In Brazil, it’s now high summer. Many people have traveled to the beach with friends and family to celebrate the holiday season. There are lights everywhere in all of the cities, from Rio to my own city, São Paulo. The shops are packed with people looking for gifts and the traditional mall Santa Claus spends all day hearing kids wishes while their parents shop.
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We Brazilians have a habit of leaving everything to the last minute. So during the days before Christmas, everyone rushes to the mall, which is extremely crowded, to get their gifts before it’s too late!
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For some, Christmas has become just another day in Brazil. There are few people who still celebrate this day with religious force, however they’re mostly the older generation who keenly attend church, assemble the nativity crib and sing hymns. Unfortunately, many have forgotten the real meaning of Christmas, which is no longer celebrated only by Christians. Still, Christmas night is party time and everyone gathers to exchange gifts and eat.

There are giant Christmas trees in Ibirapuera Park, here in São Paulo, and Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in Rio de Janeiro, that are a must-see. Tourists from everyewhere come to admire the light shows that accompany the trees, and Paulista Avenue (the main street of São Paulo) gets especially beautiful! All of the houses and businesses are decorated with the Christmas theme and the major Brazilian banks build real holiday displays, complete with artificial snow and even coral electronic dolls. (more…)

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, also dubbed the Marvelous City, is an essential destination for those visiting the largest country in Latin America. Surrounded by beaches and lots of greenery, the city is a metropolis full of natural refuge. And I traveled there two weeks ago!

As a resident of São Paulo, whenever I have time, I travel to Rio de Janeiro and rest my mind in the Arpoador and play in the Lapa district (the city center). For those who want to visit Rio de Janeiro, (maybe for the 2016 Olympics?) here are some tips:

1) Stay in the south of the city (Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana …). The city’s center is not very safe for locals (even less for tourists) and access the southern area is always easier as a traveler. Moreover, the beaches of the south are the most beautiful in Rio. If you don’t have much money for hotel, there are also many available youth hostels. My staples are the Copa Hostel (Copacabana) and Brother’s Hostel (in Botafogo). Depending on the season, it is best to book your place in advance. (more…)

Not sure if I shared, but I’m a writer and actress. Recently, I was invited to join the supporting cast of the Brazilian movie, O Doce Veneno do Escorpião, or Diary of a Brazilian call girl: The Scorpion’s Sweet Venom. The film is based on the life of author Raquel Pacheco, whose alias is Bruna Surfistinha, and her book of the same title and actress Deborah Secco is the lead.

Bruna Surfistinha is an ex-prostitute who became famous for recounting, on a blog, her experiences with her clients and then publishing the best-selling book in Brazil, “O Doce Veneno do Escorpião” (“Sweet Venom of the Scorpion – The Diary of a Hustler”). (more…)

Wanderley Nunes

A few months ago, I attended the second annual Hair Fashion Show in São Paulo. The event, sponsored by Koleston, featured three of the top Brazilian hair stylists and celebrity models as they showcased global trends in haircuts, hair styles and hair colors.

Max Weber, Alê de Souza and Wanderley Nunes were the stars of the night and showed a total of 45 looks.   The elaborate hairstyles incorporated everything from coke bottles, shredded hair and braids, while others showcased looks inspired by 1920’s cinema. I only wonder–will everyday Brazilian women adopt these elaborate trends or is it all for show? (more…)

Speed Dating is so ingrained in American pop culture, that even those not looking for a love know what it is. The concept was developed in the early 90s by Rabbi Yaacov Deyo and his wife Sue to help young Jewish singles to find soulmates of the same faith.

Trident (yes, the gum) hosted the first-ever speed dating event in Porto Alegre, Brasil and of course I was invited to participate. For one night, 24 girls met 24 boys in a train line. The first station was transformed into a club, where we could drink and listen to good music. We each received a list with names and photos of participants of the opposite sex. Next to each name, we could vote to either “kiss” or “step” (away). (more…)

If there is a sector of Brazilian fashion that attracts female attention around the world it is the swimwear industry.  The Brazilian bikini, a symbol of sensuality and beauty, has become one of Brazil’s largest exports.

It was introduced in the 1950’s, when Brazilian stars like Carmen Veronica and Norma Tamar helped to make them famous.  They would dress in their favorite two piece and join the crowds in the sands in front of Rio’s Copacabana Palace.  Later,  the masses took hold and the rest, as they say, is history.

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