I started this blog five years ago today as I prepared to move to Brazil, with the intent to write on a personal level to keep friends and family in the loop about my experiences in Rio. But over time, the blog morphed into something quite different. Since then, I went from being a frustrated English teacher to a full-blown writer, from a girlfriend to a wife, from Rio back to New York.
To mark a new chapter, I've done a couple of things. First, I started a Tumblr to share the lighter side of writing about Brazil, which I'm trying to update daily. I'm also still going strong on Twitter and Facebook, where you can see more of my work and my picks of interesting Brazil news. I did some reorganizing of categories so it should be easier to find content in the archives. I'm hoping to refine the archives even more to make them easier to navigate. And as always, I'm open to suggestions for new posts, guest posts, and interviews.
I also just want to thank everyone who reads the blog, both new and long-time readers. It's through the blog that I've met some of the most amazing people who are now friends, that I've been able to interview some incredible Brazilians and Brazilophile gringos, and that I've had the opportunity to forge a new path for myself. Thank you all so much, and I hope you'll stick around for more exciting things to come.
Congrats, Rachel - it's been fun to follow your adventures!
Posted by: Sonia M. | June 22, 2012 at 08:57 AM
Congratulations, Rachel :)
Your blog has kept me addictively reading your ideas for more than 3 years, and I'm glad to consider you our friend.
Happy 5 years!
Posted by: Henrique | June 22, 2012 at 07:24 PM
This has been an impressive effort. It helped to keep us informed about your many varied adventures. But more so, we have learned much about Brazil and the diverse aspects of its politics and culture. The shame is that the Christian Science Monitor on-line is the only smart journalistic vehicle that picks up your writing. So many of your articles are weeks ahead of the New York Times and far more interesting to read. Don't stop.
Posted by: David (DAD) | June 23, 2012 at 10:42 AM
Oh God! For one moment I thought the blog is over! I love your blog and it helps me a lot with my english! It's really nice to know and read what people say and think about my city in another language! I love your point of view. I already followed you on twitter and now on Tumblr. Congratulations for the 5 years and keep blogging, always!
Posted by: Ainá | June 23, 2012 at 12:03 PM
Thank you all! I appreciate it! : )
Posted by: Rio Gringa | June 23, 2012 at 08:20 PM
Thanks for all you provide..I don't believe I have ever commented, but being married to a Brazilian I have taken much interest in the country, people, and daily affairs. Thank you for being an awesome source in broadening all our horizons
- Matue(Oklahoma City; wife from Curitiba)
Posted by: Matue | June 24, 2012 at 12:11 PM