50 Things to Love About Brazil
Autor: Fisk Irajá | Publicado: 2013-05-09T20:12:00-07:00


Brazil is one of the most wonderful places to live in the world.



I’ve been living here for the past nine months, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais—a city of about 3 million that few foreigners have heard of. It’s a big city in a “mountainous state.” Being from Colorado, I can hardly consider these mountains, but they’re some of the biggest ones you’ll see in Brazil.

Unfortunately, I am leaving this amazing country soon. So I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on and share some things I love about Brazil. I’d like to discuss some unique characteristics of the country, and somestrange and hilarious aspects of Brazilian life and culture.

Any criticisms I make here are not at all meant to be negative against Brazil, just the reflections of a gringo living in a different, amazing culture.

Many of the things I am going to discuss are aspects that originally annoyed me, but now that I have adapted to living here, they are just a normal part of my life and are nothing more than amusing. Many Brazilians have an interesting view of their own country. They often comment that it’s dangerous, the government is corrupt, things are inefficient, and there is poor infrastructure. They wonder why someone would leave the United States or Europe to come here (especially to Belo Horizonte, which isn’t a famous city). I’ve even had people tell me that I’m crazy to come here because Europe and the US are so much better…

But on the other hand, Brazilians absolutely love their country and make comments about how it’s one of the best places in the world. They even have a word, saudades, which means “a longing for something,” which they usually use to refer to things that they miss at home (i.e. Brazil).

So, as you’ll see, Brazil is not as developed as a place like the United States, but it’s got plenty that makes up for that, which makes it such a special place to live. And this starts with the people.



So without further ado, let me present you with my list.

1.&nbsp;Brazilians&nbsp;–without a doubt, the best part about living in this country is that the people are some of the best in the world, and in general I’ve found them extremely friendly and welcoming to foreigners.

2.&nbsp;Tons of fruits that you can’t find anywhere else&nbsp;– one of the most amazing things here is that I never cease to see or hear about fruits that I didn’t know existed. Brazil has the largest variety of fruits of any country in the world, and if you visit here, you’re going to experience a bunch of new flavors. Some of my favorites are cashew fruit, acerola, pinha (also known as sugar-apples in English, even though they don’t look or taste anything like an apple), and carambola.



Image from tuli on&nbsp;Flickr

3.&nbsp;Lunch is always beans and rice plus something else&nbsp;– when I first arrived in Brazil, everyone was surprised that I’d had feijão e arroz (beans and rice) before coming here. It’s not so common in other parts of South America. But in Brazil, it’s a staple, and you haven’t had a real meal if it didn’t include rice and beans. I’ve quickly grown to love, and need, rice and beans every day.

4.&nbsp;Hospitality&nbsp;– Brazilians are by far some of the most hospitable people in the world. They will often go out of their way to help you. And anytime someone has food or a drink, they’ll ask you if you want some. This has made me feel extremely welcome here.

5.&nbsp;Warmth&nbsp;– In Brazil, a friend of a friend is your friend. People here are remarkably kind right from the moment you meet them.

6.&nbsp;“Winter”&nbsp;– for me, winter involves a large coat and boots. In Brazil, most people have never seen snow. But they still complain about the cold if it’s less than 50 degrees—wait what am I talking about? I do too. Not looking forward to another Colorado winter.

7.&nbsp;Cachaça (it’s a lot cheaper than wine!)&nbsp;– this is a special alcohol beverage from Brazil that’s made from sugar cane. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find a good bottle in the U.S. Looks like I’m bringing some back with me!

8.&nbsp;Caipirinhas&nbsp;– lime juice, chachaça, and sugar—perfect on a hot day, when out drinking, or any other time. They’re also made with strawberries, passion fruit, pineapple, grapes, etc. instead of lime, or vodka instead of cachaça (caipiroska).

9.&nbsp;Beer drinking&nbsp;– In Brazil, they serve beer differently than anywhere else I’ve been, and this is basically a reflection of Brazilian culture. When you go out with friends and order beer, you get one large bottle for the table and a bunch of small glasses. When you toast, you chink the glasses together, and then chink the bottle in the center. And if your glass gets low and you want to refill it, you always refill everyone else’s glasses first. Did I say how warm Brazilians are?

10.&nbsp;Cold beer&nbsp;– Brazilian beer is the coldest in the world.

11.&nbsp;Sem balanças&nbsp;– in Brazil self-service buffets are everywhere. At some you pay by the kilo, but at others you pay a set price for as much as you can fit on your plate (sem balança). You can get a filling, delicious, and nutritious meal at one of these for $4-5.

