Daily Life in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

My Twilight Connections

I have somehow managed to completely avoid the whole Twilight thing. Haven't read a book or watched any of the movies. I'm sure it is not the only pop culture craze I missed out on living in Rio over the past few years. (As a complete aside I recently discovered that even after THREE years Ben Mulroney still has a TV show back in Canada. Really? REALLY? Disappointing. Though, encouraging to know that the job market clearly must not be THAT tough there. )

As I hear more and more about the movie in the series that's currently being filmed (see, I don't even know the title), I do think I will have to jump on the bandwagon at some point, no matter how late in the game.

Why? Well, it was filming in two locations I'm well familiar with - Rio (Paraty), and Tofino, the teeeeeeeny tiny fishing village where I was born. I kinda wonder if the film's location scout has been following me around....  If you can find anything else in the universe that's so connected to these two special and somewhat obscure places as, well, me and this film, then you can bet I want to know about it. If someone actually does come up with something - anything, I will even provide a prize.

So I guess I will have to see it. Vampires, right?

 

Canadian Expats, Did You Know?

Did you know that the Canadian government currently has no legislative responsibility to protect Canadians abroad? This is of course coming up as disasters are occurring in countries around the world such as Japan, Egypt, Libya...

Do expats deserve to be protected (mostly meaning extracted when there's a disaster) by their home countries even when they have willingly moved away and in many cases no longer pay taxes or fulfill civic/national duties such as voting, etc.

Is it fair to have it both ways?

Interesting article on the subject here.

Great Gift Ideas for the far away little loved ones

My dad (Big G) and stepmom (Granny Lola) found some really cute stuff for the Canadoca for Christmas this year. One item was her own little teddy bear wheely luggage (soon to be seen being lugged through an airport near you - um, no actually. It's not meant for the kind of travel we do. But it's fun and the Canadoca loves it!). Another, which is a great idea for all grandparents far away from their grandkids - Record a Story.

This little book has my dad's voice trapped inside of it, reading Twas the Night Before Christmas to the Canadoca personally, as she turns the pages! It's so cute. I cried and cried and cried when she opened it. I am really turning into a wimp.

Record a Story has a few other titles too, a book called "Guess How Much I Miss You" and Dora and Sesame Street as well. Check out their web site here.

 

The Art of the Facebook Status

Sometimes I wonder why I bother reading facebook statuses. 90% of them are super annoying. Especially the ones that include TMI, or consist of whining about illness - complete with detailed symptoms, or my pet peeve - people complaining about their kids on fb (maybe they aren't behaving because those parents are spending all your time on facebook.... just an idea?) other annoying examples include the ones which are fake, braggy, projecting an image that is nowhere close to reality... but I digress. 

Every so often there's a brilliant status update that reminds me of why I wade through these loads of other garbage... and more often than not, the ones which fall into this latter, special category which generally make me cackle with glee, are written by my college friend, G.

Here's today's:

Don't you love it when someone who lives in the burbs, has kids, and whose biggest challenge and excitement in life is programming their pvr proclaims adamantly "I won't own a minivan!" Good call - I'm sure the shape of the box you're driving is really holding you back from being Indiana Jones or Bear Grylls. Take a look in the mirror there stretchpants.

Seriously I love this. I also love statuses which announce births or other fun life events, tell hilarious stories of kids saying the darndest things, contain news references I would have otherwise missed, spark interesting debate, are helpful, or are just all around hilarious.  

Anyway totally not Brazil related obviously, but just thought I'd share.

G, I nominate you to teach the world a course called "Creative Status Updates 101" - sadly needed!

 

 

Skype Conference Calling

That's right, expats, you can say it once now instead of spending your sundays telling the same stories multiple times! Skype now has a conference calling feature. Download the new version.

Quick Tip : Christmas Cards from Abroad - great tip for Expats

Last year I spent hours doing Christmas cards. Bought them at Costco in Canada, designed a photo montage to put in the card, printed the photos in Brazil ($$$), handsigned them, wrote a little poem on a slip of paper and decorated it with stickers, spent over an hour at the post office getting postage for all of the different places they were going, which took a full two hours to attach to the envelopes, only to have most of them arrive long after Christmas had passed despite mailing them at the beginning of December. It was truly a project.

This year I found a smarter expat solution. Shutterfly mails out personalized Christmas cards for you from the US! I am pretty sure I spent less on them this year than last, and even with having to manually input all of my addresses (a one-time thing) I still think it was less labour intensive than last year, and going forward now that the addresses are there, it will be a breeze.

There was even space for my little poem inside...

 

Calgary: Today's 2nd Coldest Place on Earth. Where the cars wear blankets.

Since starting this blog I have made no secret of my plans to at least try to move somewhere other than Calgary when we leave Rio. Namely, Vancouver. This house made me think I could definitely move to Calgary anytime soon a couple weeks ago, (the one condition of course being that I would move into the house) but since then it has apparently been at least -20 C. It must be a sign I'm not supposed to return there. Don't mind me using the blog as a record of all the reasons not to move back there... you never know when I might need a list handy!

Even the cars are cold, apparently:

Today in Rio it was only about 25 degrees but it felt a lot warmer....

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tonight we're enjoying a big turkey dinner in celebration of Canadian Thanksgiving (which was last weekend). Found a 9 kilo bird at Kikarnes!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, a wonderful time to reflect. A week late or anytime. What are you thankful for?

If only they could see her now...

The Canadoca is sure showing her personality lately. She's quite funny (I always say she's "smart like Daddy, fun like Mommy!") and VERY determined to do what she wants to do. On this trip I've been told by numerous family friends that she is bossy (some have come right out and said those words, others more diplomatically - haha). I saw a shirt that said "I'm not Bossy, I just know what you should be doing!" Might have to get it for her...

