Situated in the south of the Aegean Sea, at 200km from continental Greece, Santorini boasts, besides tourists from all over the world, one of our planet’s most incredible landscapes, since its area of 73km2 lies on top of an active volcano. Perhaps that’s the mystical reason for its being called the Island of Lovers, thanks to the charms of its millenarian volcanic formation, after the last big eruption in 1680 BC, together with the enchanting buildings painted blue and white – the colors of the Greek flag – that adorn the rocky landscape and are the scenery for incredible moments. Although its population is estimated at only 15 thousand inhabitants – equivalent to the Leme district in the south zone of Rio de Janeiro – for most of the year the streets of Santorini are crowded with tourists.

In Santorini, everything can be done on foot, but if you’re looking for comfort, rent a scooter (€13/per day), a quadricycle (€20/per day), or even a car (€20/per day). For sports lovers, there’s the option of renting a bicycle to face the island’s slopes and sun. You must also be physically fit to face the 587 steps of Skála Fion, although the climb can be made on a donkey or a cable car (€4 each). From the same port, you can take a boat (€18) to Palaia Kameni and Nea Kameni, two other volcanic islands.

Way beyond the beaches and the diving, Santorini offers great vineyards as a tour option for wine lovers, passing through Ammoudi, the charming fishing village, as well as archeological sites and museums. For those who are younger and livelier, there’s a bustling nightlife, with parties and small show houses. To eat, there are good options of restaurants and taverns, especially in Óia, the most charming and best structured village in Santorini. Outstanding: the delicious fish in wine, accompanied by ouzo, the Greek national drink. Not to mention the incredible risottos, salads and seafood.

Óia also has the best options for hotels, inns and even hostels, but the most outstanding, of course, are the seaside villas and hotels, with Jacuzzis, spas and open air swimming pools. The small village has beautiful little churches with blue cupolas that offer a lovely sight at sunset. The downside is the price of the experience: there, a cup of coffee can cost 5 euros, for the view of the sea and the volcano. Beer isn’t cheap, either: whereas in other Greek cities it costs 2.50 euros, in Santorini tourists pay up to 6 euros.

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The Midwest of the United States is characterized by its rural and agrarian strength. As we see in films, there are miles and miles of fields, farms and small towns that contrast with the size of big cities like New York and San Francisco.

However, there are several cities in this region that are very interesting to tourists that wish to discover new places in North America. And one of them is Milwaukee. Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, this town of a little over 1.5 million inhabitants has lots of history and innovations to show tourists.

That’s why we’ve chosen a few tips about what to see and visit in this most pleasant of American towns.

Breweries

Milwaukee is famous as the brewery center of the USA. There are hundreds of large, medium and small breweries, producing the most diverse imaginable beers. Several breweries offer tours of their installations, usually including plenty of drinking options.

Milwaukee Art Museum

One of the most incredible destinations in this town is downtown, on the shore of Lake Michigan. Besides being, in itself, an architectural work of art, the museum has an interesting permanent collection with American and international works. After a visit to the museum, it’s worthwhile to take a walk in the lovely park built along the Lake Michigan shore.

Historical center of Milwaukee

At the beginning of the 20th century, the city was also an American industrial power. However, with the rise of Chicago, less than a hundred miles away, it lost its industrial strength. The architecture, however, was preserved – and people who enjoy historical tours will love the buildings in the Third Ward district. They’re former factories that were preserved and have now become residential buildings.

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Not even the serious financial crisis suffered by Iceland in 2008 affected its capital, Reykjavik. Surrounded by wild and vivid nature that includes rigorous winters, glaciers and active volcanos, the capital of Iceland is the perfect destination for nature lovers.

Therefore, we’ve prepared some tips for incredible tours in this beautiful city that offers both natural and urban contacts.

The first unmissable program is a horseback tour of the volcanic landscape. When temperatures are more amenable for outdoor activities, this tour presents the effects of volcanic activity on the island. One can observe the various colors of the local soil, as well as rock formations created by erupting volcanos. And everything is even better when seen from horseback.

