I had a very pleasant surprise last night when I took my family to the Youth Scottish Dance at the British School. It was like I was transported to a different country! Strangely, minus the kilts and funny accents, I felt very much at home!
There we were in the heart of Botafogo and yet surrounded by English, common habits, and Shepard's pie. Parents were mingling, kids running around freely, and there was the occasional dance. I have to say that Chatterbox and I did pretty damn well at the dancing considering the fact that we have absolutely no Scot blood.
The biggest culture shock at the event was the lack of over-parenting. Kids were running around on their own and were expected to come find Mom or Dad should they need something. There was little hovering, lots of laughing, and no drama. I absolutely loved it! The best and most traumatizing part was when the dance floor cleared of Scots and a Justin Beiber song was put on. It immediately filled up again with children busting a move. As much as Beiber horrifies me, I did enjoy watching my boys and all the other kids twirl around like drunk adults. Cute.
All and all it was quite refreshing to take a step out of Rio de Janeiro without actually getting on a plane. I must say, last night may have converted me. The only problem? I have to work on my accent! It's just unacceptable!
This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post. It’s five minutes of your time and a brain dump. Want to try it? Here are the rules…
- Set a timer and write for 5 minutes only.
- Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
- Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. The back door to your blog if you want. But make it accessible. Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post.
- Link up your post below.
- Visit your fellow bloggers and show some love.
How refreshing...no hovering! One of my favorite things about Brasil!!! I can actually have friends with kids, without them having a cow thinking little Gabrielle or Valdinei is going to 'mess up' my house.
ReplyDeleteThat does sound nice ... the idea of kids being able to just run around and have fun without their parents hovering over them. I have a six-month-old (and live in the States), and I wish I felt like it was safe enough here for him to be able to do that when he's old enough. Maybe I'll be able to relax like that in some settings, at least!
ReplyDeleteYay for the lack of helicopter parents!! This warms my heart and yes... what a surprise... to find such a group in RIO! It seems like such a strange out-of-place thing and... I LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteGrateful to read you today on my visit around the blogosphere from SOCSunday!
Yay for the lack of helicopter parents!! This warms my heart and yes... what a surprise... to find such a group in RIO! It seems like such a strange out-of-place thing and... I LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteGrateful to read you today on my visit around the blogosphere from SOCSunday!
Actually you do...the McDonald blood runs deep and true...my dad's side.
ReplyDeleteWhoah Lady! Hairy naked Scottish butts in RIO?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really fun event! Gotta love being an expat where you get to celebrate the biggest range of cultural events ever! Always an excuse for a party!
Hi! Visiting from SOF Sunday. Scottish in Rio sounds like fun!! Can I come next time?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good time!!! And what Ameena said...wholly hairy butts!!! Hehe
ReplyDeleteThey have a Scottish Society here in Sao Paulo too. Thinking about going to their annual dinner - now will definitely try! (I have a bit of Scots in me.)
ReplyDeleteOh that sounds like so much fun! So I guess you didn't actually shoot that kilt picture, huh? I can fake a decent English or Australian accent but forget it with Scottish. Maybe after a few shots of Scotch :)
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