Though we had fantastic weather for much of our trip, in the twenties and thirties, when we went to visit some friends of my mom's on the Shuswap lake in the interior of British Columbia last week, it was less than 20 degrees Celsius, so not what I would call a swimming day, even in Canada. The Canadoca did not agree. She dragged me down to the water's edge, then to wading depth, then finally when it became apparent to her that I was not interested in swimming, she simply sat down in the water in protest. So at that point I had to go in at least a little bit, to retrieve her and all... She didn't seem to care that I was wearing a coat or that it was windy or cold. In her defense, the lake was pretty warm.

Ohhhh man.

If only the Brazilians could have seen us! No, she was not wearing socks ;)

 

Photos from the Road

I really feel as though I have had the best of both worlds lately - a fun, interesting lifestyle in Brazil peppered with frequent trips back to North America for visits and amenities. It's been great. I know I'm lucky.

When I'm in Canada the things I appreciate most (besides the visiting) are the wide open spaces, fresh air, and feeling of purity. Here are some gorgeous shots I took while visiting relatives just outside of Vancouver that I thought I'd share.

(Yes, there are two shots of the Canadoca, one with her Nana, one of her getting a lacrosse lesson...)

 

 

In case you are wondering...

The Canadoca and I are currently away in North America (spending time in both Canada & the US). This is the worst I have ever neglected this blog in the 2 + years I've been keeping it. Even when the Canadoca was born there weren't many days without posts! Time for a break I guess. But don't worry, I'll be back. In the meantime I will post some random blackberry shots of moments and scenes in Rio I thought worth capturing and sharing....

How to Justify Airfare Home: The Price of Kids' Stuff in Brazil

Because it would only take buying a few items back home rather than here to pay for your airfare. No wonder so many Brazilians hit Miami for shopping... meu deus! Mr. DRL will be in the US and already has a ton of stuff waiting for him at the hotel that he is bringing back with him (yes I warned him and sent empty suitcases).

Lately there have been a number of articles and studies put out about the exorbitant cost of living here in Rio, these examples highlight it as well. If you are moving to Rio, these are things you need to think about. 

These are just a few things that I saw while out and about this week that I felt the need to price-compare as examples for you. By the way I'm not searching for the lowest prices online, I'm just using Amazon, and xe to convert today's exchange rate. I would also like to mention that it is significant that some of these items are even AVAILABLE here now, as many of them weren't as recently as a few months ago. 

Anyway - here we go:

 
 

At a drugstore - the MAM Bite & Brush teether. R$24.90. Today that's $14.08 US.

The same product on Amazon:

Next up:

 
This is a Fisher price Rainforest play mat - the price tag is pretty clear though $R329.50. Which is US $185.69 today. Or you could buy it on Amazon and save yourself ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS.....

At this rate you might even be able to justify first class airfare...

Next up, the bumbo chair.

 
See for yourself, it's R$212 here, which is US $114. Only triple the price in the states.

Sling:

 
The same Munchkin Jelly Bean sling... here it's US $112.70 today, or on Amazon below for less than a quarter of the price.

So, this is why it is always always always worth the extra $100 or so for an extra piece of luggage. It quickly pays for itself.

No Canada Day!

Well you saw my post a couple of days ago about the cute little Canada goose and now I will post about a little bit of good old fashioned Canadian shame! Every year on Canada day since we've come down here I've read about celebrations other expats have with their consulates and embassies in other cities (street hockey tournaments and the like) and thought wow that would be fun. A couple of years ago, the consulate offered to buy Canadians dessert if they came out to a luncheon, this year when I inquired I was told that there is absolutely nothing planned in terms of Canada Day celebrations in Rio. Sad!

So what's an expat to do? I'll dress the Canadoca up in one of her Canada shirts, sing the anthem, break out the maple syrup and..... maybe watch some Rick Mercer reruns.

From the Library of the Canadoca

When I was home in May I found this fantastic book by Marc Tetro. Why was it so essential to add this book to the Canadoca's library? Well, in over two years in Rio I am asked daily where I'm from. Before I get a chance to answer, generally people guess. And generally they guess wrong - exactly just once in the entire two years have I been asked if I am Canadian. Most commonly I am asked if I am American, then French, Italian, British or Argentinian. The little goose in the book encounters much of the same... I think this should be requisite reading for Canadian expat babies!

 

On Class Reunions

 Part of the reason I timed my last trip back to Canada the way I did was to attend my 10 year highschool reunion. It was supposed to be on the Victoria Day long weekend. We arrived in Canada on April 30th, the same day that the reunion committee canceled the reunion due to lack of interest. I ended up organizing a luncheon for the dozen or so of us who were still around and wishing to get together. It was great to see everyone but a bit disappointing that more people weren't game to go.

I went to highschool in a small town in the interior of British Columbia (on the far WEST side of Canada). In most cases, the people I went to highschool with still have family in the town, and many live there themselves - either never having left or having moved back. Of the dozen people who attended the "reunion" - just one lives in the town. She was one of the organizers of the reunion that didn't go ahead, and mentioned that many of the people who lived locally felt that they didn't want to go to the reunion because they were still doing the same thing they were doing in highschool. I found that to be so sad for many reasons. I felt really lucky going into this "reunion" situation - I finished my education, worked in my field for a few years, married Mr. Right, moved abroad, had a cute baby.  I am proud of what I have to show for these ten years. Minus the extra "baby weight" of course ;) (Am I still allowed to call it that? She is 13 months old!) Beyond that, I was excited to see what others had done with their decade, particularly the people whose names had not crossed my mind since "Grad 2000" - I was prepared to be amazed. A dozen of us getting together proved enough to find out who of the hundred students in my class had come out of the closet (1), who'd had kids (many!), who the token doctors and lawyers (1 doctor, 1 lawyer so far) from the class were, and a mass of random other stuff, like, for example, who had become hard-core environmentalists living "off the grid" (so far the count is 2).  

There was also talk about FACEBOOK making reunions redundant. As much as I find facebook, skype and email to be fantastic for keeping me in touch with people back home, there's just no substitute for the real thing, seeing someone in person and connecting with them. 

So, here's to the 20 year reunion... I sure hope it happens. And I hope the next 10 years don't fly by as fast as these have (though time seems to be whipping by faster than ever these days).

