tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84377500583611054972012-02-11T21:02:45.407-02:00Rachel's Rantings in Rio de JaneiroRachel's Rantings in Rio de JaneiroRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.comBlogger8931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-42570359263591753082012-02-10T09:00:00.000-02:002012-02-10T09:00:09.962-02:00Hot Brazilians for your Friday!
Today's hot Brazilian for your Friday is a little different. I stumbled upon a fabulously hot ad campaign for Colcci staring none other than Gisele Bundchen and Rodrigo Hilbert. It was all kinds of sweaty tasty that I could resist.
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-84187875215908882882012-02-09T10:02:00.002-02:002012-02-09T12:13:44.801-02:0010 Tips to learning a New Language and Surviving it MentallyThanks for the image: http://lynmidnight.blogspot.com
Today's blog post is part of a language learning moms blog carnival. These posts are written by moms, for moms and are intended to be a great resource of encouragement, advice, tips and ideas for language learning moms. If you're a mom or if you know a mom who is a language learner or who would like to be a language learner, please enjoy Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-23209138907555878932012-02-08T12:33:00.000-02:002012-02-08T12:33:26.682-02:0010 Things I like Better: Brazil vs the USJust wrong
I did the US vs Brazil yesterday and here is where Brazil stands against the US.
1. Coconut water. Sure it's all hip to drink coconut water now in the states but that little box does not compare to a freshly opened chilled real coconut.
2. The beach. I thought I knew the beach before Brazil but I was so wrong. Brazilians do the beach the way it was meant to be done! I can't explain Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-57068504209875158892012-02-08T08:18:00.000-02:002012-02-08T08:18:18.028-02:00Slacklining Pedra da Gavea: Wordless Wednesday Video
Slacklining can be looked at as some poser sport people do on the beach. On the other hand, it can be a f*cking cool extreme sport. I thought I'd share a video of some Brazilian slackliners slacklinging at Pedra da Gavea. Not only are they shirtless and the scenery amazing, it's also crazy what they are doing!
Would you do this?
Highline Pedra da Gavea (Gavea Stone) - Rio de Janeiro - BrasilRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-40230206007419023072012-02-07T08:24:00.000-02:002012-02-07T08:24:45.412-02:0010 Things I like Better: USA vs Brazil
I found this awesome post idea from a cool expat blog called A Suitcase and Stilettos. I thought I would take a go at the list.
Things I Like Better in the USA:
1. Mexican food. Mexican food in Rio de Janeiro is usually crap and overpriced. It's such a sad Mexican food situation down here that I get excited over wannabe store bought tortillas and Old El Paso spice packets I receive in the mailRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-90325039835814839642012-02-05T21:55:00.001-02:002012-02-06T14:38:46.007-02:00Rio de Janeiro on Public UrinationThank you Globo for the fabulous picture!
This weekend 96 people committing the unforgivable act of urinating in the streets of this great city were arrested. 13 were women.
While I would LOVE to be able to say "Thank goodness they arrested those uncivilized folk," I have been to far too many blocos to say it with a straight face. Hell, there is a damn good possibility that I urinated in the Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-3829182340319339662012-02-05T07:59:00.001-02:002012-02-05T08:02:28.970-02:00SOC: Carnaval can be ANNOYING
Carnaval season has arrived in Rio de Janeiro. While this used to be a fun event, I feel that it is a little out of control. Yesterday, 2 weeks or so before the actual start of Carnaval, there were 21 blocos (street parties). 21! And with the use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter, these blocos are not the small-ish neighborhood parties they used to be.
We are talking full on parties.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-18534363969678928812012-02-03T08:43:00.000-02:002012-02-03T08:43:36.180-02:00Hot Brazilians for your Friday!
Happy Hot Brazilians For Your Friday!
This is Paola Oliveira popped out and into this beautiful world in the city of São Paulo. She started her career as a model before getting her break in Brazilian soap operas.
Mateus Verdelho has already starred on this blog in the brief segment: Cuties for your Tuesday. I'm going to be honest, after seeing this picture he was upgraded to HOTTIERachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-91815416622842144462012-02-02T18:42:00.000-02:002012-02-02T18:42:15.842-02:00Yemanjá Day
I heard about Yemanjá one of my first visits to the beach here in Rio de Janeiro. I was wearing some new earrings and my Mother-in-law suggested that I be careful when I entered the water. It wasn't because she feared that I would drown. Instead she informed me that Yemanjá loves jewelry, as any woman does, and has no qualms about taking ours off as an unofficial offering.
A couple weeks later Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-83851101377430971662012-02-02T10:32:00.000-02:002012-02-02T10:32:53.045-02:00Expat Adaptation and American Haters
A reader of mine, Marcio, asked two interesting questions in the comment section of my post I Love my Gyno. No, they are not questions about my vagina, gyno, nor anything else related.
1. When does an Expat start feeling Brazilian, does your Brazilians friends/family consider you a Brazilian?
I have been in Rio de Janeiro for 6 consecutive years now and I do not consider myself a Brazilian. Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-63529042549750707452012-02-01T08:45:00.000-02:002012-02-01T08:45:29.888-02:00Wordless Wednesday: Rio de JaneiroPhoto by: UrbanpeekRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-89618087014230740812012-01-31T10:49:00.000-02:002012-01-31T10:49:17.748-02:00I Love my Gyno
My gynecologist believes that I am becoming Brazilian. No, my pap smear did not come out green and yellow.