Next, the great adventure is in the south of Reykjavik, in the Vatnajokull National Park. There’s a tour for the exploration of the park offered by local tourist agencies. By day, you explore the various and incredible ice caves in the park, and by night you look for the famous Northern Lights, visible in the winter sky, especially in areas not polluted visually by urban lights.

Lastly, here’s a tip for warmer summer days: a dive into the Silfra fissure. This fissure was formed during the separation of the North American and the Eurasian continents, which caused a rift in the tectonic plate. On that site, a very rich marine life was formed, and it can be explored by snorkeling and scuba diving in the warmer months of the year.

However, don’t think that Reykjavik is only a destination for exploring nature. The town has a bustling cultural life, as well as excellent gastronomic options, and beautiful architecture to be admired. Therefore, it’s a complete tourist destination.

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Way beyond the World Cup, while the eyes of the world are focused on Russia, the largest country on the planet also offers a variety of options for Brazilians who want to start a new life in another country.

Brazilians can achieve great successes in Russia. But it’s not about being world champions for the sixth time. We’re talking about quality of life. The Eurasian giant, once considered distant, has become increasingly attractive in the Country of Football. What can explain this phenomenon?

On lists of positive Russian aspects from a Brazilian viewpoint, you certainly wouldn’t expect to find climate. But that’s a big mistake. Russia is situated in temperate zones and has four well-defined seasons. If Saint Petersburgh, in the north, is undeniably freezing, Sochi, further south, is an incredible seaside resort. Home to the Brazilian national Team during the World Cup, the city registers average temperatures of 30 degrees in the summer. You can even enjoy the beach.

The cookery, on the other hand, isn’t very exotic. There are choices of healthy dishes, such as fish and salad, as well as the popular Strogonoff. Even the local fast food network doesn’t serve anything that isn’t familiar to Brazilians: they serve a variety of pancakes, sweets and savories. Not bad!

The Russians are cordial. Of course, the stereotype of rudeness and asperity exists, and isn’t entirely imaginary. But as soon as a relationship is established, the Russian friendliness and kindness will appear, added to an incredible sense of loyalty. And this is fundamental for whoever wishes to begin a new life in other latitudes.

Now, let’s get to what really matters: quality of life. Inherited from the Soviet period, the subway network is amazingly efficient and beautiful. Even those who are used to frequenting big cities all over the world are impressed by the beauty of the stations and the speed of the trains. From a cultural viewpoint, there are also great and enriching surprises. We can guarantee enjoyment and personal growth to those who visit the Hermitage or watch the world famous Bolshoi Ballet.

Finally, of course, come the opportunities for jobs and careers. Russia’s economy is expanding and will soon rival other world powers – especially in the field of state-of-the-art technology. How about being part of this success story?
It’s easy to see there’s no lack of reasons to try life on the other side of the world. Do you think there are still many barriers, such as language? Start learning right now and you’ll find that any difficulty can be overcome in favor of so many qualities. Slava Rossiya!

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Surely you’ve sometimes thought of moving to another country and starting a new life, in search of happiness. However, among your possible choices, you may never have included Finland, right? A sad mistake, because this Nordic country is, nowadays, the happiest place in the world, according to the United Nations’ World Happiness Report. The document elaborated by the UN elected this Northern European country not only through the votes of its own citizens, but also, for the first time in the history of this ranking, through the opinion of immigrants living in the countries analyzed.

To have an idea of the importance of the World Happiness Report – which analyzed data from 2015 to 2017 – the American economist and co-author of the study, Jeffrey Sachs, says that governments are increasingly using the indicators of happiness in their policies and decision making.

What does Finland have?

Finland wasn’t elected because of the surreal beauty of its Northern Lights and midnight sun. The “Land of Santa Claus”, with its historical cities, leads the list of the happiest countries in the world due to more serious and objective indicators: the country’s life expectancy, its per capita income and level of social equality, the feeling of freedom to make decisions, the perception of the level of corruption, and its social welfare policies.