Making Leaving Easier

Now that I am back in Rio I'm super happy to be here. Leaving Canada is always hard, at the airport I noticed two things that made leaving Canada easier.

1) This weather (which apparently soon after turned to SNOW).

2) This interesting piece of art in YYC which was creeping me out!

Saying Goodbye

As my time in the great white north wraps up, here are a few scattered thoughts occupying my mind between last minute visits, shopping, packing, sleeping and dealing with the Canadoca teething:

• These goodbyes are not getting any easier. With the Canadoca getting older, she is developing special relationships with everyone back home. Watching them say goodbye to her is awful. I can't imagine being away from her for 5 hours let alone months on end...not to mention how hard it is on Mr. DRL to be away from her!
• I try to keep in mind at all times that being here, visiting, is not really what my reality would look like if I were to move home. When I come here I stay with family which means not a lot of cooking and cleaning, built-in childcare, which for me this month meant many long showers and as many yoga classes as I wished. I keep reminding myself that this would not exactly be the case if we lived here!
• On this trip I scheduled my time (where I was spending it) the way I wanted, instead of how others wanted me to (generally these "others" are still not happy no matter what I do anyway!), I highly recommend doing this!
• I've been corresponding with a woman who is trying to decide whether or not to move to Rio. I can't advise on anyone else's situation but can say this: no matter how frustrated I get at times, I still think moving to Brazil is the best thing Mr. DRL and I have ever done. It's challenged us and been incredibly fun and exciting. But I am starting to think about moving back, someday...
  

On Sweaters and staying warm

The Canadoca has about 13 sweaters she has never had any opportunity to wear since we live in Brazil. We take her to the park on a windy day in Calgary and all I have with me to keep her warm is a blanket to wrap her in. From now on I would like to cease being known as "DRL" - instead, just call me "Supermom".

If only the Brazilians could have seen that!

*Denotes sarcasm. Meaning, I do not recommend this nor do I consider it to be good parenting ;)

Want to Leave Rio?

Attention all expats who are interested in leaving Rio! All you have to do is start hanging out with me and for me to become attached to you and I guarantee that before you know it, you will soon be transferred. I seem to have the "special touch"...

Around the Web

• Recently I did a little piece on what the expat wives of Rio do to occupy themselves. Here's another article I found about expat wives, complete with a poem at the end.
• Oh great, now everyone in other countries will not only think that Canadians don't lock their doors and have a great healthcare system, but also that we live in little teeny tiny houses like this one for sale in Toronto. But maybe at least it will raise some awareness that we don't actually live in igloos?
• Apparently there is a movement to reduce the number of plastic bags consumed in Brazil. The environment minister is aiming to reduce by over a billion and a half bags per year. I figure this is totally do-able! My action plan? Inform all baggers at all grocery stores that it is possible to put more than one item in each bag. It's news to all of them, I assure you.
• Finally, a piece on how working abroad could be good for your health. I believe it! Mr. DRL works more hours than ever here, has 5 times longer of a commute (on a good day) and yet is WAAAYYYYY healthier here than he was back home. Seriously never gets sick, and back home I thought he had chronic fatigue syndrome or worse.  I think he and I are just both allergic to Calgary. Anyway, here's the article.

Pascoa

Last Sunday was my FOURTH Palm Sunday in Brazil. Kinda weird. (Mr. DRL and I spent most of the month of March in Brazil for work and vacation the year before we moved down here. Remember the post about all the SHOES I bought?).

The Easter displays here in Rio still continue to impress me. Love those Easter eggs hanging from the rafters of every market around.

These Easter eggs range in price from about R$5 to up to R$400 at specialty shops. They are typically a chocolate egg filled with different types of candy/chocolate. I bought four different ones for us and our guests, will let you know how they are...

But still, despite all of this chocolatey splendor I'm surrounded with, all I want are some Cadbury Mini Eggs!

I hear they are making them in DARK chocolate flavour now. My guests arriving tomorrow are bringing me some...

Around the Web

Stuff I found interesting...

1) Gisele and her baby either are or were in Brazil for her sister's wedding. Last time I posted about Gisele it garnered a lot of attention...

2) Looking for a house to rent in Buzios? Here are two great sites with listings, here and here.

3) On doing without some of the conveniences of back home - I think it's great that we eat so few processed or packaged food items here. One of the only processed items that have passed the Canadoca's lips so far are these organic teething biscuits I bought while home at Christmas time (and even then, it's only when she is having a teething meltdown in a big way that she is handed one of those). However, I just found some recipes on the internet for homemade teething biscuits, the one I'm going to try making her tomorrow doesn't even have flour or sugar in it. Perfect! Click here for the recipes. 

4) Looking to watch Brazilian films? Click here for a fantastic list of recommendations.

5) Back in Canada I drove under these wildlife overpasses in Banff National Park about a million times, as I lived in Calgary for 7 years and my parents live in the interior of British Columbia. Pretty much every single time I drove under the darn things I wondered to myself if they actually worked - was the wildlife actually smart enough to use the overpasses? Were studies done? Was anyone monitoring the animal activity? I mean, the things had to have cost a fortune, but if they worked, it was worth it, right? Well don't you just love it when a question that has been burning in your mind for years is finally answered? Click here for a quick and interesting video or here to read info on this topic.  Here are some photos so you know what the heck I am referring to:

 

Happy St. Patty's From the Canadoca

Well they say you have to be good to be Lucky, and you've got to be Lucky to be good.  Ironically, our friend Lucky is currently here visiting us with his lovely wife. Lucky us indeed! Here's hoping some luck reaches you today. 

The Canadoca's little getup says "Not Lucky, Just Cute"

Happy to be in Brazil Because... It's NOT snowing

This is a new series I've been thinking of starting for awhile. Today seemed the perfect day to do so, because apparently it's snowing in Calgary. Or so facebook tells me. Here are some status updates of friends which all cracked me up (and, for the record, it not only snows in Calgary in March on an annual basis, it has also been known to snow there on occasion in May, June, July and August. Thus why I will have to be dragged back there kicking and screaming if Mr. DRL wants to live there again. My vote is for Vancouver)...