So I had an appointment to see her this morning at 830am. Seeing that I am an early riser and Mr. Rant has to be at work by 10am at the latest (more like 1015. Now he is Brazilian) I schedule my appointments early.
This morning Mr. Rant was a super champ. I only had to nudge him once andRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-70274290150512976672012-01-30T08:54:00.000-02:002012-01-30T08:54:00.476-02:00Do I Look Fat in this Thong?
It seems that Brazil's expanding waist size is getting international press. Apparently Brazilian companies are, gasp, making larger bikinis!! Oh the insanity of it all.
I stumbled upon this random article discussing how Brazilian bikini companies are finally making plus sizes.
A growing number of bikini manufacturers have woken up to Brazil's thickening waistline and are reaching out to the Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-39519025034263623422012-01-27T19:12:00.000-02:002012-01-27T19:12:07.170-02:00Hot Brazilians for your Friday!
Hot Brazilians For Your Friday
Maybe this is why I always found Bruno Campos hot when watching my guilty please show Jesse. The man is a Carioca!!
Fernanda Motta is the host of Brazil's Next Top Model. This sexy Brazilian was discovered on Guarapari Beach, north of Rio. Rio, where the hotties come out to play. Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-2687430782252101522012-01-26T09:42:00.001-02:002012-01-26T09:42:23.287-02:00Rio de Janeiro Buildings Collapse and Media Worries About GamesPhoto from: http://www.nst.com.my
Reuters has a thing or two to learn about class and holding their tongue. Rio de Janeiro had 3 buildings collapse last night next to the principal plaza Cinelandia. Thankfully it was later at night and thus the building and downtown area were generally empty in comparison to how it is during the day. The things that killed me was the first paragraph of Pedro Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-60801116617992475512012-01-25T15:59:00.001-02:002012-01-25T16:00:15.564-02:00Carnaval - My Old Photos: Wordless WednesdaySome photos from a Santa Teresa bloco in 2005
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-88953293739344756362012-01-25T09:44:00.000-02:002012-01-25T09:44:47.364-02:00Funky Monkey
I'm in a funk. I'm in an "I'm ready for school to be back in session" funk. Add on top of that my being sick and you have yourself a slightly unmotivated blogger.
I finally dragged my sorry butt into urgent care yesterday. I had been feeling at about 60% for a while but just blamed it on the hot weather and busy days. Yesterday I woke up feeling like I got hit by a mean little bacteria driving Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-88293404419947031672012-01-23T16:00:00.000-02:002012-01-23T16:00:08.778-02:00The Brazilian ATM Dance
I get performance anxiety at the ATMs here. Seriously. Every single time.
You see Brazilian banks have a rule, you mess up your pin 3 times and they block your card. That means long bank lines, documents, and all that bank fun just to get it unblocked.
Thus I always get ATM stage fright the moment I step up to start the withdrawal process. Performance anxiety is a bitch, though having it at anRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-4036236567818481902012-01-22T21:29:00.000-02:002012-01-22T21:29:25.631-02:00What is the Line before Rape?
I have always hated the show Big Brother. Nothing more annoying than watching a bunch of posers try to look cool 24/7 on camera. I have to say though, maybe these fame whores and the show that happens around them have a point.
Everyone has their opinions about the Big Brother Brasil rape. Some are actually so mentally slow and evil that they say the girl deserved it. A drunk girl means an easy Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-57331051158218561252012-01-19T18:32:00.000-02:002012-01-19T18:32:39.814-02:00The Poor Brazilian Man
Oh the poor Brazilian man. You are always the object of debate or fascination. You are called charming and untrustworthy. We foreigner women hate your blatant attention and yet complain when we aren't receiving it. You can never win! Wait, or do you always win?
The Brazilian man can openly compliment not one or two women but all of them. And they aren't necessarily being inggenuine. They just Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-45588287551336219962012-01-18T08:17:00.000-02:002012-01-18T08:17:13.252-02:00Rio de Janeiro Lets Sewage Flow
Upon arriving in Rio de Janeiro for the first time, I remember Mr. Rant telling me to NOT step in puddles. He didn't care if it had just rained or if the road was flooding, avoid all water on the street at all costs. Sure, no one likes wet shoes or feet but what was the big deal?
I'll tell you what, sewage! This city is a ticking time bomb for piss and crap spills. At any given time in most Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-66860744361888305492012-01-17T08:09:00.000-02:002012-01-17T08:09:40.211-02:00Birthing Around the World with BundchenPicture from: http://berkshireonstage.com/
Gisele Bundchen is talking about birth again and it's not to tell us how to do it! Ms. Bundchen is using her fame for good instead of evil and is now plugging her friend/midwive's project: Birthing Around the World.
"The initiative was created by the midwife and neonatal nurse Mayra Calvetti and her husband, the businessman Enrico Ferrari. Since OctoberRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-73269119306129786842012-01-15T10:32:00.000-02:002012-01-15T10:32:23.464-02:00Giveaway Winner!
Via random number generator, the winner is Shelley from Give us this Day our Daily Mango!!! Congrats! Please shoot me an email at racheljapi (dot) gmail (dot) com. Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-52408433959586957282012-01-15T07:13:00.000-02:002012-01-15T07:13:51.562-02:00Xtravaganza!
