New members of the Brazil forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018

Walker Dawson wrote:

Hi Stella! My name is Walker and I'm making a short documentary film about contemporary African and Asian migration to Brazil. I was wondering if at some point when I arrive in Sao Paulo we could chat about this. I would love to know your impressions, etc

Welcome, it is my understanding that the "Africans and Haitians" who were trying the to enter the US via the Mexican/ US Border and about 2.5 million are to Return to the "Original Entry Country" which is" Brasil" and our "Illustrious Current Brazilian President Temer"  agreed to place and accept  them on "Marajo Island" in Para State and the Northeast of Brazil is also receiving a influx of Venezuelan. If your only going Sao Paulo you will not be getting the "Whole Story"  as for the Asians they have a Big Influence in Brazil from "Colonial days"
. There is also a group of "Confederate / US Decendants" here in Brazil if you like to visit Belem I will provide you with lodging and a Safe suburb/ barrio in Belem( ya gotta buy your own food/kkk/lol/smh......Belem is also part of the "Silk Road Project" and Para State has the money to complete it's portion of the railroad. As of now I believe Brazil is part of the "BRICS" Brazil,Russia, India,China, South Africa unless Brazil has withdrawn from the "Pact" the immigration thingy is for "Cheap Labor and to displace "Brazilians " .......jus sayn....

Gringolearning wrote:

I want to absorb as much Non-Brazilian perspective of Brazil as I can.

Hey there!

I'm from New England originally but came to Brazil last year to be with my wife once and for all! The jump from sleepy old Massachusetts to the city of Jundiaí, São Paulo has been very interesting. I came in with a super novice understanding of the language and feel as though I wouldn't have made it to far with out my wife translating for me. These days I'm doing much better with speaking and understanding but I'm still far from conversational.

Because you are looking for an outsiders perspective, I'll give you some of my general impressions

First of all, one of the most outstanding aspect of life here is the food! Depending on where you end up, you may be eating some of the best food you ever tasted. Not only Brazilian foods, but foods from all around the world made with wonderful quality. Even mall food seems to be several steps above what I'm used to from malls in the US. Also most any place you go will serve you fresh squeezed orange juice so that's nice!

Another thing I was quick to notice was how social people are. Generally in the US, you can enter a room of people with out even being noticed or join a circle of friends to be greeted by a few weak waves. But here people never hesitate to shake your hand or even give you a big hug and a kiss on the cheek! Naturally not everywhere is the same but go to any kind of party or get-together and you will become acquainted to most everyone there before too long.

Now for a kind of funny one: Hygiene. North America is a germaphobic culture. Ask anyone for a bit of hand sanitizer and they are sure to have a bottle with them. I remember a disinfecting spray commercial in the US being marketed as a way to keep kid's toys that fell off the table free of germs that would almost definitely be the end of them if they ever put it in their mouth! Here however, I get the impression that "cooties" never existed. People prepare food with their bare hands, kids are rolling around on the ground, and nobody is afraid to hug a sweaty guy! For the most part, I found it freeing to cast away my germaphobic ways; after all, just because we invented Purell doesn't mean we no longer have immune systems!

Obviously there is plenty more to talk about - I haven't even mentioned the traffic here or how everyone likes to stare at you while you try to parallel park but I'll end there to keep for going too long. I hope this gave you some incite and I wish you the best in your travels to this very unique part of the world

jack.36906 wrote:

Hi all, just joined. Been in Brasil for a little while. My partner is from Brasil and we plan to marry and live in Rio de Janeiro. Any advise on the process is appreciated, just starting to educate myself on the topic now. We love living near the beach, walking and keeping fit generally.

Welcome!  Enjoy living in Rio - nice choice!