Back on topic, DRL! Here are the funny status updates:

From my friend who is coming to visit me in Rio who just booked her ticket:

• I see snowflakes!!!! NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
• to which my sister in law replied : Aaaahhhh!

From my friend who just moved TO Calgary from Rio:

• It is snowing. This morning I cleaned the car in flip-flops!

From others:

• So much for spring fever!! I was getting way ahead of myself! I forgot I live in Calgary!

• YAY snow!!! I love snow in March!! Calgary is the best :(

• Dear mother nature: Take back the snow!!!

To most of which I responded:

"I am guessing this is not a good time to mention my swim in a waterfall surrounded by butterflies this morning?"

So for those of you expecting my travel report, it will come later this week. This was too important and timely to wait! Besides, I have to collect my thoughts (and download photos from three different cameras). But the swimming with the butterflies part? Consider it a sneak peek!

New Canadian

The Canadoca officially has dual citizenship. Her Canadian citizenship card came through last month - just in time for her to cheer on the Canadians in the Olympics, and to watch the Gold Medal Hockey Game, a whole 4 months before we expected it! Not sure how it works for other countries, but we had to apply for Canadian citizenship for her. She was granted a temporary Canadian passport almost immediately, which was particularly important since her Brazilian passport took so long.

She's Canadian just in time to appreciate this moving tribute to Canada in the words of an American - this made me homesick!!!

I have to admit I didn't really get into the Olympic thing too much, but after hearing so many amazing stories from family and friends, I feel like I really missed out on something special. But to be fair, in my EXACTLY two years here in Brazil (today marks 2 years since we moved here!), it's one of the first times I've felt that way.

2009 Rio Expat Survey Results: How the Expats Shop

1) I asked where they most frequently buy food/groceries in Rio - they were allowed to list up to 3 options:

Zona Sul was most popular by far, followed by Hortifruti, Feiras (the open air markets), Sendas, Pao do Acucar, Extra, Carrefour and Wal-Mart.

2) I asked which creature comforts Rio expats bring back with them from home countries on a regular basis.

83% bring back beauty products and toiletries

73% bring food products

56% bring electronics

30% bring other household items (DRL note: I know of several people who bring in garbage bags and dish soap!)

Other items participants specifically listed with this question:

• Baking soda
• facial creams
• peanut butter
• coffee maker, dvd player, kids' cereal, candy
• oriental herbs and spices, dutch treats
• syrup, granola bars, peanut butter
• spicy food, spa treatments
• chips chips and more chips
• Perfume, Clinique, Mac, -makeup in general. Ipods, car stereo, telephone, answering maching, computers, printers, cameras, children's toys, strollers, bedding, and lots of clothes, adults and kids clothes/shoes/accessories...the list goes on!
• Walkers Salt and Vinager Crisps

3) Not what the folks at Shopping Leblon want to hear...  when asked where they buy their clothing, ex-pats in Rio responded that they buy most of their clothing back home:

2009 Rio Expat Survey Results: What you miss

I asked respondents what they missed back home (besides the obvious answer of the people - family and friends). Here is what they said, somewhat categorized:

Intangibles:

• The easiness of everything familiar.
• not having to worry about money
• efficiency and reliability
• Immediate networks from city to city. I'm building my newtworks now... it's challenging, but exhausting at 46 - a bit like starting over.
• familiarity
• The efficiency of things back home.
• The conveniences and easiness about life - everything here is a bit more of a struggle.
• Efficiency.
• less bureaucracy
• accountability
• Having things work the way they are supposed to.
• Orderliness.
• The average level of education.
• intellectual interaction with friends
• Ease of everything
• conveinence
• Rio is NOISY, I miss the silence

In the tummy-ables:

• Mexican food. I'm from Houston, and there aren't any Mexican food places that I know of here. (DRL note: There is Rota 66 and Blue Agave - try them out!) 
• Brooklyn bodegas
• the food :)
• The food...The healthy food (Whole Foods, Trader Joes), yummy salads, good avocados and sour cream!
• The grocery stores
• Good, real bread!
• Food and comforts.
• Organic food - always, everything and almost everywhere.
• food (from New Mexico)
• The wide variety of tasty, inexpensive ethnic foods (Indian, Thai, Ethiopian, Italian, Mexican, Chinese...)
• chili dogs, pizza, dunking donuts
• mexican food
• american desserts
• Chips .. LOL They are not the same here in Rio
• Chinese food and Indian food.
• Mexican food
• Vietnamese food
• Being able to order a cappucino and have it arrive without sweetened condensed milk, chocolate, sugar, or all of the above mixed in.
• curry, salt and vinegar crisps
• Donor kebabs and curry

Infrastructure:

• community spaces
• Availability of anything!
• my public library

In the Weather/landscapes:

• seasons
• Hikes in the woods.
• I miss the cold.
• Cool weather.
• Fresch crisp air of autumn
• Fresh air.
• grass
• different seasons... I hate cold...but I like the diversity

In the Ring:

• watching a sport event with friends over cold ones
• watching American Football
• Pubs and warm beer

In English!

• I miss speaking English as my first language.
• News in english and general TV.
• communication
• to speak my birth language
• BBC tv
• UK TV

In Matters of Taste and Culture:

• Good music.

All In the Family:

• my family
• Nothing. Home is where the family is together.

"Housekeeping" Items:

• cleaniness
• I miss the puncuality of service men back home.
• my lovely garden
• my house

Freedoms/Security:

• The freedom to get in my car and drive myself where ever I want to go, whenever I want to go there without any logistical work
• A life without such great security worries, i.e. for me personally: to be able to just "be" (without having to previously think about what to wear, when to go, if possible to walk, etc.)
• I miss being able to walk freely around my town without having to worry about the dangers.
• My independence.
• Driving
• strolling at night without concern
• Reasonable driving.
• Driving a nice car
• The safety and cleanliness.
• Personal freedom
• back yard with no walls, suburban lifestyle
• Nicer cars
• Driving in the car with no known destination...just getting lost without worrying about safety.
• Flying small planes in the US, the US is a pilot's country...here it is very different.
• Being able to walk on the street with my camera in plain view without worrying about being robbed.
• Good driving
• Freedom to go where I want, when I want without concern.
• Being able to get or do anything I want, any time.

