Maracana Stadium Reopens

New Maracana Stadium - Photo from BCC News in Picture

The new Maracana Stadium opened on Saturday, April 27th for an exhibition match.  Ronaldo, known for earning FIFA World Player of the Year three times played in this friendly match.  Ronaldo’s team called “Amigos do Ronaldo” defeated “Amigos do Bebeto” with a score of 8-5. When asked about the new construction Ronaldo proclaimed, “It looks [...]

Beauty Turned into Technology

(Images courtesy of enpundit.com)

Rio de Janeiro has some of the most beautiful sights and beaches in the world.   The mosaic sidewalks along the beaches enhance the beauty and character of these beaches and have become a trademark.  But who would have thought that the beautiful black and white mosaic sidewalk would be turned into QR codes?  QR codes [...]

Creme de Papaya Dessert – Papaya Cream Dessert

Creme de Papaya

The papaya fruit grows abundantly in Brazil and especially near the coastline.  There are two types of papaya in Brazil.  The large type is called “mamão” which is called the Mexican Papaya in the United States.  The smaller type is called “papaya” which is referred to as the Hawaiian Papaya in the U.S. Brazilians know [...]

Brazilian Capoeira

Capoeira in a "roda" circle

Capoeira is a form of martial arts that incorporates dance and music.  Capoeira began in Brazil during the 16th century when an estimated two million African slaves were brought there to work in the tobacco and sugar plantations.  The slaves were distributed into three main ports, Salvador, Recife and Rio de Janeiro.  As the slaves [...]

The South American Coati

Coati

  The coati is also known as the coatimundi is from the Raccoon family. The raccoon however is nocturnal and the coati is not.   The coati animal is very common in Brazil and is called “Quati”. The South American Coatis are abundant in the tropical rainforest.  They generally weigh between 7 and 15 pounds.  Their [...]

Passion Fruit Mousse – Mousse de Maracujá

Passion Fruit

The passion fruit comes from a vine that is native to Brazil, Paraguay and Northern Argentina.  It is grown in other areas with warmer climates such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia and other countries as well.  There are different varieties of the passion fruit.  One type has purple skin and the other is yellow.  [...]

The Rest of the Story – The Beer Battle Ends!

cerveja

Were you wondering how the Brazil World Cup beer battle with FIFA would end?  Well, wonder no more!  The nearly one year long saga has finally ended!   As you might remember Brazil banned the sale and consumption of alcohol at soccer matches in 2003 because of a history of violence. There were many intense meetings [...]

Pão de Queijo – Cheese Bread

cheese bread reduced

Brazilian Pão de Queijo is a delicious type of cheesy bread formed into small balls. They are light, airy and kind of doughy inside.   Even though this tasty treat originated in Minas Gerais it has become popular all over Brazil.  These cheese breads are made with Manioc flour which is made from the yucca root [...]

Iguazu Falls – Iguaçu Falls

The famous Iguacu Falls

The waterfalls in the city of Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil are a wonder to behold.  The energy of water, the rainbows that form in their mist, and the sound of the water as it hits the bottom all add up to an amazing phenomenon! The Iguaçu Falls are made up of 275 separate waterfalls that [...]

Souvenir Shopping in Brazil

Colorful hammocks displayed

So you’re traveling to Brazil and all your friends and family are envious. The answer to your dilemma is to bring them back a “lembrançinha do Brazil” a little remembrance of Brazil. You can find gifts to fit any budget! Here are some ideas that are sure to please someone. Hammocks: There are many beautiful [...]

Breakfast the Brazilian Way!

Brazilian Breakfast

One thing I really enjoy in Brazil is breakfast time! Even the more simple hotels in Brazil normally include breakfast with your stay. Some of the more basic breakfasts will include freshly baked bread, cheese and ham slices, several types of fresh fruits, and yogurt. The more expensive hotels will offer a vast spread of [...]

Oh how I love Brazilians!

soccer ball

When I think about Brazilians the things that come to mind are football, food, friends, family and fun! Brazilians like to enjoy the moment and life to the fullest. They are generally very optimistic even in the midst of difficult situations. Most Brazilians are very hard workers and have a great outlook on life. Another [...]