the distance on foot from your possible crib to Savassi and decide accordingly what's best.

I was about to tell you this and you're spot on! Local contacts in BH (and Minas Gerais) is pure gold! The whole difficulty there consists of breaking the walls of social circles in a culture of outward conservatism and good manners and proper behavior in public. But once you're in, prepare to have access to some of Brazil's hottest and sluttiest girls (whom you'll discreetly fuck away from the public's eyes). I love Mineiras, oh man, I really do.

During my last trip to Minas I had a super wingman who increased my nr of bangs by literally 300% just because he opened doors and introduced me to the girls as someone who was part of the circle of friends.

With social contacts on the ground, be prepared for gatherings at people's places (usually the best and easiest way to close them) and to spread out. But that's not something you'll regret doing...

Solid! I really appreciate this intel. I haven't been to Minas Gerais but just from the Mineiras I have met in other parts of Brazil and abroad I know that's where it's at. Looking forward to this!

Post: #66

Anyone have intel on where I can easily find "moneychangers" in Belo Horizonte? I'm going to need to convert Reais into Dollars upon leaving Brazil. I prefer moneychangers because you get a better rate (usually the exact exchange rate or even better) as opposed to currency exchange places that charge excessive commissions and surcharges.

This information would be invaluable. I may actually know people who would know but I figure we also have RVF guys who do this kind of thing in Brazil already. PM me if you have intel.

Post: #67

Theres plenty of people willing to change money, specially USD. If you need to change just a couple of hundreds instead of changing money on banks and stuff you should do it with the locals. If I was in BH i´d buy them, but I wont be there untill sometime in April. Make sure to check the currency rates first.

If you want to exchange big amounts you should check google for phone numbers and check the rates (Confidence Cambio is where I buy dollars, check there first). Your best bet for big amiunts would be "doleros", people who make their living by buying and selling foreign money (they dont have licence to to that, so dont even bother to check the yellowpages, ask the staff on your hotel)

(02-21-2013 12:30 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  Anyone have intel on where I can easily find "moneychangers" in Belo Horizonte? I'm going to need to convert Reais into Dollars upon leaving Brazil. I prefer moneychangers because you get a better rate (usually the exact exchange rate or even better) as opposed to currency exchange places that charge excessive commissions and surcharges.

This information would be invaluable. I may actually know people who would know but I figure we also have RVF guys who do this kind of thing in Brazil already. PM me if you have intel.

Post: #68

Tickets booked. Will be in BH May 31st-June 3rd. Thx for all the intel on lodging, etc..esp on neighborhoods near Savassi that could be cheaper.

Post: #69

I was there for business last month .Many pretty girls in the streets but i was too busy to even give it a try.

Post: #70

In BH you should check:

Night:
NaSala: upscale nightclub, you will have to work a little bit to score
Chalezinho: now chalezinho has a new location, but is still a great option (specially on Fridays and Sundays, os Sundays arrive before 6pm)
Observatório: os saturdays the action begins early, like 6pm. I think there´s something going on on Sundays as well, not sure.
Lord Pub, The Jack, Garagem d´Caza, Circus: Pubs with rock bands playing, usually the man/women ratio is bad, but those places are fun
Alambique: maybe the quality of girls drop a little bit in this place, but it´s worth checking.
At fridays and saturdays theres a party in a favela on the Raja Gabaglia Avenue. The party has a name, but I cant recall. It´s very safe.

Monday night theres a place called Major Lock.

Daytime:
It´s a good option to enjoy your hangover in the colonial town of Ouro Preto (maybe a overnight trip would be better). Also, the Inhotim open air museum is worth a visit. Inhotim is on the way to Ouro Preto. Both require car rentals or you can check your hotel for buses.

If you are into footbal, the matches are, usually, on Sunday afternoon.

(04-28-2013 08:37 PM)yb13 Wrote:  Tickets booked. Will be in BH May 31st-June 3rd. Thx for all the intel on lodging, etc..esp on neighborhoods near Savassi that could be cheaper.

Post: #71

(04-29-2013 11:44 AM)Chapulin Wrote:  In BH you should check:

Night:
NaSala: upscale nightclub, you will have to work a little bit to score
Chalezinho: now chalezinho has a new location, but is still a great option (specially on Fridays and Sundays, os Sundays arrive before 6pm)
Observatório: os saturdays the action begins early, like 6pm. I think there´s something going on on Sundays as well, not sure.
Lord Pub, The Jack, Garagem d´Caza, Circus: Pubs with rock bands playing, usually the man/women ratio is bad, but those places are fun
Alambique: maybe the quality of girls drop a little bit in this place, but it´s worth checking.
At fridays and saturdays theres a party in a favela on the Raja Gabaglia Avenue. The party has a name, but I cant recall. It´s very safe.