Shopping:

• online shopping
• access to things
• SHOPPING SHOPPING SHOPPING and then there's SHOPPING -- more specifically, discount/off price shopping and high quality products for a reasonable price
• Dillards, Macy's, the Galleria, Kroger's
• Stupid UK soaps that I can't see online. I'm getting over it.
• H&M clothing stores
• my favorite stores
• Marks and Spencer, topshop
• cheap candles...a lot of everyday little things.

Other:

• I miss the medical care!
• not much, that is why I am an expate - I do love going home to visit though.
• cheap international flights

Obrigada, Selaron!

Selaron has included Grampa's tile in his famous staircase! It is near the bottom of the staircase on the left hand side. We took some family photos there and framed one of Canadoca with the tile for Mr. DRL's mom (it was her dad's tile, and he passed away exactly one year ago today).

Here it is!

How I Met Your Mother

Mr. DRL and I are addicted. It's pretty funny... I think most of the attraction for us is how much they make fun of the Canadian character in the show, the jokes about Canada are the best. We are a nation of self-depracators, that is for sure. (Every time Canada is made fun of in an American show it's almost a point of pride - they know we're here! They know we exist!)

We are currently watching Season 4, and in one of the episodes, Marshall makes some generalizations about different cultures. Brazil is mentioned, in the context of (forgive the not-exact wording, please) something to the effect of:

Everyone knows Brazilians put too much postage on their mail.

Now, having had numerous experiences with having to put what seems like an excessive amount of postage going on outgoing mail, I get why this idea might be out there... but I am certainly curious as to how this made it on the show! Of all of the generalizations to make about Brazilians. There must be a story there somewhere....

Gotta Hankering for a Bagel?

The only bagels I've ever seen in Rio:

These can be found in Copacabana on the corner of Avenida Atlantica and Rua Ronald de Carvalho. Haven't tried them... have you?

2009 Expat Survey Results: Working in Brazil, the rewards and frustrations

55% of respondents said they work more hours here in Brazil than they did in their previous job.

I also asked what was the most rewarding thing about working in Brazil and the most frustrating. Let's start with the frustrations and finish on a positive note with the rewards:

Participants reported that their biggest frustrations working in Rio de Janeiro are:

• getting people to do something "right now" is almost impossible. Everything takes more time here
• I teach English largely to rich kids. Some of their attitudes and sense of entitlement drives me nuts.
• the cost of living, quality of apartments available for rent
• Working in Brazil is more work as a expat...longer hours.
• because of lack of standardized bureaurcracy, I find that people sometimes neglect common sense in making decisions as they are always trying to make it fit the process instead of designing a process that solves the issue
• too much to do in too little time
• resistency against changes
• There is always expression for para manha...
• inefficiency
• low pay
• you need to micromanage here in Rio.
• the language barrier - I worked with 5 people who spoke no English so it was pretty much an immersion experience.
• For me, language... I'd like to speak more portuguese to help improve my work relationships here.
• Time difference with US and UK markets, government red tape (you will know what I mean about this after you attempt to get any work papers, open a bank account, get clarification on any laws, etc.
• Lack of commitment, inability to separate main issues for side issues the role of large egos that need stroking above the "greater good" of the deal/business.
• how slow things can be sometimes
• The most frustrating thing is that Brazilians are not direct, they beat around the bush like you wouldn't believe it!
• (DRL's note: I'm guessing this person is a teacher): the parents
• not being able to buy/fix camera equipment here in Rio because it's too expensive.
• The most frustrating thing is dealing with overly dramatic Brazilians!
• The most frustrating was the lack of quality teaching materials. A lot of basic supplies that I use here in the states were not available there. I had to get very creative to effectively teach.
• simplicity (commitment to a deal, agreement or date)

Participants commented that the following makes working in Rio de Janeiro the most rewarding:

• Teaching the local staff new things. The desire to learn is very strong.
• How passionate Brazilians are about their work and life in general...
• making lifelong friends
• having the opportunity to be in another country
• Closeness of the team
• long lunches, long holidays
• rio lifestyle
• Reward is that you get to experience a new culture and that for me is priceless.
• working with a lot of talented Brazilians
• speaking more and more portuguese, basic experience and challenge.
• Getting past the language barrier
• (DRL's note: I'm guessing this person is a teacher): the kids
• The warmth of clients when they are pleased with my work.
• It allows me to get to know Brazilians and it pays much better than being in the UK.
• It was great to be around young children who were bi-lingual. They were so fluent in English at such a young age (1st grade).
• simplicity (take it easy)

Recent Articles of Interest

Wallpaper Magazine has issued its Fab 40 featuring 40 reasons to stay (or head to Brazil). They did lists for 10 different areas of which Canada was another. Of particular interest to me on the Brazilian side were a bunch of places and things I've never heard of, there's always more to experience and see in this country, it's more than just the corcovado, sugarloaf and the foz...  click here for the list. 

My mom sent me this article which is about Stockwell Day's time in Brazil recently. Funny enough, he met with Mr. DRL on one of his trips. The article doesn't say much, but here it is anyway.

An article I'm sure that would be dear to Mr. DRL's heart... further complications to the already atrocious to navigate taxation in Brazil. This article focuses on a new 2% tax on foreign investment in Brazil. Article here, from the Wall Street Journal.

Brazil in the News

As I haven't done one of these posts in ages, some of these news items are a bit old but have been in the back of my mind to share for awhile... I'll start with newer items and end with older ones.