12.&nbsp;Start literally translating from Portuguese&nbsp;– This happens anytime you live abroad, but it’s kind of funny when you hear yourself say, “Can you pass me a file.”

13.&nbsp;Greetings&nbsp;– some of the greetings in Portuguese would sound quite funny if translated, which led to some confusion when I first arrived here. Some examples are: “beauty” (beleza), “all jewel” (tudo joia), and, “and there?” (e aí?). What’s there? “Falou” (it spoke/we have spoken) is also a common way to say goodbye.

14.&nbsp;Lack of outlets&nbsp;– A room usually only has one or two outlets, which are often filled with splitters or power strips. I actually got so used to this that when I went home for Christmas, and at my friend’s house I was looking for an outlet to plug my computer in. I saw one across the room under a table, so I went to plug my computer in and then my friend asked me what I was doing and pointed out that there was an outlet right next to me.

15.&nbsp;Food is either very sweet or very salty&nbsp;– There is a surprising amount of junk food here, but pastel’s are delicious (fried dough filled different things).

16.&nbsp;Palmito&nbsp;– palm’s hearts. Slightly bitter. Delicious in anything, especially pastel.

17.&nbsp;Paçoca&nbsp;– a candy made from peanuts and sugar. I’m addicted to these; I can’t stop eating them until they’re gone.

18.&nbsp;Caldo de cana&nbsp;– Sugar cane juice. Great after working out!

19.&nbsp;Açai (A.K.A. God’s gift to Brazil).&nbsp;– This stuff is just the best. I’ve been quoted saying that I’d become bulimic just so I can eat more açai once I’m full. Yes, it’s that good.

20.&nbsp;Cigarro de Palha&nbsp;– I don’t smoke often, but these things are amazing. Basically just pure tobacco wrapped in cornhusk, held together with a small rubber band. They smell great, too – I find myself following people too close on the street if they are smoking a palha.

21.&nbsp;Got milk?&nbsp;– Condensed milk is in everything, and dehydrated milk is a normal dessert topping. – I used to see these in the store in the U.S but I never knew what people use them for.

22.&nbsp;Samba&nbsp;– it’s a beautiful complex dance and music. But there are tons of unique music and dance that go along with Brazilian culture and joy so well. Check them out.



Image from OiMax on&nbsp;Flickr

23.&nbsp;Parties&nbsp;– Brazilians love their parties, and not just at Carnaval. If anyone invites you to a churrasco or a birthday party, go. There’s tons of delicious food, caiparinhas, dancing, and laughing. Brazilians know how to have a good time.

24.&nbsp;Butecos&nbsp;– Lots and lots of butecos (and Belo Horizonte is the capital of this). These are like bars that are open onto the street and have outdoor tables. It’s a great place to enjoy a beer or cachaça with friends and check out what’s going on in the town.

25.&nbsp;Plastic napkins&nbsp;– I’ve never seen these anywhere else, but in Brazil they’re everywhere. They don’t help you clean anything, they just keep the grease off of your hands.

26.&nbsp;Plastic cups (even for hot drinks)&nbsp;– If you get a coffee you’ll probably still burn your hands. Not to mention the chemicals.

27.&nbsp;Things are broken or out of service&nbsp;– This is pretty normal here, it’s Brazil. I’m used to it now, and when I see other gringos complain about it I just find it funny.

28.&nbsp;Drink Alcohol Anywhere&nbsp;– in Brazil there is no law about drinking on the street, which is awesome because you can take a beer to go when you go out. But what’s stranger is that you can also take alcohol with you in a car or the bus, as long as you’re not driving. I was shocked the first time I saw it, but it is convenient if you need to take a taxi.

29.&nbsp;The grocery store&nbsp;– At the store there are five cash registers, and only one cashier. At the fruit store, there are 5 employees and one cash register. I don’t understand how hiring works here, but it’s typical. Long lines are also common.

30.&nbsp;Brazilian showers&nbsp;– Water heaters are extremely rare here, so people use electric showerheads. With these you either get high pressure and cold water or low pressure and hot water. Electricity and running water: a winning combination.

31.&nbsp;5 probably means 6&nbsp;– people here are famous for not being punctual, but it of course depends on the person. Also, when someone tells you “I’m on my way,” it probably means they just got out of the shower. Cultural differences…

32.&nbsp;People always ask you which state you’re from, even though they only know Florida, New York, California, and maybe Texas.

33.&nbsp;People then ask which city you’re from, even though they only know Miami, Orlando, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.

