Theme Cruise Craze Takes Brazil Posted by Rachel on Jan 6, 2009
The latest travel trend to take Brazil by storm is the theme cruise, a cruise based around certain activities, a performance or celebrity, or a certain type of music or dance. It began with the fitness cruise fifteen years ago, intended to get people in shape while they were on vacation. Since then, cruise ship…
Trendy Chickens Cause Controversy Posted by Rachel on Jan 5, 2009
A museum in Fortaleza, Ceará is in hot water after opening a new exposition which features live chickens. The exhibit’s creator, a mineira artist named Laura Lima, used human hair extension techniques to attach plumes from tropical birds to the chickens, giving them a peculiar look. The artist defended the exhibit, explaining that she wanted…
New Portuguese Accent Rules Go into Effect Posted by Rachel on Jan 2, 2009
As of January 1st, the accent changes to written Portuguese meant to unify the global language go into effect. This year will be the “Year of Transition” when Brazil begins to adopt the new grammar rules. According to President Lula, the new and old rules can both be used until 2012, but some media outlets…
Podcast: Discussing Preferences Posted by Rachel on Dec 31, 2008
Music Preference Podcast: Click here! This week, we’re going to learn how to discuss preferences, using music as an example. Make sure you check out the BYKI list when you’re done listening! The word adorar (adore) is used to describe something you really like, whether it’s a person or a thing. In this case it…
An Amazon Delicacy Posted by Rachel on Dec 30, 2008
Though to outsiders it may seem like a disgusting pest, the maniuara ant is actually considered a delicacy by several indigenous tribes in the Amazon. The ant has a large head and jaws, and can draw blood when humans are bitten. Women are responsible for hunting the maniuara, and they follow the ants to the…
Off the Beaten Path: Part III Posted by Rachel on Dec 29, 2008
Many foreigners that travel to Brazil come for the beaches or the Amazon, but not many know that Brazil’s southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul, is more akin to Italy or Argentina than to Rio de Janeiro or Salvador. Originally settled by Italian and German immigrants, the area is famous for being the home of…
Brazil and France Sign Arms Agreement Posted by Rachel on Dec 26, 2008
This week, President Nicolas Sarkozy was in Brazil, where he met with President Lula in Rio de Janeiro. On Tuesday, they signed an arms agreement worth US$12 billion to help Brazil protect its oil fields and the Amazon. The deal involves the purchase of fifty Super Cougar helicopters from France, as well as the joint…