• Perhaps the craziest news I've heard out of Brazil in awhile; Futebol on the praia (beach soccer) is being BANNED as of December 1! Article here. Apparently hundreds of police will be enforcing this law. Don't get me started on that use of resources... this is part of our new mayor's mandate to clean up Rio. I wonder when he plans to get started on the public urination problem? This is right up there with stopping people's household good shipments because of a lone jar of peanut butter but then letting a container of automatic weapons go through. Which is by the way something that happens like every day...  Maybe I should write him a letter. And for those who think it is not a problem in Rio any more than anywhere else, I have to tell you that my husband's auditors were in Rio last week and it was one of the only things that they commented on about Rio! (the xixi).
• Brazil is expected to publish a list of trade sanctions against the US tomorrow, in retaliation for Washington's cotton subsidies. Article here. 
• Curious about what the view is like from the Penthouse in the Copacabana Palace? Click here to see, part of an article on luxury resorts in RIo. 
• Madonna is expected to come back to Rio tomorrow, and is rumoured to be staying at Fasano. Portuguese article only, here. 
• 60 Minutes reported that a series of power outages in Brazil in 2005 and 2007 were caused by cyber attacks. Article here.
• Lula has an impersonator on the radio...
• There have been a number of large-scale international investments in Brazil's real estate sector lately, click here for more details. 
• The BBC reports on walls going up around a number of Rio's favelas here.
• It looks like Woody Allen's 2011 project will be shot and set in Rio. Should be interesting! Article here.

Tonight, On Oprah...

If you are here in Rio, try and catch The Oprah Winfrey Show on GNT at 8 pm. It will feature a segment on Rio de Janeiro. As Oprah runs about 2 weeks behind here in Brazil, I've already heard different things about this episode from a number of people back home, and therefore have had to try not to form too many opinions about what was featured until I see it for myself...  it is an episode about women around the world, and apparently a woman from Ipanema and her maid were interviewed for the Rio portion. To view some "after the show" questions asked, click here.

Also on Oprah's site about Rio - a guide to traveling here (there is one for each of the Olympic 2016 Candidate cities) 

I'm hoping some of you come back and let me know what you thought of the episode and how Rio and its women were portrayed. Can't wait to watch!

Mama's night out

Ever feel like things are just meant to be?

I went out on Halloween night, and left Canadoca at home with Mr. DRL (he hates Halloween, remember?) - the night was great, to the point that I really feel I was destined to go out that night. Why?

1. At 3 pm I had no costume, and was not convinced to go. By 4 pm my fairy godmother had outfitted me completely as a devil complete with red fishnets.
2. Canadoca isn't really known for her bottle taking skills. She was really good at it at first when we left her with my mom and sister a few times when she was a few weeks old, but simply has not had a lot of practice lately and therefore is not too interested when it is offered to her, we've been working on it so that I can have a break occasionally. But Halloween was her big night - Mr. DRL texted me a photo of her feeding herself a bottle! Sweet!
3. It was an almost-full-moon-spooky night out there, kids...
4. Finally, the real reason it felt like I was supposed to be there - there is another 20-something Canadian girl living here in Rio with whom I have several mutual friends. I knew she was going to be there, and one of my friends had previously said, "Oh you never know, you might know some of the same people back home." I thought mayyyyyybe... and thought of that old beer commercial, "Do you know Glen from Canada?" But it is a SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL, even in a city of many million people. This Canadian girl had guests in town, one of whom is a girl who I figure skated as a child, with in our little home town of 2,000 people. I was also in a play years ago with her older brother, and was in her cousin's class every year in Elementary school.... craziness. 
5. The Canuck coincidences didn't end there. I met another Canadian woman,who knows of my aunt and uncle and cousins who live in the same area of the lower mainland.

So... the coincidences were so great that I figured I should maybe buy a lottery ticket or something, but rather I think I was just supposed to go out!

A Less Painful Airport Experience

When Canadoca and I left Canada, we flew out of Vancouver. Wow, that airport tax sure is paying off, the place looks like a museum - beautiful display cases everywhere. It's all brand new, shiny, nice, you almost want your flight to be delayed. I must wonder how good old GIG will look by the time 2016 rolls around (although hardcore reno's are already underway).

Anyway the Vanouver airport has a spa in the area I was in, which I think is a fantastic idea. People with money and time on their hands, typically wanting to arrive at their destination looking good. It's a great time to get nails done, assuming you have enough time for nails to dry before handling luggage of course. Didn't have time for a wax before your trip? No problem. A massage on a layover would be nice. Another service offered - SLEEP SUITE! So smart...

Now if only more airports would offer this concept, plus healthy fresh food options, traveling would be less painful.

Recent Inquiries & Responses: 3

This is part of a new series in which I am posting excerpts from reader emails and my responses in hopes of helping more people who may have the same questions or concerns.

I received an email from a Brazilian living in Canada recently:

Question:

I will be on my way to Rio, to visit family, next month. I'm going with my spouse ... and I am kind of freaking out. I have been here for so long, I am terrified of all the violence, and high rate of car accidents and things like that. It's all just so different here! I actually don't think twice about going out with my digital camera, iPod and cell phone... whereas I wouldn't dream of doing it in Brazil (granted I haven't been there in nearly 3 years... but still).

Now I am sure I am amping it all up... I did live there for 20 years and was never even mugged... but still! Heh. I was just wondering if you had any thoughts on that, as a foreigner in Rio. I can't talk to my relatives or friends about that as they just wouldn't understand why I'm so scared. So yeah...

My Response:

I just flew back to Rio from Canada myself. I understand how you feel, and had a lot of the same feelings myself coming back this time, especially with having a daughter now, but I think when you arrive you will feel okay. I understand not wanting to talk to your relatives/family about it as they could take it the wrong way.  Just be sure to take precautions - and walk around like you own the place - I think body language is a huge thing! Also remember that much of the violence is segregated into the favelas, which is not the case withgang violence in other cities! You have to remember that things can happen no matter where you are in the world, so we always need to be careful but to try to live without too much fear.  I hope this helps?