I was chosen for an Xtravaganza Interview over at Impossibly Glamorous! You can check it out here:
Xtravaganza Interview Hot MamaRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-55182305889619482362012-01-13T21:23:00.000-02:002012-01-13T21:23:23.919-02:00Expats, Goodbyes, and Where Are the Grandbabies?!
Saying goodbye to my parents is a difficult thing. The fact that after 3 weeks in my small apartment neither is going home in a body bag is a testament to how much I actually do enjoy their company.
The thing is that when you are married to a foreigner you only see their family for blocks of time. Take Mr. Rant for example. He spends about 3 weeks a year straight with my family, if we are luckyRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-1368273296761011422012-01-13T07:19:00.000-02:002012-01-13T07:19:32.028-02:00Hot Brazilians for your Friday! Expat Edition
In honor of my parents return to the US this evening, I will be posting pictures of two HOT Brazilians who have decided to live outside of Brazil.
Gisele Bundchen is by far the most famous of Brazilian expats in the US. As much as she puts her foot in her mouth, she is capable of making even that pose look hot.
Leonardo Barbosa hails from Sao Paulo and is guard for the Toronto Raptors. I doRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-22433173789728542252012-01-12T09:21:00.000-02:002012-01-12T09:21:14.172-02:00Rio de Janeiro's Rocinha
Rio de Janeiro is like a family, a family with estranged children.
Visiting Rocinha, you could see the family resemblance. She looks like a sibling of my neighborhood only closer together and much more on top of each other. Then there is the obvious, more neglected by their parent the government. The thing about ignoring children is that it does not make them go away. Quite often, it just makesRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-87615878404762865632012-01-11T09:00:00.000-02:002012-01-11T09:00:30.597-02:00Wordless Wednesday: Happy Birthday Menace!
Today my little Menace turns 3 years old. As he declared this morning, I am NOT a baby. It's true, he's not a baby (I'm just saying that to placate him as he will always be my baby).
Here are some photos of my littlest man:
And they grow up so fast....
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-21488303315824277152012-01-10T16:31:00.000-02:002012-01-10T16:31:46.127-02:00Getting to Know RocinhaI'm sure everyone is curious about my thoughts on our visit with Zezinho in Rocinha. This week is going to be very difficult to dedicate the time that this kind of post needs. To hold you over until then, I give you two mini-videos of Zezinho giving you some interesting facts about life in Rio's largest favela.
Don't worry, I will soon be busting out a serious post about yesterday's visit, allRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-40693091435127507352012-01-08T20:42:00.001-02:002012-01-08T20:44:11.866-02:00A New Cultural Experience: Rocinha
I'm going on my first favela tour tomorrow. In all my years in Rio de Janeiro I have never been on one.
Many would initially think it is because my Brazilian husband wouldn't let me. First off, when did I start listening to my husband? Secondly, that couldn't be further from the truth. Mr. Rant has nothing against the favelas, but did have something against tours that showcased the residents ofRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-53718841372781205012012-01-08T15:49:00.000-02:002012-01-08T15:49:05.378-02:00SOC: Attack of the Tourists
I can appreciate tourists. I really can. Hell, I used to be one. The thing is that they are taking over my city.
Seriously, there are too many tourists in Rio de Janeiro. It is enough to make this local go crazy. Today we went to one of my favorite fairs, the Hippie fair in Ipanema. I could hardly walk down the isles!
While I understand that we are in peak season, I have spent many summers Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-25349229617251362452012-01-06T13:34:00.000-02:002012-01-06T13:34:35.222-02:00Hot Brazilians for your Friday!
Since Hot Brazilians for your Friday is a favorite to some of you out there, I'm keeping it. That and I do get a bit of pleasure looking for images. Hey, I'm only human.
This is Rafael Vergas. I swear I've posted him before but he didn't come up when I searched my blog. That and come on, this dude totally deserves a second posting. HELLO Rafael!
This is Juliana Martins. Mr. Rant finds her Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-71415566061311570712012-01-06T11:11:00.003-02:002012-01-06T11:14:49.486-02:00Calling Home Made Easy
My Mother was very supportive about my move to Brazil. Who knew that support came with a cost, her cost. Regardless of my living outside of the country, she just couldn't drop our semi-daily phone conversations. Once I started reproducing the phone conversations became daily.
Now call me an old fashioned girl but I like a nice chat on the phone. Sure there's skype and a bunch of other options, Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-21213095996436885582012-01-05T12:14:00.001-02:002012-01-05T17:10:24.678-02:00Giveaway: Because I Love You All!
Because I love you all, I will be having the best giveaway ever. This giveaway comes with a quick little story of two friends. A very good friend and I have always had a contest as to who can bring back the tackiest gift from a trip abroad. She currently holds the title for bringing me a stuffed toad keychain and a kangaroo testicles bottle opener.
Anyway, I saw this and thought of her. While Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-88162354175935340422012-01-04T09:20:00.000-02:002012-01-04T09:20:26.395-02:00Old Rio de Janeiro Video: Wordless Wednesday
I never tire of these kinds of videosRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-26241423426274383842012-01-03T21:45:00.002-02:002012-01-04T14:58:17.436-02:00How We Know You Are A Tourist
1. You wear socks with sandals. Seriously, that is just wrong. You wouldn't do it at home, why do it when you are representing your country abroad? Shame on you.
2. Swimsuits should hug the bottom, not tent it. Your ass isn't getting fumigated, you are going swimming. Get something that cups your butt like it should.
