Aula Viva's blog

This old Brazilian song called Amigo é pra essas coisas was popping in my mind for no apparent reason. The lyrics are a dialogue between old friends who meet at a bar. One of them is feeling pretty down because his girlfriend broke up with him. You know how they say that there is a reason for something to insist on popping in your mind? Last week, while singing it in the shower, it occurred to me that Portuguese learners would benefit a lot from the song. It is a casual dialogue between friends and although it was written a few decades ago, most of its language is still current and useful. READ MORE>

When I was eight  I saw this TV series based upon a true story called Lampião e Maria Bonita. It took place in the dry lands of Brazilian Sertão, a bit similar to –and not far from- the region of Crisópolis, where grandpa Octavio had settled alone in a house, in the middle of nowhere, after leaving the big city once and for all. I remember having cherry tomato wars with my siblings, picking cotton from the trees in his backyard and eating his polenta. I also remember looking at the moon from the porch and feeling overwhelmed by its power, its mystery, and by the fact that it surely knew everything about my future (but it wouldn't tell me). In terms of landscapes, I am not sure where the memories of this TV series end and where those from my childhood at grandpa Octavio’s little ranch begin. READ MORE>

I recently fell in love with the music of Luisa Maita. Her first album Lero-Lero is as Street Smart as it gets. Do you know what "lero-lero” means? It means a casual conversation without a goal in mind; or simply chit-chat :) How could I not love this album? READ MORE>

Ladies and gentlemen, senhoras e senhores!

Let me introduce you to one of Brazil's most important stage artists... Cacilda Becker!

Born in 1921 in the city of Pirassununga in the state of São Paulo, raised by her mother along with 2 sisters and with very little money, Cacilda became one of the biggest names in the history of Brazil and Brazilian theater. She left us early, at age 48, while on stage: At the end of the first act of the play Waiting for Godot, Cacilda had a stroke. She had been working as an actress for 30 years.  READ MORE>