Eating out with Children

... is totally different in Canada vs. Brazil. Actually, eating out in general is a totally different experience. Back home, the service SUCKS!

Here in Rio, Mr. DRL and I think nothing of bringing Canadoca along to nice restaurants. She has been to Sushi Leblon, Guiseppe, Aprizavel, The Copacabana Palace, the dining room at the Sofitel, Quadrucci, Zuka, Gero, Sawasdee, Esplanada, Fasano (where they brought me a pillow to make breastfeeding more comfortable, and when I went to change Canadoca in the washroom was offered access to a hotel room in order to change her more comfortably...) you name it. Never once have we been treated as though bringing her was inconveniencing anyone, in fact often the waiters make a fuss over her and even rock her stroller (see below, at La Cigale recently.... by the way I LOVE that place!)

So I knew the royal treatment was something special to South America, but I wasn't quite prepared for it when I was home.  Servers back home irritated me from the get-go ("I will be right with you, I was just sat three times..." I need that information why, exactly? "It's not that we don't allow children or don't like them, but we just have a policy where we do not allow strollers in the dining room" So what do you do when a baby comes in? This was the case at MULTIPLE places).

I also missed the cushy mom's rooms at the mall, and liberal (yet at times too-friendly, like when my nursing cover is lifted by someone curious to see the baby) attitude towards breastfeeding.  

Back home, I also saw a number of kids losing it in restaurants. Not going to lie - it scared me!!!! Though I frequently see kids in nice restaurants here, I don't often see them pitching a fit. Perhaps it's because here, they are comfortable in that environment because they know they are welcome...

Back in Rio

I'm currently re-acclimatizing to the "Daily Rio Life"... back in Rio after a great trip home. Canadoca met a number of our friends, three of her four sets of grandparents, one set of great-grandparents and numerous members of the extended family as well. She did a bit of a tour of Western Canada, starting in Calgary then heading into the interior of BC, Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

Traveling alone with a 4 month old was easier than one might think. She was a trooper no matter where I took her or how many new people mauled her in one day (I think the record was 45).  This kid wants to see the world.

In case you are curious, I traveled with her on a Canadian passport only, since we still do not have a Brazilian one. Initially when we started all these processes the Canadian consulate here in Rio said that we must have both passports in order to travel. However, something recently changed, and now the Brazilian officials are allowing Brazilian born children of foreign descent to travel on the passports of the parents' home country. (Confusing much!?) The airline officials raised an eyebrow but when they consulted the federal police, they said it was a-okay. I did have to have her Brazilian birth certificate along with a letter from Mr. DRL (actually, truth be told it was a court order) saying that I was allowed to leave the country with her.  Whatever works!

So now we are back, safe and sound, and ready for the next adventures... which include Uruguay, Chile, Argentina & Peru! 

Regular posts will follow... and responses to comments and emails, too. Just as soon as I get started on my laundry pile...

It's good to be back.

It's my birthday!

And I am spending it on Vancouver Island in one of my favorite hotels with some of my favorite people :D

Meant to be...

Canadoca and I are having a great time in Canada. We are currently in the beautiful Canadian rockies, visiting family.

Although this trip was a long time coming, I had less than a week's notice when it came down to the travel day. Miraculously, almost everything has perfectly fallen into place, I think I should try and travel on short notice more often. The stars aligned for us, as I got to see both of my dad's siblings and parents as they happened to be in Calgary while I was there, and a number of friends and family happen to be in the right place at the right time allowing us to get together. Of course there are people we also unfortunately missed, but that always happens.  

Though being home does make me realize the things (okay, mostly people) I miss about being here, there still were a few "signs" to make me think we really do belong in Brazil at this point. The other day I was in a "Family Room" (note: NOT NEARLY AS NICE AS THE FRALDARIO's in RIo!) at a shopping centre, small, one stall, and a Brazilian woman rolls in with her four children. We had a long chat in Portuguese and went along our way. On my next shopping trip, the clerk at the department store was from Sao Paulo. There is also a Brazilian-made turbine being installed at one of the dams here in British Columbia...

FOOTball in Rio (no, not futebol)

Want to watch some "American Football" in Rio? You can!

On Sunday, August 30th, The Torneio Touchdown will see the first American Football game played in Rio, on grass, with fully equipped teams. The game will be at 2 pm at the Estádio Figueira de Melo (São Cristovão). The RJ Imperadores will receive the São Paulo Storm, and they request a donation of 1 kilo of non-perishable foodstuff as an entry. No reservations necessary. Parking available. Canteen open to purchase snacks.

http://www.touchdown.net for more info

Stamps

No, apparently there are not any stamps with a denomination of more than R$1.

I sent out a bunch of photos and thank you cards to friends & family who have sent gifts down for the Canadoca. If they didn't have a stamp collection before they'll be off to a good start now!

Putting the the "Canad" in the Canadoca

Mr. DRL's aunt sent Canadoca a very cute little bit of Canadiana couture. I think it may have brought us luck!

If all went well, the Canadoca are currently somewhere over Brazil, flying back to Canada. And yes, she's probably about to actually be COLD for the first time in her life.

How did this turn of events come about?

No, we still do not have a Brazilian passport for her. However, there has been some sort of policy change with the Federal Police and a birth certificate and Canadian passport will suffice. Typing this is a bit tough being that my fingers are crossed that this works...

In order to see as many of the VIPs in our life, Canadoca and I are spending time in Calgary, the interior of BC, Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

I am obviously THRILLED to be going home but there are a million emotions running through my system about this trip, for many reasons.

