ALKHOBAR: Rawan Almansor — a 31-year-old content creator and host of the Arabic-language podcast “قيلة,” — has been living in Brazil’s capital city, Brasilia, for two years.   

What’s the general vibe like in Brasilia? Are the residents friendly? 

The people are incredibly warm. Even if they don’t speak English — and I don’t speak perfect Portuguese — they’ll greet you like family. You’ll see men walking shirtless in the summer heat, wearing only their iconic Havaianas sandals. If they do wear a shirt, it’s usually a football jersey — often Al-Nassr; the Saudi club is surprisingly popular here. City life has never been my rhythm — I’ve never liked its noise. I live far from the city’s chaos, between farms and alleyways, where hospitality is woven into the culture. In Brazil, it’s normal to knock on a stranger’s door and be welcomed with food and drink. We often discover the most magical places not by using Google Maps, but by driving around and simply saying hello. 

So, would you recommend a visit?  

Brazil is beautiful in its own way. The environment is clean, the cost of living and food is affordable, and life here feels sustainable. But I wouldn’t recommend a quick visit from Saudi Arabia — it’s too far. It’s more a place to live than to tour, in my opinion. I’ve visited some of the bigger cities, like Rio de Janeiro, but they didn’t resonate with me. I prefer the quiet, the authenticity of rural life.  I have a simple life here, but one filled with intention, nature, and deep gratitude. 

If someone were to come visit, what time of year is best? 

This is actually the best time of year to enjoy the outdoors — the weather’s cool, and the insects are hiding. In other seasons, the mosquitoes will chase you down like an enemy, and stepping into the garden can be a battle.  

And how would you spend your time with a visitor? 

I’d hope they’re a morning bird, because here, when the sun rises, nature truly awakens. The sound of parrots soaring overhead, the rustling of animals, and the distant barking of dogs create a natural symphony that starts the day. First, I’d prepare fresh Brazilian coffee, which we’d sip slowly in the garden, surrounded by the crisp air watching the parrots flying. After coffee, I’d take them to Padaria Seleto, a charming local café, for a simple yet perfect breakfast of eggs and cheese in a fresh sandwich. Then we’d head Cachoeira do Tororó, a nearby waterfall, a hidden gem near my home. The trail to the waterfall is a bit challenging — about 15 minutes downhill and 20 minutes uphill — but it’s worth every step. For lunch, I’d take them to a forest restaurant called Chacara do Tonho, owned by a local farmer that’s only open on weekends. We’d enjoy a traditional Brazilian steak — perfectly grilled, tender, and served with white rice, black beans, and mandioca, a local root vegetable much like potatoes. In late afternoon we’d stroll through the local neighborhoods where the soul of Brazil lives. We’d have açaí, the beloved Brazilian frozen treat made from the Amazonian berry — it’s on every corner. And for dinner, I’d take them to Cia do Peixe, a family-run restaurant where everything — from the vegetables to the chickens — is grown or raised on site. The entire family runs the place: parents, kids, all working together. It’s the kind of place where food tastes alive — fresh, honest, and soulful.   

 What do you do when you’re feeling homesick or nostalgic for Saudi Arabia? 

The presence of my dog and three cats eases the loneliness of being far from home. My dog’s my companion and my comfort in this new land. He wakes with me, follows me throughout the day, sleeps when I sleep, and guards the house with unwavering loyalty. We go on long walks together — an hour or more. These walks are a sacred part of our bond. 

I’ve grown used to living abroad over the past 10 years, but I’ll never get used to being far from my family. That distance never softens. And one of the things I miss most is something simple: foul (mashed fava beans). It’s nearly impossible to find here.  

Still, choosing to move across the world and live among people who have entirely different customs and rhythms — that’s a journey worth taking. It changes you. It stretches your mind, reshapes your view of life, and reminds you that growth often happens in discomfort. Every day here brings an “A-ha!” moment.  

JEDDAH: Families in Jeddah are skipping summertime’s typical indoor mall circuit and heading somewhere … wilder.

The newly opened Forest Wonders indoor jungle is offering a nature-inspired escape in the heart of the coastal city, including turtles to pat, goats to feed and lemurs to meet.

“As far as I know, such animal jungles don’t just offer fun experiences but also educate the public about wildlife conservation,” 36-year-old Abdullah Al-Hashmi told Arab News while waiting in line with his family on opening day.

“It is a new experience for (the kids) and they are excited about it,” he said.

Located on King Abdulaziz Road, the jungle-like venue opened on July 16 as part of this year’s Jeddah Season.

The air-conditioned space, covering 7,500 sq. m, features more than 200 animals in themed zones such as the Meercat Zone, Raccoon Enclosure, Bird Park and the Secret Garden, where rare animals are hidden among the foliage.

“It was fun and we enjoyed every zone or area,” said Jameel Al-Shikhi, visiting with his wife and two children.

“The kids had fun with the most of the animals and they still want to see more.”

From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education, including on topics such as sustainability, farming and animal care.

Young visitors can color, plant or play skill games between feeding stations and animal encounters.

“It is really connecting people with animals and the kids enjoyed many activities such playing, feeding, planting, drawing and watching the diverse animals closely,” Al-Shikhi said.

According to officials of the National Events Center, the 45-day Forest Wonders is a part of the broader Jeddah Season push to offer diverse, family-oriented entertainment.

Whether it is snapping a photo with a raccoon, learning about farming or simply watching a lemur, Forest Wonders offers a breath of fresh, leafy air in the middle of Jeddah’s urban summer.