3. You walk to a restaurant at 8pm with a can of beer you brought from Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-5637178087365601592012-01-02T08:58:00.000-02:002012-01-02T08:58:26.670-02:00Language Charades
Yesterday evening we took my parents over to my husband's Grandmother's place for a new years lanche (snack). It was entertaining on all accounts.
Out of the 25 people attending from Mr. Rant's family, about 5 spoke English. That leaves my parents sitting like the big pink gringo elephants in the room.
The best moment is when the uncles come and chat. Their English is good for someone who Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-47110097472426341382011-12-30T19:08:00.000-02:002011-12-30T19:08:32.028-02:00Hot Brazilians for your Friday! The last of 2011!This is your last Hot Brazilians for your Friday for 2011! I am considering dropping this post, please let me know if that is a bad idea
Meet Carlos Freire. Hello and Happy New Years to You!
This is Brenda Costa helping you say goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012. Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-73560201432593355402011-12-29T10:02:00.001-02:002011-12-29T14:55:13.263-02:00Sponges and Soap?
So one little comment on my Bilingual kids post awesomely diverted all the attention away from the actual post. I was going to join in with the comments but instead decided to give this question my utmost attention:
"Totally off topic (sorry) but do Brazilian people use loofah sponges (those round fluffy things) when they shower or just their hands? I always hear that brazilians smell good so Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-29961483632979554932011-12-28T09:33:00.000-02:002011-12-28T09:33:18.146-02:00Wordless Wednesday: CafezinhoRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-75840466779836164652011-12-26T08:40:00.000-02:002011-12-26T08:40:46.335-02:00What to Remember When Raising Bilingual Children
So The Menace started out well with speaking English to my parents. The first day they got here, my almost 3 year old used all of his weak English vocabulary mixed in with Portuguese when needed. Come the second day he was over it.
I tried. I told him "Menace, we have to speak in English to Grandma and Grandpa because they don't speak Portuguese."
All I got in reply: "NO, Portuguese."
Well,Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-18179771721605964732011-12-24T09:25:00.000-02:002011-12-24T09:25:43.078-02:00Paddle Surfing Santa: Brazilian Christmas
Baking in the southern hemisphere makes Christmas a slightly different story. None the less, it has the same basic feel of warm and fuzzy with a side of a bit sweaty.
I just want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah... basically a joyful time celebrating whatever it is you celebrate with whomever you wish to celebrate it with. I wish you all a lot of joy, love and laughter!
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-87976985536515130522011-12-23T16:30:00.000-02:002011-12-23T16:30:19.971-02:00Hot Brazilians for your Friday: BBB 11 editionThis Hot Brazilians for your Friday is the Big Brother Brasil edition. While I never got into the show, it is HUGE down here. People love this stuff. And for this pre-Christmas Friday, we will be joined by two members of the BBB 11 season.
Per Big Brother Brasil style, I will be introducing our guest by first name. Meet Jaqueline.
And this is RodrigãoRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-35624570289532753422011-12-22T20:30:00.000-02:002011-12-22T20:30:18.400-02:00Business Women of BrazilPhoto by: GNT
I read this fluff piece on Business women in Brazil. It basically credits Dilma's example and the economy for the go getting ladies down here. Fair enough as it does help. Of course I see it from a different angle.
Brazilian business women have been kicking ass long before the coming of Dilma or the world's acknowledgement of Brazil's economy. When Chatterbox was born 5 yrs ago, Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-2383380325869604032011-12-21T16:17:00.000-02:002011-12-21T16:17:13.260-02:00Once Upon a Couch... (with pictures)Keep in mind that I'm around 5'10"
I have been ranting about my sofa drama now for ages, or so it seems. Yesterday the drama peaked and ended, finally!
It all started with my "priority" delivery only arriving at 8pm. I hate to imagine when they would have arrive if I wasn't supposedly priority! Anyway, this was a problem since the building does not allow deliveries after 5pm. Of course we liveRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-38362554000927530012011-12-21T09:20:00.000-02:002011-12-21T09:20:12.965-02:00Wordless Wednesday: THE COUCHRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-50524039407895659152011-12-20T13:26:00.000-02:002011-12-20T13:26:36.728-02:00Couch Waiting Madness VlogNo, I have not been able to post today as I have been keeping my house alive. Trust me, the boys would survive, the neighbors and apartment may not!
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-8933438856669043622011-12-19T18:14:00.000-02:002011-12-19T18:14:31.174-02:00I'm Not Middle Class
After reflecting on comments from my last post, I have to say that I was wrong. I am not middle class in Brazil.
It's a strange phenomenon being an American in Brazil. While I do not have near the money of those I consider truly upper class, I have far more than the majority.
It's hard to imagine that there is still this much struggling to make ends meet in upper class.
That last statement Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-60773833893918675452011-12-18T13:23:00.000-02:002011-12-18T13:23:25.515-02:0010 Ways Rio de Janeiro is Spoiling Me
There are certain aspects to middle class life in Rio de Janeiro that are definitely spoiling me.
1. I leave the dishes for the maid when she is coming the next day. Sure, it's her day to work but do I really need to stop cleaning up after myself at 2pm the day prior?