Nordic supremacy in quality of life

In the election’s ranking, the Finns surpassed the Norwegians (the leaders of the previous ranking, in 2015), followed by Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden and Australia in the TOP 10. The explanation for the order of the countries comes from Melk Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute: The Nordic countries are really good at creating the best conditions for people’s lives.

And what about Brazil? See the outstanding countries in the South American ranking

The bad news for Brazilians is that the country has lowered its position in relation to the UN’s 2015 report. Brazil is now in 28th place, down from 22nd, higher than Argentina (29th) and lower than Chile (26th). As for Venezuela, it has fallen from 82nd place to 102nd , among 156 countries.

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Located 240km from the southeast coast of Australia, the island of Tasmania has impressive numbers. With a total area of 68,401 square kilometers, measuring 300km from north to south and 340km from east to west, and with over 519 thousand inhabitants, it is the 26th-largest island in the world, and has no fewer than 334 adjacent islands, 45% of which are natural reserves, considered World Heritage  sites. In 1901 Tasmania became a state through process of the Federation of Australia, and is the country’s smallest federative unit, with 40% of its territory formed by national parks and reserves, besides land substantially made up of mountain peaks.

With a temperate climate, Tasmania differs from the aridity found in a large part of the rest of the country, and is outstanding for the purity of its air and environment.  Hobart, the state capital, offers many attractions to those who choose to trade the capital for a natural paradise. Beginning with Mount Wellington, 1271 meters high, rich in biodiversity, showing that there nature is in command. Everything in the state is described by expressions such as “located in the middle of the mount, behind the mount, at the foot of the mount”. The state also boasts the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, an area of popular recreation with a varied collection of plants. Besides, of course, the Hobart Synagogue, the oldest in the country.

Salamanca Square is another popular point in the capital, where, every Saturday, the Salamanca Market takes place, a traditional street-market , selling local souvenirs, books, clothes and delicious gourmet food, among other things. The Port Arthur Penitentiary is another attraction, the point which receives the most visitors. Built to hold “the empire’s worst criminals”, the prison draws attention due to the remnants of the convicts’ tortuous past.

In short, besides its tourist attractions,Tasmania is a real invitation to get in touch with nature: there are over 2 thousand kilometers of trails among 18 National Parks far from civilization. To live in or visit the island is to fall in love constantly either with the beautiful landscapes or with the animal biodiversity that includes the famous Tasmanian devil – the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world, and symbol of the island, though only seen in protected venues – or a visit to the   penguin colonies in the Bichenos region.

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Aracaju is a city of many flavors, perfumes, colors. Besides the famous shoreline with blue waters and mild temperatures, the city offers visitors and residents a great variety of parks and topnotch restaurants. Not without reason, it boasts the title of national capital of quality of life.

For gastronomic tourism, some typical dishes are a must. Among them, aratu – a species of small crabs that are used as fillings for delicious pastries, and also are served on a banana leaf or in small chunks as snacks that locals call catado – and lambreta – mussels cooked in a potent broth of herbs and vegetables.

Historical tourism also leaves nothing to be desired. The charming shoreline now has a new monument: a group of statues of local symbols that decorate the view seen by those who take a delightful walk along the seashore.  The afternoon can end with a visit to the Museu de Gente Sergipana (Museum of the Man of Sergipe) – cultural enrichment and entertainment guaranteed.

Don’t miss in Aracaju and environs:

Orla de Atalaia , the city’s main landmark. Full of charming bars and restaurants, it’s also safe and clean. Ideal for a late afternoon walk that will continue throughout the evening.

Xingo Canyon, on the São Francisco River. If you can leave town for a short  time, a visit to the Xingo Canyon is really worthwhile. It’s one of Sergipe’s loveliest landscapes, and attracts thousands of tourists every year. You can be sure of great photos of breathtaking views.

