Daily Life in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: How the Expat Women of Rio Spend Their Days

March 15, 2010

How the Expat Women of Rio Spend Their Days

No names, but all true stories. Certainly not all inclusive, (I can't be everywhere and know everyone, people...) feel free to add more in the comments section! Also known as "You might be an expat wife in Rio if you spend your days..."

Drinking sangria, caiprinhas, agua do coco or other assorted cocktails at various kiosks and establishments in the Zona Sul
Going to Barra for the day for shopping and a Burger King fix
Waiting around for various tradespeople, repairmen and drivers
Talking to family back home on vonage or skype, or stalking facebook to "stay in the loop" and attempt to live a double life - one here, one back home.
Spending hours in lineups at the bank, grocery store, etc.
Going to the BEACH! Or pool/tennis club.
Taking glass blowing/making classes, pottery classes, cooking classes, yoga classes, boot camp, university or distance education classes (Women taking said glass classes spend time checking out various dumpsters around town for discarded glass, asking construction men if they may take the glass, smashing the glass so it is an appropriate size for transport, then cleaning excess broken glass off said street afterwards. Which makes for a busy day!)
Playing Canasta or Bridge
Taking assorted visitors around Rio's many attractions
Working on a friendship quilt (there is a group that does the most GORGEOUS quilts of scenes of Rio. I must have one before I leave. I've been trying to win one in various raffles but I have accepted the fact that I probably just have to hunker down and make one...)
Volunteering in orphanages or schools (normally teaching English or organizing activities)
EATING. Constantly.
Taking Portuguese classes but still not understanding anything the doorman says
Reading, writing and attending book and writer's club meetings
Attending "Rio Young Professionals Happy Hours" put on by the American Consulate - the little joke about these fun events is that you needn't be young nor professional in order to go ;) or other events put on by the American Society or INC or the like
Going to the Copacabana Palace for lunch to try and spy on some celebrities
Going for a daily walk around the lagoa or to Aproador or Leme
Wondering when on earth your husband is coming home from work
Watching reruns of Beverly Hills 90210 (both old and new), Dallas, Friends, or Two and a Half Men
Planning the next getaway or trip home
Making lists of things to bring back next time returning from home
Hunkering down in the quietest and coldest area of the apartment for a moment of sweat-free peace
Filling out various sets of tax forms, expense reports, immigration forms, etc. (and let's not forget about those fun, regular trips to the airport to visit the federal police!)
Going to the lagoa with a group of friends for some good old fashioned swan races