Monday night theres a place called Major Lock.

Daytime:
It´s a good option to enjoy your hangover in the colonial town of Ouro Preto (maybe a overnight trip would be better). Also, the Inhotim open air museum is worth a visit. Inhotim is on the way to Ouro Preto. Both require car rentals or you can check your hotel for buses.

If you are into footbal, the matches are, usually, on Sunday afternoon.

(04-28-2013 08:37 PM)yb13 Wrote:  Tickets booked. Will be in BH May 31st-June 3rd. Thx for all the intel on lodging, etc..esp on neighborhoods near Savassi that could be cheaper.

Chalezinho at 6? Crazy. But I'll keep that in mind..perhaps pregame there before going to NaSala. I appreciate all the tips esp about the relocation of that place.

I unfortunately still have not made a decision about moving to Brazil in late June or early December, but my meetings in Curitiba right after BH will determine quite a bit.

Post: #72

Chalezinho at 6 only on Sunday. If you arrive there later than 7pm you wount be able to enter

(04-29-2013 11:56 AM)yb13 Wrote:  

(04-29-2013 11:44 AM)Chapulin Wrote:  In BH you should check:

Night:
NaSala: upscale nightclub, you will have to work a little bit to score
Chalezinho: now chalezinho has a new location, but is still a great option (specially on Fridays and Sundays, os Sundays arrive before 6pm)
Observatório: os saturdays the action begins early, like 6pm. I think there´s something going on on Sundays as well, not sure.
Lord Pub, The Jack, Garagem d´Caza, Circus: Pubs with rock bands playing, usually the man/women ratio is bad, but those places are fun
Alambique: maybe the quality of girls drop a little bit in this place, but it´s worth checking.
At fridays and saturdays theres a party in a favela on the Raja Gabaglia Avenue. The party has a name, but I cant recall. It´s very safe.

Monday night theres a place called Major Lock.

Daytime:
It´s a good option to enjoy your hangover in the colonial town of Ouro Preto (maybe a overnight trip would be better). Also, the Inhotim open air museum is worth a visit. Inhotim is on the way to Ouro Preto. Both require car rentals or you can check your hotel for buses.

If you are into footbal, the matches are, usually, on Sunday afternoon.

(04-28-2013 08:37 PM)yb13 Wrote:  Tickets booked. Will be in BH May 31st-June 3rd. Thx for all the intel on lodging, etc..esp on neighborhoods near Savassi that could be cheaper.

Chalezinho at 6? Crazy. But I'll keep that in mind..perhaps pregame there before going to NaSala. I appreciate all the tips esp about the relocation of that place.

I unfortunately still have not made a decision about moving to Brazil in late June or early December, but my meetings in Curitiba right after BH will determine quite a bit.

Post: #73

Much appreciated. I will probably go to some pre-gaming places solo around Savassi and talk to chicks asking them what is up and where good places to go are (excuse to initiate).

Post: #74

Will be there for about 4 nights starting May 31st. I have two options for lodging:

1) Barro Preto - About 1 mile or 1.5 miles away from Savassi. Cost is $50.00 per night using homeaway.com. Good option?

2) Santa Tereza - I know this is where the other user Sardino used to live as this building looks 2 miles away from Savassi in a more suburb like area. The rental apartment would be $67.00 per night off of Airbnb.com.

Which neighborhood is safer? Strategic? Thanks!

Post: #75

Barro Preto is much closer to the city centre. It is not a residencial neighborhood, lots of commerce around. Depending on where you stay in Barro Preto it can get a bit dodgy at night. I wouldnt walk around barro preto at night.

Santa Tereza is a big neighborhood, so the logistics depends on where you are staying there. It is a bit out of hand (it means taxi will be a bit more expensive). In Santa Tereza there´s a 24 hour restaurant called Bolão (you can eat rice, bens and meat at 4 a.m.) nice prices and excellent food. Also, there´s a club called Deputamadre (not actually in S.T, but real close). It gets going almost everyday, but the best night is tuesday. Santa Tereza also has a nighspot called Paco Pigalli, big nightclub, usually has a good amount of girls and it is cheap.

If I were you, I woulb invest a little more money on lodging. Tehere are some hotels near Praça da Liberdade (square) and all over Savassi. Check out: Ibis, Mercure (there are 3 in BH) or Formule One.