2. Complaining about services. I'm too lazy to take the car and drive to the grocery store, so I go and have the store deliver Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-47359306701348258302011-12-16T19:13:00.000-02:002011-12-16T19:13:12.215-02:00Rio de Janeiro in the 1950s
Super cool video of Rio in the 50s!
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-75780350867205134862011-12-16T15:08:00.001-02:002011-12-16T16:58:42.139-02:00Hot Brazilians for your Friday!
Maybe it's the rain, the humidity, or being trapped in the house waiting for deliveries. Goodness knows, but I have some seriously HOT Brazilians for you this Friday!
Meet Gracyanne Barbosa. She is a Samba diva! Google image search her if you want to see a serious butt.
This is Renato Ferreira and his cute toosh. Happy Friday :)Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-6298514378836570692011-12-15T22:04:00.000-02:002011-12-15T22:04:33.135-02:00What License Plate?!
Anyone who follows my blog on Facebook knows that I bought a dryer. I am over the moon. It is like losing my virginity with an orgasm, that is how long I have been waiting for this moment.
Of course, with that moment came the task of getting rid of my still good washing machine. It's 6 years old and washes, coincidentally, 6 kilos at a time. The first person I thought of giving it to is my Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-86434021218927987512011-12-14T21:13:00.002-02:002011-12-14T21:20:16.536-02:00Drama for Christmas: Thank You SantaAWESOME photo from: http://www.catherinehall.net/blog/2010/12/22/8_reasons_i_love_christmas/
It wouldn't be Christmas in Brazil without a little bit of family drama now would it?
Mr. Rant and I started asking around about Christmas plans early because my parents are coming this year. The norm from years past meant that we would spend Christmas Eve night (the big night of celebration here) at Mr.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-63337640372716634782011-12-14T08:28:00.000-02:002011-12-14T08:28:09.922-02:00Wordless Wednesday: Living Room Coming TogetherGetting all set up
The couch should be here... sigh
Still figuring out spots for the lose ends but we're getting thereRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-27857778945334429722011-12-13T20:07:00.000-02:002011-12-13T20:07:16.866-02:00F*CKING HELL!
I am so pissed, so annoyed. We bought a beautiful couch for our new place and guess what, they can't get it up to our apartment. The monster of a bastard couch doesn't fit in an elevator nor up the stairs. Apparently the model we bought does not come apart, a key piece of information the salesperson should have mentioned when we told her about where we live. All she asked was, are there stairs? Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-31332597320312141472011-12-12T16:28:00.001-02:002011-12-12T18:10:53.180-02:00Em Vez de Crap
My blog isn't always particularly helpful for other expats or future Brazil expats. I'm not always full of information, more antidotes and rantings. But that is going to change right now!
While sifting through the last of our boxes, the most obnoxious ones that we saved for last, I found some notes from my first private Portuguese teacher. When I was fresh of the boat and speaking nothing, my Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-82624793316154525232011-12-11T23:02:00.002-02:002011-12-11T23:33:04.840-02:00Stream of Consciousness Sunday: Goodbye
There is a sickly ironic part to suicide where the person who committed it felt alone while the people who lose them feel a drastic loss of company. It is like a fatal miscommunication caused by humans' naturally faulty wiring. We neglect to vulnerably show how important people are to us and sometimes people refuse to hear it even when we do.
The worst part for me is imagining someone dying sadRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-19737646295658426042011-12-09T23:54:00.000-02:002011-12-09T23:54:02.985-02:00Brazil: Sir Mix A Lot's Lost Home: Rio de Janeiro
Today's Brazilian Hotties for your Friday got me thinking about Brazil and asses. In this country there is a true appreciation for those rear cushions, and is a source of pride among the owners of them.
It isn't just genes people, although the full ass really is. Seriously, big asses are as common in Brazil as silicone in LA only they aren't always purchased. Hell, even the mannequin at a lot Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-55553969178347021382011-12-09T14:45:00.001-02:002011-12-09T14:48:30.226-02:00Hot Brazilians for your Friday!
I just finished my Christmas decoration shopping and am all in the Christmas spirit. Yes, I'm a tad late to just be starting but I blame the whole apartment debacle. Anyway, I will now pass that spirit on to you in the form of Hot Brazilians for your Friday, the Christmas edition.
This is Marcio Garcia. Trust me, a man on the beach in a red speedo is just about as Christmas as you get down hereRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-49848859735246085362011-12-08T07:14:00.000-02:002011-12-08T07:14:11.597-02:00Serious Growth and I'm NOT Talking Mold
Living in Brazil has taught me so much about myself. We are talking serious growth here people.
Take my space issues for example. That has basically been beaten out of me, or at least it felt like that at the time. In Zona Sul, there is no space. And when it seems like you just may have founds some, you realize that there was a person on deck waiting to invade it. If you don't believe me, just Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-71369044915818607732011-12-07T10:42:00.000-02:002011-12-07T10:42:28.173-02:00Wordless Wednesday: Hot Swim Teacher
Since I missed Hot Brazilians for your Friday, I thought I'd throw you a bone on Wordless Wednesday. Here are some super spy on the DL pictures I managed to take of my kids' swim teacher. Yes, it is going to fun watching swim class for a multitude of reasons.
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-51269744115818287402011-12-07T08:03:00.000-02:002011-12-07T08:03:41.784-02:00Check Me Out
I posted over at Expat Focus today. Go read all my opinions and thoughts on Christmas in Brazil. No, it's not going to be sappy. Don't you know me at all!