Praia do Saco (Saco Beach). With calm and incredibly blue waters, Saco Beach is relatively far from downtown Aracaju, which guarantees its tranquility. Enjoy the warm temperature of the water while drinking pure malt beer, with moderation, of course…

Ilha dos Namorados (Lovers’ Island). The name says it all. But if it’s ideal for a romantic tour, it’s no less attractive for a family tour – after all, the children will love to watch the shellfish that are a part of the local fauna.

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Considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (for exceptional universal value), since 2001, the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, located in the midwest of the state of Goias, is a conservation unit for the integral protection of nature, covering over 65 thousand hectres. Administered by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), the ecological reserve, between the townships of Cavalcante and Alto Paraiso de Goias, holds around 50 species of animals considered endemic, rare, or in risk of extinction, besides over 1479 species of plants already identified throughout the park.

An important drainage center, the Chapada dos Veadeiros presents its major rivers draining V-shaped valleys, such as the famous Rio Negro (Black River), a tributary of the Tocantins River. That geographic characteristic creates huge waterfalls along its course, such as two impressive falls, with heights of 80m and 120m. As well as by the canyons of the aforementioned river, tourists are dazzled by the natural pools, ideal for hydromassage.

On arriving at the Chapada dos Veadeiros, in the village of São Jorge (Saint George), in Alto Paraiso de Goias, in order not to miss any important tours, it’s best for visitors to take guided tours, with professional guides from the Centro de Atendimento a Turistas (CAT) (Tourist Assistance Center) at the entrance to the village. Taken by a guide along the trails, don’t miss the tourist attractions located in private land around the park.

The first one is the Cachoeira do Abismo (Waterfall of the Abyss) and the Mirante da Janela (Window Belvedere). As its name says, the place offers an impressive view among the rock formations, like a natural window. And, speaking of natural constructions, and beautiful views, the Vale da Lua (Valley of the Moon) has moon-like rocks that are millions of years old, sculpted by the Rio São Miguel (Saint Michael River). And there are more waterfalls. Don’t miss the Almacegas, two incredible falls, with heights of 50m and 15m. Raizama is yet another waterfall, ideal for those who wish to practice canyoning and rappelling.

After so many adventures, relax in the Thermal Waters, delicious natural pools with naturally heated water, at about 38 degrees C.

Important tips:

– Don’t forget to take a bathing suit, sandals and non-skid tennis shoes (ideal for trails and tours where there are slippery stretches).

– Always carry a small backpack or bag with a light snack, a water bottle and sunscreen (for touch ups throughout the day).

– On arrival at Alto Paraiso, fill up your gas tank, as there are no gas stations in São Jorge.

– Cookery: Be sure to try Matula, a typical regional dish made with beans, cassava flour, jerked beef and squash bread. The dish goes well with fruit juices and liqueurs from the “cerrado” (tropical savanna).

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A township in the northern part of the state of Ceara, at 300km from the state capital, Fortaleza, Jijoca de Jericoacara is internationally famous for its natural beauties. Elected one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by the American newspaper Washington Post in 1984,  it ceased to be a fishermen’s village among high, shifting dunes, and became the destination for tourists from other parts of Brazil and from all over the world.

The movie set for the film A ostra e o vento (The Oyster and the Wind) (1997) directed by Walter Lima Junior, the lovely beach is one of the few places in Brazil where it’s possible to watch the sun rise and set on the ocean, as shown in the film, thanks to its location on a peninsula. Another of Jeri’s charms is that, in order to preserve the natural illumination from the sun, the moon and the stars, there are no light posts in the streets. Electric energy is distributed to homes and shops from underground.

Since the town’s economy is based on tourism, all the tours and activities  must be paid for, with prices that vary, although kitesurfing and windsurfing are the most expensive. Being in an Area of Environmental Protection since 2002, the National Park is unpaved, because the building of roads and highways isn’t allowed. Therefore, the access to the village is exclusively through the dunes, in appropriate vehicles with four-wheel drive. This access route is in itself a tour.