• Firstly, it is my first time flying since the Air France crash. Losing two friends in this crash changed my outlook on flying, and really, life in general. I am also a bit nervous about flying over potential bad weather systems, given the recent incident Continental has. 
• It's Canadoca's first time on a plane and I will be alone with her! Mr. DRL is not joining us. Which means he will also not be there when his family sees Canadoca for the first time, which saddens me. I am also anticipating that almost 3 weeks without his baby girl is going to be very hard on Mr. DRL....
• I am sure that having her meet our friends and family will be soooo incredible but part of it is so sad for me too because I know how difficult the goodbyes are going to be. So I am trying to just focus on the hello's. :)
• Frustration is also an emotion I am feeling, as I am being pulled in a million different directions to satisfy everyone's need to have time with her. I hate feeling like I am hurting people, and am a pleaser, trying to accomodate people and make them happy. The way I see it, basically every moment I spend with everyone is a moment someone else does not get with her. I understand where everyone is coming from and want to give them the time they want, but some people are making this easier/more difficult on me than others. I have a lot of "expat guilt" about depriving people back home of time with my daughter since we live so far away.

Upon returning (assuming I got to leave), Mr. DRL and Canadoca and I are heading to Peru and Chile for our first family holiday. In the meantime, enjoy some regularly scheduled posts that I have been frantically pulling together while Canadoca "naps"...  and I'll be checking in from time to time to moderate comments. 

Update

So the Canadoca and I are still here in Brazil as she still does not have a Brazilian passport.

The latest?

After SIX weeks had gone by since the Federal Police launched the investigation into her birth, Mr. DRL demanded some answers as something had obviously gone wrong along the way. By the way, the hospital responded promptly and apparently satisfied the federal police's requirements. The second part of the process was for the Cartorio/Notary to provide her birth certificate. Which, apparently, they LOST.

It's okay, as we have several copies. However, if someone had simply NOTIFIED us of this when it was realized rather than waiting for us to inquire, we could have provided another copy of it weeks ago. And potentially gone home for the wedding, etc. 

Anyway. As soon as I get a passport, I'm going to Canada. Shouldn't be long now. Until then... I'm here!

Of course this is soooo frustrating at times, but it could be worse. 

I am not the only person who is having trouble getting kids out of Brazil - one of my American friends was briefly detained with her children as she tried to go home this summer (since her kids have RNE's, the officials were asking for their Brazilian passports. Which makes no sense - of course they don't have them, because they are not Brazilian.) Another acquaintance was also stopped when trying to leave with her child as she was travelling without her husband because she only had a notorized letter specifying that he was aware that she was doing this, rather than a court order....

And yet despite the many hoops we all have to jump through, the worst part is we all hear the horror stories in the news about cases such as David Goldman's, or worse this shocking case, a fellow in Austria whose child is now dead. Because apparently once a child is in Brazil, it's pretty hard to get them out, whether they belong here or not.

Store Windows Series - Cantao

Current window at Cantao...

Ok so I saw a photo of Gwen Stefani wearing pants similar to these hangy-crotch pants that have been a hit here in Brazil since I arrived here like a year and a half ago. Every so often I ask my friends back home if the pants have hit North America yet and the answer is always a resounding "NO! And please don't start the trend!"

But if Gwen is wearing them...

Current Cravings

I think I'm getting fairy accustomed to the expat life. If I seem particularly weary lately, keep in mind that I have not been home in a year, (going home for 4 days for a funeral does not count, in my books. I didn't even get to see my parents!) and have a new baby I want to share with my friends and family. Most expats I know here go home MUCH more frequently (4-5 times a year in many cases, often spending 2-3 months of the year back home).

Having many visitors has helped with the homesickness. As it is the people we miss, not the things. Well, mostly.  There are a few exceptions, namely (this list can also be known as the "what DRL will be hitting up upon landing back home):

• Chinese food
• Good Salads. Mostly from places like The Cactus Club and Joey Tomato's.
• Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc (and I am not even a white wine drinker... but I want some)
• Silver Sage Raspberry Merlot, or any dessert wine from here. Seriously, if you are ever in the Okanagan, you MUST MUST MUST visit this winery it is incredible!
• Sephora (every time we ever go home on the next Visa statement Mr. DRL asks "What is this Sephora again? And why did you go eight times?")
• Blueberry Pancakes from Nellies in Calgary (I think we went every morning when we were in Calgary in Feb...)
• Magazines
• Bras that fit
• Power Bars sans nuts (I'm allergic). This ORSKI one is one of my faves.
• Cereal... mmmm Kashi GoLean. I admit I brought a costco box back with me last time.
• Finally, COSTCO. Going to Costco will just seem like such a treat...

Really, the list is not any longer.... that I can think of now, anyway... my, how I've evolved...

Flying to Brazil these days....

doesn't seem so fun. Maybe it is not such a bad thing that Canadoca and I are stuck here!

This week alone there have been three disconcerning incidents:

1) A 15 year old girl died in-flight from the US to Brazil, supposedly of gripe suine (swine flu).

2) A Delta flight from Rio to Atlanta encountered issues and turned back to Rio late last week.

3) Sunday night's Continental flight from Rio to Houston made an emergency landing in Miami after encountering severe turbulence (to the point where there were several injuries and people were taken to hospital).

No passport

So the wedding is tomorrow but we are still in Rio as we do not have Canadoca's Brazilian passport... it ended up being the cartorio that delayed the process so much.

Pera, anyone?

Pera = pear in Portuguese.

But this post is not about fruit, rather about body types and body image.

You have to hand it to the Brazilians - to generalize, they are incredibly laid back and accepting people. Internationally, the women have the reputation of being the most beautiful in the world and TALL (??) In reality there are as many beautiful people here as there are elsewhere, and literally every one of our visitors is surprised to find that your average Brazilian woman is quite short, and pear shaped. Or should I say - Pear shaped & Proud of it!

Back home, being pear shaped is not something one strives for. (Most prefer an hourglass). It's not seen as being a desirable body type. Here, there are special exercises at the gym that women do to beef up their bums and thighs. Back home, a pear shaped woman would be encouraged to wear a-line skirts. Here they wear a little belt to accent their waist and upper body, and the most skin tight bottoms they can to make their bundas look even bigger. After over a year, I am still not quite used to it.

That said, I think the more accepting Brazilian attitude towards body image is refreshing and much healthier. If I could pass just one "Brazilian" lesson on to my little Brasileira (Canadoca), I hope that's it!