This sweet Spanish treat, churros and sweet hot chocolate for dipping, brings me back childhood memories of Sunday afternoons spent at La Churrería. Some like it for breakfast, and let’s be honest is not the healthiest meal, but neither … Continue reading
Category Archives: Video
The Famous Omelet of La Mère Poulard at the Mont Saint-Michel
Visible leagues away from land and sea, the Mont Saint-Michel rises amidst the vast bay bearing its name, alternatively surrounded by miles of treacherous sand or fast marées (f.) (tides), giving it an aura of legend as the succeeding layers … Continue reading
Japanese Movies and Their Hollywood Remakes
Hollywood has a long and storied history of remaking Japanese movies. Big crossover Japanese hits like The Ring have come along in the flourishing horror genre. But the history of Japanese influence goes back to the ‘50s. In a strange … Continue reading
The 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Numbers
Athletic prowess reminds us of words such as treinamento, training, conquista, conquest, realização, achievement, and glória, glory. Numbers don’t always come to mind, but numbers are what separate votoriosos, winners from perdedores, losers, and um bom investimento para o país, … Continue reading
Family Moments during Christmas in France
No other holidays suscitent (verb ‘susciter‘: to arouse, create) such expectations of warm réunions (f.) de famille (family gatherings) as Christmas time. Passer de bons moments ensemble (have a good time together, lit. to pass good moments), around a table and près du feu (near the fire), en … Continue reading
The traditions and history of the 4th of July
Known as the 4th of July or Independence Day, this holiday commemorates the American Declaration of Independence from Great Britain that took place in 1776 during the Revolutionary War (1775-83). The Declaration of Independence, the document proclaiming the new country’s … Continue reading
Celebrate U.S. Flag Day and Review English Imperatives
On June 14, 1777, almost a year after the United States gained independence from England, the Second Continental Congress, made up of representatives from the Thirteen Colonies, adopted a flag to represent the newly formed country. The flag that was … Continue reading
Bahia Is the Place to Go in Brazil
Bahia, in the northeastern region of Brazil, is a state that features a wealth of historical sites, colonial towns, sandy beaches, and national parks. Bordering eight other Brazilian states, Bahia is slightly bigger than France, and was the place where the first Portuguese explorers landed in 1500. Continue reading
Carnaval and Samba Schools in Brazil
Carnaval, Carnival, is a movable holiday that is celebrated annually in Brazil forty days before Easter. This year it will take place between Saturday, February 14 and terça-feira gorda, Fat Tuesday, February 17. Carnaval is taken so seriously in Brazil … Continue reading
Saudade: Discover the Meaning and Celebrate its Day
January 30 is Dia da Saudade. Saudade is a type of nostalgia, a longing for something you once had but have no more. It is also used to express being homesick, missing someone dear or feeling blue. Saudade comes from the … Continue reading