Brazil's Indigenous Rally

Goty Pataxó, originally uploaded by Kaká.

Up to 1000 indigenous peoples from tribes such as Goty's are campaigning this week outside of Brazil's Congress in Brasilia. Brazil turned 500 at the start of this decade yet its native peoples feel like foreigners in their own land.

The name of the event translates to “Camp Free Earth”. The goal is improving government policies toward peoples of the 20 Brazilian states represented. Brazil’s President and five of his ministers are attending today, hearing requests to develop a sustainable socio-economic model that offers an alternative to today's globalization that puts profits before people and humanity.

There are more than 200 tribes with roughly one-half million people remaining from a population of three million at the time of first contact by Europeans. Some tribes in the Amazon continue a policy of voluntary isolation from the modern world. If you find this fascinating, read this bulletin from the world rainforest movement: www.wrm.org.uy/bulletin/119/Brazil.html

For more information including opportunities for you to make a difference in Brazil’s Landless Workers Movement, visit: www.mstbrazil.org/?q=about ; or, to learn more before cultural interactions with indigenous tribes during your travel, visit: www.socioambiental.org/pib/indexenglish.htm and www.povosindigenas.org.br/pib/english/whwhhow/index.shtm

“No matter where we go, there we are.” – Don Ronaldo

Value Vacations

Dear Readers,

Where is your perfect destination? What makes a travel destination perfect? No matter your price range, value is a worthwhile consideration. Why pay 50% more for anything, especially upscale accommodations at peerless destinations?

Consider what you'll pay for 2 weeks in Hawaii, Europe, Canada, or Australia. $4000 per person, plus air, for budget accommodations in a group of 26 people. For the same amount of money and time exploring Latin America without the herd, you can live in high style. The photo here is our favorite place in Hawaii. We love Hawaii, but what about value?

This month Kiplingers polled 2200 travelers about their annual vacation plans asking, "Have high gas prices and the economic downturn forced you to reconsider travel plans for this summer?"

39% say no.
23% say they'll vacation closer to home.
31% say they won't be taking a trip this year.
7% are not sure.

We have good news for the 61% of you who are reconsidering your vacations. Latin America is nearby and full of incredible spas, nature-based resorts, and upscale countryside destinations. Stay out of the cities and you'll enjoy luxury vacations for the price others are paying to be herded like cattle into modest quarters.

Or you'll stay twice as long for the same investment. Or maybe you'll take your entire family for the price of a couple's vacation in N. America? Cost is not the most important vacation consideration, but value ranks high in my book. Ask me where I'm vacationing this year, and how it compares to my favorite places - even in Asia - on any measure. Latin America is an incredible value right now - on every measure.

Peace & Prosperity,
Mango Steve