March 3 is the Dia Internacional dos Meteorologistas, International Day of Meteorologists, so let’s take this opportunity to thank all the dedicated people who make our lives easier by telling us to levar um guarda-chuva, take an umbrella, or passar protetor solar, … Continue reading
International Women’s Day is March 8, and in honor of this day, we are looking to two countries where women hold the highest position of power in their governments: Brazil and Germany. As we’ll see, President Dilma Rousseff and Chancellor … Continue reading
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
In English, we say someone is “barking up the wrong tree” to mean that someone is looking in the wrong place for something. It has nothing to do with dogs, or usually doesn’t at least, so why do we say … Continue reading
The noun simpatia – from the Greek sun (with) pathos (feeling) expresses in Portuguese a feeling of friendliness or tenderness toward people,places or things: nós temos muita simpatia pelo Brazil, we are very fond of Brazil. You can use the adjective, simpático(a) to refer to a person: Clara é simpática, Clara is … Continue reading
If you and your Valentine are opting for a cozy night in rather than a night out this Saturday, here are some great suggestions for romantic foreign films. Why not watch one in the language you’re learning and impress your … Continue reading
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
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
Dia de Reis, or Epiphany, is celebrated on January 6 in Brazil. It commemorates the day when, according to the Christian tradition, os Três Reis Magos, the Magi, visited baby Jesus. Another note-worthy event that takes place on that same … Continue reading
azilians like to celebrate o Ano Novo, or Réveillon, New Year’s Eve outdoors. The end of year holidays come in the summer, right at the beginning of the academic summer vacation, creating the ideal period for people to travel to the beach … Continue reading
