• Host

The Federal Republic of BRAZIL is the world’s fifth largest country, occupying most of South America. It covers an area of 8 million square meters, and is home to 175 million people, of which about 40% is of direct European descent, 11% came from Africa, and the rest is mixed. The largest city, São Paulo (15m), is the country’s industrial center. Rio de Janeiro (7m), the former capital, is built on one of the world’s most attractive locations. Unlike all other South American countries where Spanish is spoken, Brazil’s official language is Portuguese. This reflects the fact that this vast country came into being as a Portuguese colony, after it was discovered in 1500. Brazil became an independent country in 1822 and a republic in 1889.The dominant geographical characteristics of Brazil are a vast region of highlands in the south and the basin of the river Amazon (covered by tropical rain forests) in the north. As expected for such a huge country (the longest north-south as well as east-west distances exceed 4,500 km), both the flora and animal life of Brazil are highly diversified - and so is its climate which ranges from tropical to subtemperate. 90% of the Brazilians are Roman Catholics.The local currency is called ‘real’ which is equivalent to about 45¢.

RIO DE JANEIRO, is one of Brazil’s 26 federal states. It’s capital is the famous colorful city by the same name, which was the capital of the entire country until 1960.While the city of Rio de Janeiro captures most of the glory, the state is replete with attractions of its own. Moving west on the Atlantic coast, one finds the Green Coast with over 2,000 beaches and 7 bays with warm water, protected from the ocean waves by over 370 islands. Angra dos Reis and Mangaratiba are both on the Green Coast.

VISAs. Participants should check with the nearest Brazilian consular authority if a visa is required to enter Brazil. If so, application should be submitted as soon as the names of the players are known. Letters of invitation will be issued by the Brazilian Bridge Federation. Apply as early as possible to: ernesto.dorsi@interprint.com.br

 • Venue

The tournament will be played at the PORTOBELLO HOTEL, in Mangaratiba, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Hotel is 98 km away from Rio de Janeiro International Airport. Participants wishing to explore the city of Rio de Janeiro are advised to allow a few additional days before or after the competition.

Decorated in Polynesian style, the Hotel lies on a private palm tree beach, facing the tranquil waters of Mangaratiba Bay. It offers adequate space for all tournament operations. Many sport facilities are available for practicing tennis, beach volley, soccer, water polo, table tennis, kayak, sailing, jet ski, riding, cycling, etc. In addition, one can visit a wild animal park adjacent to the hotel, where 500 species, including monkeys, ostriches, antelopes, zebras, colorful parrots, etc., are living free and harmoniously in a 300,000 square meter area. Further details are available from the hotel’s web site on Internet: www.hotelportobello.com.br

Accommodation to participants and accompanying guests is available at Portobello Hotel in double or 3-bedded rooms at the special rate of US $50 (per person per night, full board, inclusive of service and tax). Teams are requested to reserve accommodation at Hotel Portobello at their earliest opportunity. There are no other hotels in walking distance from the venue.

The organizers will provide free transportation from Rio de Janeiro International Airport to Portobello Hotel on Sunday and Monday, August 5-6, and vice versa on Thursday, August 16, to all delegations who provide details of their travel arrangements.

Meeting teams at the airport will be by appointment only; therefore teams that do not announce their flight details to the organizers will have to find their own way to the venue.

Information required:

•  Team Name
•  Number of persons travelling
•  Airliner and Flight number
•  Flight origin and scheduled time of arrival at Rio de Janeiro International Airport (coded GIG)
•  Any special requirements