One of the village’s main attractions is the Pedra Furada (Holed Stone), a rock about five meters high that offers an excellent view of the sunset. Another option for this view is from the top of the dune closest to the village, facing the sea, a favorite with tourists.

Also outstanding is the Jijoca Lagoon, protected as an Area of Environmental Protection by the state government. The lagoon is enchanting for its formation, due to the constant migration of dunes on the coastal plain, causing the barring of the waters of two creeks: the Mourão and the Paraguai. The formation of big dunes also offers a local activity: sandboarding.

When to visit Jericoacara?

In order to avoid the rainy season, the best time to visit Jericoacara is between January and July, since for the rest of the year the weather is unstable, with rain in the morning and sunshine in the afternoon, or vice-versa. To escape from the prices of the high season, avoid holidays, so as not to pay more for tours and hotels/inns, and make reservations for everything in advance, of course

What to take on your trip?

Bathing suits, of course, and light clothes and hats/caps are indispensable. It’s a good idea to take a light coat for windy days. Don’t forget to take sunscreen and insect repellent. Since there are no light posts, take a small flashlight for night tours without moonlight. For most tours, light sandals are necessary.

Be careful of the environment

In Jericoacara there are rules that must be followed and respected by tourists: it is forbidden to litter the beach or the ground, as well as to pollute the waters. It’s also forbidden to hunt, and to drive outside of the demarcated trails on the way to the Jericoacara National Park.

Take cash / medicines of continuous use

With regard to money, be prepared, since there is only an agency of the Bradesco Bank and of the Correios (Postal Service), the correspondent bank of the Banco do Brasil (Bank of Brazil), and there are very few cash machines in the town.  So take cash, because, although many establishments  accept credit cards, the tours must be paid for in cash. Don’t forget to take the medicines you use continuously, such as for blood pressure, etc. The nearest hospital is 18km away, in Jijoca, although the village has a 24 hour UPA (Emergency Care Unit).

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According to the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), Florianopolis takes first place in quality of life in Brazil. In a research undertaken by the United Nations, the capital of the state of Santa Catarina stands out among the 21 metropolitan regions in Brazil that were part of the study, getting a mark of 0.815 (considered very high) in an index that varies from 0 to 1.

The “Ilha da Magia” (Magical Island), is a nickname that is not restricted only to natural beauties, historical patrimony, and local folklore, but also encompasses the calculations of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which are: opportunity for a long and healthy life, access to knowledge, and a standard of living that guarantees the basic needs of an individual (health, education, and income).

If this isn’t enough to convince you to think of the city as an excellent place to visit, or even to live in, it’s worth noting that, within 436.5 square kilometers, Florianopolis is able to charm inhabitants and tourists with a beautiful show of all that’s best in nature: from trails inside the Atlantic Forest to a delicious dive in its paradisiac lagoons and beaches, passing through historical places, such as archeological sites.

With activities for all ages and lifestyles, Floripa, (as it’s informally called), also offers a lively nightlife, both in crowded nightclubs and in famous restaurants.

A healthy city

According to information from the Ministerio da Saude (Health Ministry) and the Agencia Nacional de Saude Suplementar (National Agency for Supplementary Health), Florianopolis has the lowest percentage of obesity among Brazilian capital cities. The information was collected from health insurance plans, and indicates an 11.7% rate, much lower than the national average, 17.7%.

Floripa is the stage for many sports, both on land and in water. Its dunes are an invitation to sandboarding, the woods are ideal for trekking, and its beaches are a delight for surfing and its variations, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Jurere, a very special place

In the north of Florianopolis, the big hit is the famous district of Jurere. This aristocratic region of Florianopolis is not only famous for the biggest and trendiest parties in town. With a large, thickly wooded forest, it is a model of environmental preservation in Brazil, and home to the Chico Mendes Institute. Also a model for organic urbanization and sustainability, Jurere is, in short, a successful real estate, residential and resort enterprise. The district has two schools that are among the best educational institutions in Brazil.

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