A Brazilian Christmas...Without The Trimmings!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-77315213565963984032011-12-05T22:15:00.000-02:002011-12-05T22:15:19.059-02:00Anti-Vaccine? Not in the 3rd World
There are many things you never expect to hear, even living abroad. I remember when my pediatrician mentioned in conversation how it was meningitis season. Say what?! Don't you mean cold season??
That too.
Seriously, being raised in the states you take certain things for granted, like the lack of gnarly diseases. Our most reason run in was with Scarlet Fever. I thought everyone was joking but Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-55224747692282120012011-12-05T16:20:00.000-02:002011-12-05T16:20:14.677-02:00Shame on You Rio de Janeiro!
I saw a horrific sight the yesterday. It was supposed to be my Sunday Steam of Consciousness post but with the continued lack of internet it has been moved to Monday.
--------------------------------
Today I am horrified. I saw something that shook me to the core. Walking innocently home, I saw a pharmacy delivery man beating a homeless man. It wasn't in a dark alley or at night. It was Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-22057276841985322072011-12-02T16:17:00.001-02:002011-12-05T16:22:08.164-02:00First Language Limits??
Mr. Rant and I speak to each other in English. I have had just about the entire population of Brazil tell me that we should actually be speaking in Portuguese. They tell me that I would be speaking far better if we did. And every single time I just smile and inform them that we already have a challenging enough time with communication. While perfecting my Portuguese would be awesome, it would beRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-21303175116503010182011-12-01T15:48:00.000-02:002011-12-01T15:48:53.034-02:00UPDATE
For starters, I'm still technically without internet. Thankfully my new building has a free lan house for residents. I get to come, get my fix, and also get to watch preteen mating rituals. Fun for the whole family.
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I hate Etna, the furniture company. They caused a mini drama at my place on Monday by not showing up. When we called they informed us that the truck was sitting there Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-83893277284461967682011-11-30T16:23:00.000-02:002011-11-30T16:23:13.615-02:0010 Ways to Move Without it Ending in Divorce
As everyone in the world knows, I'm in the middle of a move. Let me share some of the pearls of wisdom that this move has bestowed upon me.
1. Allow for coping techniques. We are all different and need to cope in different ways. If that means that Mr. Rant needs to aimlessly roam around the only available 4 feet of floor space in circles for about 8 minutes in a moment of being totally lost, soRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-90908639802138781122011-11-26T13:50:00.000-02:002011-11-26T13:50:07.776-02:00VLOG: Chaos Personified
Sorry for the lame low sound. You can hear it better with headphones. I need to get myself a new webcam... Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-16951491568358571522011-11-25T15:34:00.000-02:002011-11-25T15:34:29.758-02:00Hot Brazilians for your Friday!Hello Mr. Bruno di Angelis
Making naughty look nice: Marjorie EstianoRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-35572249509807708662011-11-24T22:10:00.000-02:002011-11-24T22:10:00.224-02:00They Took My CouchMommy and newborn napping on the couch
You all know I'm moving. I have been annoying you with the details for months now. This evening it really hit that life is moving forward and time is passing.
I gave my couch to my maid. I'm sure all of you are thinking "And?" The thing is that it was mine and Mr. Rant's first big purchase together, apart from the first apartment we bought.
That sofa Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-39966552636751272362011-11-24T08:39:00.000-02:002011-11-24T08:39:16.609-02:00Funnies for Thanksgiving
Today is my favorite holiday in the states. I love me some Thanksgiving! Sadly I will not be celebrating this year because of the whole moving ordeal. But I have found some classic but still fun images for your enjoyment. Have a good one!
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-10808201129539050252011-11-23T20:39:00.000-02:002011-11-23T20:39:56.787-02:00Grandmothers: The ambassadors of the WorldGreat Grandma Cleo Nice with her Great Grandson Chatterbox
I just spoke with Mr. Rant's Grandmother. It's her birthday. 87 years young. We decided that she is much closer to 25 yrs old than 90.
The conversation reminded me of when I first moved here. I never felt weird attempting to talk to the Grandmothers, on either side. They know/knew zero English. Nothing. But they accepted me as one of Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-43399506887945889722011-11-23T13:26:00.000-02:002011-11-23T13:26:40.751-02:00Grandma Brings the Booty
Not that kind of booty people! That's my fabulous Mother you are thinking about! Anyway, not only is she playing Santa by hauling piles a crap to Brazil, she is also my guest post for the day. Read on and see where I get my sass from:
____________
Heading for Rio for Christmas…Santa and his wife flying economy on American Airlines. I get two suitcases at 70 lbs each. Looking at the booty piledRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-22738820628756927012011-11-22T16:33:00.000-02:002011-11-22T16:33:33.189-02:00The Apartment Has Perks!
We are so close to moving into our place that I can taste it! I went over to the new building today and randomly decided to video the common area so that you guys could see it. Check it out:
See that guy at the end? He came back and started questioning me. He wanted to make sure I lived there, which would be hard to believe seeing that I got lost. All was worked out and he found this gringa Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-62333970206737621412011-11-21T19:04:00.000-02:002011-11-21T19:04:27.847-02:00Have You Hugged Your Angry Translator Today?
Translations are not fun nor easy tasks. That goes doubly for anything official, scientific, or topic specific that even the well educated Brazilian specialist does not want to deal with.