34.&nbsp;People think the Grand Canyon is in Colorado&nbsp;– not saying that the average American has any better knowledge of Brazilian geography.



35.&nbsp;Waterfalls&nbsp;– Brazil has thousands of waterfalls, which make for great swimming on a hot day. But unfortunately you need a car to get to them.

36.&nbsp;Nature, hiking&nbsp;– again, this is awesome, but you need a car.

37.&nbsp;Parks&nbsp;– there are a lot of nice parks in Brazilian cities. People like to go use the workout equipment there and show off their muscles.

38.&nbsp;Beaches&nbsp;– Brazil is famous for its beautiful beaches, but come with money, because travel is expensive here.



39.&nbsp;Toucans… and other wild life&nbsp;– I mention toucans because they’re my favorite. But it’s been cool coming to this side of the world because so much of the flora and fauna is completely different than anywhere else I’ve been.

40.&nbsp;Riding a bus is sometimes more thrilling than a roller coaster&nbsp;– Bus drivers here are seriously crazy. When I first came here, I was a little scared every time I had to take the bus, but now I’m used to it. Don’t expect to be able to read the whole time though.

41.&nbsp;People offer to hold your stuff&nbsp;– if you’re standing on the bus, people always offer to hold your bag. At first I was worried that someone was trying to rob my stuff, but it’s just common courtesy here.

42.&nbsp;People love to talk&nbsp;– when I first got here I didn’t speak Portuguese very well. If I was waiting for the bus or something else, people would often sit down next to me and start talking, I’d say, “Sorry, I don’t understand,” and they’d say “Oh,” and then keep talking as if you understood. Did I say people here are friendly?

43.&nbsp;Soccer/Football&nbsp;– Going to watch a soccer game in a bar here is unlike any other sports experience I’ve had. The whole city comes alive. You don’t need to actually watch the game because every time our team scores a goal, you can hear the whole city cheer. And it’s also common for people to drive around holding down the car horn, screaming for their team.

44.&nbsp;“Vamos combinar algo”&nbsp;– this literally means, “we’re going to combine something,” or let’s plan to do something. People always want to plan to do things with you, but actually getting them to do it will take some proactivity on your behalf.

45.&nbsp;BH é um ovo&nbsp;– people say the city where I live is an egg, which means that this city of three million is “small” because you see people you know everywhere. After just a couple months of living here I would already randomly run into people I knew almost every day. I can’t imagine living here you’re whole life… I don’t know how you’d get anywhere!

46.&nbsp;PDA&nbsp;– Public displays of affection are culturally acceptable here whether in a park or in a restaurant. It’s just something else you have to get used to (or take advantage of).

47.&nbsp;“I’m a vegetarian,” “So you eat chicken?”&nbsp;– I’ve been a vegetarian for a large part of my life, but when I first arrived here I ate meat to try the local cuisine. Later I went vegetarian again (and now vegan), which is extremely uncommon here, so people here don’t understand it.

48.&nbsp;Change&nbsp;– Anytime you pay for anything without exact change, they ask if you can pay with something smaller. It seems that stores never have a full cashier.

49.&nbsp;More change&nbsp;– Anytime you get change, it’s with the smallest coins possible, so your wallet is as heavy as possible.

50.&nbsp;Money&nbsp;– The coins are a mix of different generations of coins. So it can be hard to know if this coin is 50 cents, 25 cents, or 10 cents.

Despite some of the funny, strange aspects that can be annoying,&nbsp;Brazil is a wonderful country to visit and live.The benefits far outweigh the miniscule negatives. And people here will make you feel welcome and at home.

Any country you visit or live in will have differences to what you’re used to at home. But it’s still important to get out of your bubble, experience other places and cultures, and to get a global perspective. The more you travel, the more you’ll find that people are much more similar than different. Every culture has a bunch of small differences, but the BIG similarity is that we are all human.

When it comes down to it, we all have the same wants and needs. We all enjoy spending time with friends and having fun. So if you’re open minded, you can feel at home anywhere. And when you get out and experience the world, you’ll be making the best memories of your life, and learning more than you would ever expect.

I’ve only lived in one part of this immense country, and I haven’t traveled as much as I would like to. So if you come live in Brazil you may have a profoundly different experience than mine. But I think you’ll find that this list is a good representation of some of the biggest differences that a gringo might perceive.


A large part of my idea to write this article came from Olivier Teboul, a French guy living and working in Belo Horizonte. If you understand Portuguese, his article is hilarious, so&nbsp;check it out.

Link:&nbsp;http://wanderful-world.com/2013/05/03/50-things-to-love-about-brazil/