December 2016 : Bonnes Fêtes, Buone Feste,  Boas Festas, & Felices Fiestas!
Some people really are wired better for learning languages

A recent study from Pennsylvania State University shows that there is a link between oxygen levels in the brain and a second language learner's speaking and reading abilities in their target language. 
Family Travel

Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg's annual Christmas market, or  Christkindelsmärik, 
is the oldest in France. Founded in 1570, Strasbourg is home to one of Europe's most famous Christmas markets. You can read all about the market's traditions here.
Teens

Film

The Way He Looks  (Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho) is a coming-of-age romantic film about Leonardo, a blind high school student seeking independence. The film is in Brazilian Portuguese and is subtitled in English. You can watch a trailer here.

Challenge of the Month

What is the oldest continuously-inhabited  European settlement in the U.S.? Why does it have the narrowest streets in America?
Kids' Corner

Andrea Bocelli is one of Italy's most renowned singers, famous for blending pop and opera. You can listen to his collection of Christmas songs in English and Italian here. 
Recipe of the Month:

Bolo Rei, or "Kings Cake," is a Portuguese dessert which is traditionally eaten during the holiday season. You can learn how to make Bolo Rei here.


ANSWERS:   St. Augustine, Florida. With its distinct Spanish flair, St. Augustine also boasts the narrowest street in the U.S.,Treasury Street. Because it connected the Royal Spanish Treasury to the ship dock,it was deliberately made just seven-feet-wide to deter thieves from trying to escape with the Treasury's gold!

STAY CONNECTED: