Posted by Rachel
Let’s take a look at headlines from this week related to the environment and the Amazon.
Posted by Rachel
Today we’re going to take a look at some important phrases and vocabulary for the holiday season.
Boas festas - Happy Holidays
Feliz Natal - Merry Christmas
Feliz Hanuká - Happy Hanukah
Feliz Ano Novo - Happy New Year
Reveillon - New Year’s Eve
presente - gift
amigo oculto - Secret Santa
Papai Noel - Santa Claus
peru - turkey
embrulho - wrapping paper
fita - ribbon
árvore de Natal - Christmas tree
enfeites de Natal - ornaments
Posted by Rachel
Last week, after Madonna’s departure from Rio de Janeiro, two unexpected guests appeared: a Teiu lizard and a mother and baby whale.
The lizard, unusual in cities, was spotted in the Botanical Gardens. The largest lizard in South America, it inhabits forest areas south of the Amazon where it eats eggs, fruit, and small vertebrates. According to biologists, the lizard most likely made a home in the Amazon section of the park, which has ample sunlight, but less visitors. They also speculated that the lizard is a female making a nest. Click here to see the lizard in action.
The whale and its offspring were spotted in the water off the coast of Copacabana. Biologists say they are a tropical, migratory species that grow up to fifteen meters in length. The species often frequent the waters of southern Brazil in the spring and summer. Click here to see video footage.
Also last week, President Lula signed a decree to ban dolphin and whale hunting in Brazilian waters.
Posted by Rachel
High tourist season has begun in Brazil, and since many international tourists spend part or all of their time in Rio, I’m going to give you some helpful resources for planning your trip.
Posted by Rachel
In this series, we’ll explore lesser known tourist attractions in Brazil, especially in harder to reach places. 
Today, we’re going to take a look at Ilha do Mosqueiro, an island located in the Pará River, seventy kilometers from the city of Belém. The island boasts thirteen freshwater beaches along seventeen kilometers of the river.
Besides the beach, the island also has several churches, the Mercado Municipal, and environmentally protected areas where you can explore the region’s wildlife.
While on the island, you can also try the local cuisine, most famous for tapioquinha, tapioca pancakes made from cassava, and caldeirada, a fish dish made from locally caught fish, shrimp, potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs.
"