When you order a translation the actual job you are paying for is for us to translate your words into functional words in English. I will tell you this though, regardless of what you are paying it just Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-70600792086703578492011-11-21T11:31:00.000-02:002011-11-21T11:31:09.747-02:00Feel the Heat? It's coming...
Summer is coming and I love our routine. Contrary to popular belief, it's as if the arrival of the heat lowers your blood pressure. You get calm, relaxed, and open to just hanging around.
With kiddos the heat means we start early. Today we arrived at the beach at 815am for Chatterbox to play beach soccer with... gasp... a Flamengo tot team. We can turn a cheek to the team cheating as it is forRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-63738660063707999342011-11-20T12:20:00.000-02:002011-11-20T12:20:18.753-02:00Hoarder's Anonymous
We are preparing for our move to the smaller apartment. I'm really excited about living there, just not about getting all our crap out of here.
So now I have a math equation for you:
If a woman has managed to fit 400 square meters of utter crap into a 130 square meter apartment, how does she then manage to pack and contain all that in an 80 square metered apartment?
The Answer:
Throw crap Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-46802103148876673942011-11-18T10:44:00.000-02:002011-11-18T10:44:29.742-02:00Nail Polish on Boys: Acceptable?
I painted my 2 year old son's nails pink. Fingers and toes baby. The little man saw Mommy decorating her fingers in the bright color and wanted it for himself. What two year old doesn't like bright colors painted somewhere on their body?
Of course I am living in a machismo country, and an especially machismo city. You don't paint boys' finger nails. You don't give your boys baby dolls. And you Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-57305718806674246912011-11-18T07:54:00.000-02:002011-11-18T07:54:53.884-02:00Hot Brazilians for your Friday!Excuse me Arthur Sales, did you need help with that itch...? Arthur hails from Sao Paulo and was actually studying to be a lawyer when a friend convinced him to check out modeling.
Yes Raica Oliveira, I usually sit around looking this hot in my underwear too. I swear! Interesting facts about this gorgeous woman: She is from Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro and was discovered by the same person who Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-63323602646271570892011-11-16T19:53:00.000-02:002011-11-16T19:53:43.075-02:00Life Isn't Always Easy in Paradise
My life as an expat was the topic of conversation with numerous people today. While I realize I have a positive spin to the blog, I want to clarify something.
Being an expat is hard. While I may seem on top of it now, it would have been a very different blog if I had started writing my first few years.
I had many many days where I hated everything Brazilian. I could not imagine living here. I Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-80770727418923079042011-11-16T09:23:00.000-02:002011-11-16T09:23:04.420-02:00Morning Scare: Wordless WednesdayA scarily little amount of coffee
This just may work....
A little weak and not the ideal amount for 4 adults. Thank goodness for the tiny Brazilian coffee cupsRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-81752365177511041872011-11-15T17:53:00.000-02:002011-11-15T17:53:36.536-02:00The Annual Argument
Mr. Rant and I have our annual argument today. It comes about at some kind of family lunch or event. It is always centered on our children and it is fully due to cultural differences.
I don't know why I let it get to me still. It really is just the culmination of a bunch of tiny little things over a lunch or a family weekend that seem to push me over the edge.
Take today for instance. My Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-70521203827406478032011-11-15T12:38:00.001-02:002011-11-15T12:38:47.143-02:00Chorinho in Plaza General GlicerioPhoto from http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/10/100-weekend-in-rio-de-janeiro/
In true lazy holiday form, I have a video for you today. In all honesty, it's of one of my absolute favorite things in Rio de Janeiro. Every Saturday there is a farmers market in General Glicerio in Laranjeiras. At that market they have live Chorinho. It is awesome to do a little browsing, eat a wonderfulRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-41251872118458798472011-11-14T07:51:00.000-02:002011-11-14T07:51:48.940-02:00Hot or Too Skinny?
Mr Rant and I were out and about when we saw an attractive woman. I went into full woman flattery, the kind that always makes men wonder if we women aren't truly bi instead of just appreciating the beauty of one of own, when he voiced his disagreement.
What?
The woman was hot! She was thin, dressed well, very pretty face, and even had great hair. What was wrong? In Mr. Rant's opinion, she was Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-54131416551647520122011-11-13T10:00:00.000-02:002011-11-13T10:00:31.226-02:00Colombian President Wants Cocaine Legalized?!
Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos has called for an international rethink of drug regulations. His line of thinking is fairly obvious in my point of view:
"take away the violent profit that comes with drug trafficking... If that means legalising, and the world thinks that's the solution, I will welcome it. I'm not against it."
Here's the thing though, he's also talking about drugs like Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-13539946155848887402011-11-11T11:36:00.001-02:002011-11-11T11:37:19.365-02:00VLOG: The Land of the People PersonRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-57618036627441304822011-11-10T09:41:00.000-02:002011-11-10T09:41:47.894-02:00Cow Art in Rio de Janeiro
Once again Rio de Janiero has been taken over by cows. No this is not a comment toward the growing prevalence of obesity in Brazil. There literally are cows all over the city.
Now I'm just as big of a fan of seeing this cow art as the rest of you. Who doesn't find fiberglass cow figures enjoyable, especially when decorated in way that is representational of your city? The thing that I find so Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-47370388070998979832011-11-09T16:33:00.002-02:002011-11-09T16:33:22.891-02:00Pothead Students Protest
So 3 kids were caught smoking weed on campus at USP (University of Sao Paulo). The cop on duty arrested them.
