Our First Meeting!

From left to right, Katie, Kristy, Lynda, Luke, Marc and Paul. Hillary was in Portugal and Jon didn't make it. Had great food, great weather, and great company. Off we go!

About Espirito Santo

Espírito Santo is one of the states of southeastern Brazil, often referred to by the abbreviation "ES". Its capital is Vitória and the largest city is Vila Velha. Those who are born in the state are known as "Capixabas", although the precise word is "espiritossantenses". With an extensive coastline (40% of the territory is on the coast), the state has some of the country's main ports but the beaches are the best tourist attractions.

Vitória, the capital, is on an island, next to Guarapari, well known by its sands. In the extreme north is the Itaúnas part of the municipality of Conceição da Barra, whose sand dunes and forró are famous. Also on the coast, the typical gastronomy is another attraction with the moquecas capixabas and many fruits from the ocean and seafood. In the country of the state are many natural beauties, such as the parks of Pedra Azul and Alto Caparaó, and the Italian and German colonies.

The main crops of the state are rice, coffee (one of the most important cash crops in Brazil), cacao, sugarcane, beans, fruit (mostly bananas and papayas), and maize.

For more information visit: Wikipedia, Brazilian Tourism Portal

About our team name

The x-tudo (pronounced shees TOO-du) is a Brazilian hamburger, literally translated as "cheese-everything."  The classic x-tudo includes:

• Hubcap-sized sesame seeded roll
• Beefy grilled patty
• Gooey mozzarella cheese
• Perfectly fried egg
• Leafy green lettuce
• Fire-engine red tomato
• Fried slices of boiled ham
• Crunchy potato sticks
• Juicy corn niblets
• Blasts of mayo and ketchup for good measure.

Just like our team, the x-tudo has a little bit of everything ;) Thanks to our resident Brazil expert Katie for the great name. Go Team X-Tudo! For more about the X-Tudo, CLICK HERE

Team Brazil is selected!

The team is selected! Now the fun begins...

Left to right (sponsoring club): Katie Blair (Eugene Metropolitan), Hillary McBride (Eugene Southtowne), Lucas Rector (Coos Bay/North Bend), Marc Trautz (Grants Pass). Alternates Kristi Hessman (Bend), Jon Stinnett (Cottage Grove). Team leader is Paul Spain, alternate Lynda Kristofferson.

For more about the GSE program, CLICK HERE.