Why Visit Brazil, What to Do and See in Brazil

about brazil, blog, intro (October 25, 2008)

Why Visit Brazil? You’re kidding, right?
Well, for those who are just getting to know this big, beautiful South American country, here is a quick rundown of what Brazil has to offer…

Nature and Wildlife Encounters

Brazil has some of the most exotic and fascinating wildlife on the planet and you can get a close-up look when you visit Brazil’s nature hotspots. Everyone knows about the amazing plant and animal species in the Amazon Rainforest, featuring pink river dolphins, manatees and huge caiman (a type of crocodile). The pantanal area is the world’s largest wetlands and a haven for birds and land mammals. Giant anteaters, wild stork and rare blue macaws are just a few of the highlights there. Underwater animal encounters can be found all along the coast of Brazil, including Fernando de Noronha and Abrolhos and feature whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Unforgettable natural wonders include the desert dunes of the Lençõis Maranhenses and Foz de Iguaçú.
Read the rest…

Pan American Games 2007 Schedule

sports (October 31, 2006)

Get the official timetable in English here
The Pan American Games are to begin in Rio de Janeiro in July of 2007. The city continues to publicize their participation as hosts in a continuing hope that their success with the games will help them win the olympics in 2016. Rio has continually been turned down as an olympic site because of its crime and security challenges. The city is literally surrounded by dangerous slums–areas into which police do not dare enter, except during massive raids. All major highways that enter the city go directly through these slums and the highways are often shut down by the crime lords.

Well, I’m sure the Pan American Games will go just fine. Most important national or international events have a way of escaping incident in Rio. But if you are going to watch the games on TV, then I’ve put together a little translation of the official Rio2007 schedule.

Boa Sorte (good luck) to all the athletes and may the games be safe and successful!

(photo courtesy of EMBRATUR)