Adapting to the pace of life in Brazil

When I moved to Brazil, my pace of life changed dramatically but for mostly indirect reasons.  I began working remotely, and on a different schedule.  I work for the same company I did in the US but as a result of my location I no longer go into the office.  Also as a result of my time zone, I begin work two hours later in the day than I did before.  Those changes really reduced my stress and allowed me to wake up naturally.  I no longer set an alarm most days.

The other major life difference is I have never spent so much time outdoors.  There are a few reasons for this.  The weather is much better. In the US I lived in New England and in Texas.  Both places are hotter and colder than the coast of Santa Catarina.  Because the weather is so nice here, and the area I live is so walkable, I tend to walk most places.  Also, windows stay open almost all the time, allowing for fresh air.  In the US I always lived, worked, and drove in an air conditioned or heated environment with indoor air.  My outdoor exposure was walking to and from the car.

Otherwise in the city I'm in, there's really no change to shopping or business availability that would cause me to think the pace of life has changed.  The one exception is on the weekend the gym opens a bit later than I had been accustom to in the US. 

In terms of eating schedule, the one thing I have not been able to get used to is the tradition of afternoon coffee. I think it's quite nice, but something that does not come naturally to me. I have all my coffee in the morning, and I don't usually snack through the day. If we have guests, I need to change my normal eating schedule to accommodate afternoon coffee and a late dinner.

Comfortable yet anxious!

I am in Ceara with my Brazilian wife, and my 96 year old Brazilin step mother. I am financially secure (love that exchange rate) and my wife over the last few years has created a compound with a main house, my house, the pool and a third house for a live-in caretaker for the future as well as a public community park for the kids across the street.. She is vey, very popular in the community (We live in a small village of 2,500) where most people either work for her caring for the compound or are customers of her Ice Cream shop.

She is very warm and wonderful giving breakfast to the contractors, paying above scale to the caregivers or our Driver (who drives my wife's new car to places we need to go to.)

I am anxious because I have half of a state of the art glass enclosed YouTube Studio to create my YouTube Channel, however the other half of the studio is in storage in the United States which I cannot travel to until my Permanent Residency by Spouse is completed and I can travel to the USA. I would like to get started on my channel.

Roddie in Retirement

@BRBC Just curious where you used to live. In New England, I was born and raised in R.I. until I left for good when I went to College.

In Texas I worked in my profession which was radio sales. The radio station office was in Dallas, the radio station was in Fort Worth and I split the distance for my apartment which was in Arlington.

Roddie In Retirement

Boston area in New England, and Austin area in Texas.

@BRBC Thanx, RI. is used as a suburb by professionals in Boston since it is only an hour away.  Never been to Austin, but wish I had.

Brazil is without a doubt one of the most picturesque countries you could call home. It is renowned for the Amazon rainforest, one of the planet's most valuable natural resources. Brazilians are recognized for their relaxed way of life, culture, and love of everything from football, partying, and eating, in addition to their variety. For foreigners living in Brazil, life may be very stimulating.

You'll gradually become used to the intense gesturing when speaking, goodbye embraces, and even kisses after you start to get to know the locals. Although it may appear strange to an American or British expat in Brazil, you'll soon realize that it simply indicates you've been accepted into that social circle. Your new acquaintances will soon seem like a second family.

Brazil unfortunately has one of the highest percentages of adults without a secondary education due to its historical challenges and only 65% of 15 to 19-year-olds are currently enrolled in school. Average class sizes are 25-30 pupils, which is a little excessive, and the salaries of teachers is minimal. All in all, Brazil is now ranked #32 in the world for education, which is something you should take into account if you're relocating there with school-age children.

Brazil has significant wealth and poverty disparities. This may make small-time crimes like robberies and pickpocketing more prevalent, especially in crowded places like commercial districts or shopping malls. Comparing Brazil to other countries where expats live, it also has a notably high prevalence of violent crime.

I believe that retirement in Brazil may be an option for expats, Although for certain people it could be tough.