10 Facts to remember about Brazil

1) Special Days


Throughout the year, other than Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Valentines Day etc.. Brazilians also celebrate days for pretty much everyone and everything... e.g. Journalist Day, Secretary Day, Childrens Day...  My boyfriend would have a heart attack living in this country if he thought there would be the chance of having to fund all these kind of days!


2) Love Hotels


Love hotels are like motels but people can only rent a room for three hours at a time (I am not speaking from experience)... Apparently the busiest time of the year is Secretary day... That fact made me laugh.


3) Happy Birthday...


After singing Happy Birthday, if the birthday girl/boy is single the following will be sang "Who will it be? Who  will it be? Who will it be that 'Zea's' going to marry?


4) Brazilian attire


The easiest way to tell a gringo (foreigner) is the size of their swimming costume. Brazilian men and women wear the tiniest swimwear...Tight trunks and thongs...


5) Paying at the end


Bar, Cafe, restaurant, club - they all have odd payment methods. Usually you are served so you get a bill at the end, or you are given a card to mark all your purchases on. You never pay upfront like you do in England. 


6) Radio communication


I remember being a kid and using a walky talky... Radio via mobile phone is a common method of communication in Brazil. Free talk time. Just like a walky talky. Love it.


7) Aguas de Marce


March is Brazil's rainy season. Today i had sun for the first time in about 10 days. Much appreciated. The Brazilians say it always rains on carnival - now carnival has ended i am hoping the sun returns


8) Silicon, teeth and Muscles


In parts of Rio, especially Leblon the people are all beautiful. Some of the beauty is fake with a mass amount of silicon... All the men have muscles. Everyone is toned and bronzed... I have seen one overweight person since i arrived and i actually took a second glance because it seemed so uncommon. Being healthy here is very important.


9) Carnival


The carnival in Brazil is unimaginable - FACT! Before i got here i had all of these images in my head of what to expect... But nothing can prepare you for it. Everyone should experience this amazing event at least once in their lifetime.


10) A city which is home to everything


Streets aligned with tree's that are home to orchids... Beaches, Lakes, mountains, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, sun and rain. Rio is a place like no other... Sometimes i forget i am in a city... and to be in a city but to forget is an amazing thing.