Apparently a group of their friends staged a sit-in until they were released. From what I hear the sit-in group was kicked out yesterday.
Seriously? Seriously?! If a couple of my friends were caught smoking weed on campus I would swing by the prison, take a picture, and post it on Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-30155200474716410972011-11-09T11:00:00.001-02:002011-11-09T11:00:58.841-02:00My Day at the Beach: Wordless WednesdayMr. and Mrs. Rant
Leblon
Showers on the beach are fun
And so are buckets
Mr. Rant finally gets to relax
As do the kids
City beach
Our posseRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-75684348544523029492011-11-08T20:08:00.000-02:002011-11-08T20:08:23.396-02:00Social Media Friendships: No Nudity RequiredMy stalker proof picture
Who says you can't make real friends on social media? Is it you over there? Or you? Well I am here to tell you that you are all full of crap. I have made a real deal friend using solely social media and she didn't even ask me to send naked photos!
Before we start this debate I am going to ask you what a friend is to you? Well I'm pretty easy. My friendship can be bought Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-16257107850829737942011-11-08T09:48:00.003-02:002011-11-08T09:49:47.003-02:00Best Goals of 1982!Mr. Rant was totally into this youtube video of the top 11 goals of Brazil's 1982 team. I'm not going to pretend to even know what that team was about because I was 2 years old at the time. But enjoy!!
Pretty Damn impressive though! Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-11997453109920256022011-11-06T19:43:00.000-02:002011-11-06T19:43:27.673-02:00How To Beach Like a CariocaMy Little Carioca cooling off with an ice cream
Summer is approaching here in Rio de Janeiro and I am going to tell all you non-Cariocas how to do the Rio de Janeiro beach the right way. Don't worry, follow my 10 easy steps and you'll blend right in... kind of.
1. Be Non-Committal when initially approached by the guys working at the barracas (tents) on the beach. Play it cool. Find where you Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-17676766587939224972011-11-06T08:40:00.001-02:002011-11-06T08:41:13.222-02:00Stream of Consciousness Sunday: The Sleepover
Nothing shows you the difference in parenting other people have like keeping their children for a sleepover.
This weekend we have been the lucky keepers of Little Princess. Little Princess comes from a co-sleeping household. The only co-sleeping my kids get at this point is that period of time between them sneaking into my bed and the first time they kick me in their sleep.
I set up a bed in Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-59555886220724023812011-11-04T16:18:00.000-02:002011-11-04T16:18:47.504-02:00Hot Brazilians for your Friday!Let me introduce Emanuela de Paula . This successful and gorgeous woman hails from Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco.
This is Caio Cesar. The beauty that is Caio was brought forth in to this world in Vitória, Espírito Santo.
I Love Fridays! Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-69297874879921502452011-11-04T07:00:00.001-02:002011-11-04T16:30:44.836-02:00Rio de Janeiro is Flooded With Foreigners!
I've been talking about how Rio de Janeiro has become bloated with foreigners for years. Brazilians have a selective memory and think that they were already here when I came in 2003. I'm sorry but I was the foreigner of Laranjeiras. I distinctly remember Brazilians of the neighborhood saying that I was. I remember there being one principal hostel in Copacabana and foreigners mainly at News YearsRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-28986084891356948472011-11-03T14:18:00.000-02:002011-11-03T14:18:27.372-02:00Nudity, Sex, and a Love Revolution
Mr. Rant recommended that I read a certain article from Trip Magazine. It is one about love, sex, nudity, and community... That is a community of love, sex, and nudity with all involved.
ORGY!
Ok, not really. And that is not what they are about. No, not at all. Open your minds people.
This group in Sao Paulo consists of 7 people, 2 men and 5 women. They are trying to save the world via their Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-3973904336938632022011-11-02T22:34:00.000-02:002011-11-02T22:34:22.224-02:00I Was Played
I don't know if you remember my post about my standoff with Mr. Rant's Grandmother over goodie bags. If you don't, I said that I had thought that I had outsmarted her. I was sure that I had guarded those bad boys with the skill of a well oiled machine.
I should have known better. Today we had lunch with her at her apartment. At some point during the post meal digesting and chatting period the Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-5706234168005897712011-11-02T10:43:00.002-02:002011-11-02T17:26:11.599-02:00Wordless Wednesday: Hooking it
Halloween at the Champagne barRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-71629007898964240112011-11-01T08:35:00.001-02:002011-11-01T08:36:09.418-02:00Ping Pong with the Risk of Losing an Eye
A rainy day in Rio de Janeiro is like the Grand Prix with obstacles.
There is the foot traffic. All Cariocas are out with their umbrellas, even if it not technically raining in the opinion of us foreigners. If it had rained at one point in the day and no sun is out, there is a Carioca with an umbrella.
There are also sects of umbrella people. You have the group that are willing to spend more Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437750058361105497.post-24926764987672531782011-10-31T09:02:00.000-02:002011-10-31T09:02:19.054-02:00Avoiding Identity Theft in Brazil
I found a very interesting post of 12 tips on how to Avoid Identity Theft. I decided to see if I could translate this to life in Brazil!
1. Order your credit report from each of the three credit reporting companies: I'm not sure if this is possible down here although I assume it is. Mr. Rant is constantly checking our credit card statements. That may be because of the risk of cloned credit Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13209527132116902328noreply@blogger.com9