Meet a Carioca Monday

Congratulations Thais, you are our first female Carioca! Woo Hoo! 

Seeing that she is female and obviously wiser than the past Cariocas, yes I did just say that, I asked her a deeper question than normal. 

Q: What do Cariocas have figured out that the rest of the world doesn't?

A: We have figured out that life is not to be taken so seriously... so we don't. 

I would have to say that she pretty much sums up the feeling of living her long term. You realize that most things really aren't that big of a deal. Sit down, have a coconut water, and enjoy the view. Things will get where they need to be eventually. 

Meet a Carioca Monday: Mr. Rant edition

Decided on this photo from his rock and roll phase

I had a brilliant idea for Meet a Carioca Monday. Why not interview the one I live with.  You may call that lazy but I call it brilliant.

So I asked Mr. Rant.

Q. As a Carioca what is it like be married to and living with a foreigner spouse in Rio de Janeiro?

A.Having a foreign wife has its challenges, specially the adaptation phase. Living in Rio is very different from coming for a visit. When visiting you have all the time in the world to show favorite places, see friends, go to bars, beaches, leave Rio for the weekend and go to a great little town like Maua.  That is the part where we can show how cool we are and impress our special gringa :)

Once you move here, and work comes, the challenge begins. The city has to take over and do the conquering. It’s a mutual discovery, a curiosity that feeds into a new love or a fear that grows into a phobia.

I was lucky because Rachel was fearless, took the city and made it her own. I am sure it was not easy. Rio is a city that when you grow up here you get used to its perks and its innumerous flaws. But to deal with the flaws all of a sudden is hardcore and for that I give Rachel a lot of credit.

It must be hard to move into your husband hometown, no matter where it is, even in the same country. Imagine with a language like Portuguese, crazy traffic, crazy laws, crazy taxes, crazy politics… At the same time you can just go spend a day at the beach and stop for an acai on your way home… and that day will be a day envied all around the globe since this is one of the most enjoyable city of the world.

Can you all see why I married this man?! Super charming and great answer!

Meet a Carioca Monday Part 2

I 'm very honored to have this Carioca take part in my Meet a Carioca Monday. He's a local team player, always giving back to his city and community. He's also the writer of the very interesting blog: Life in Favela of Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Without further ado, I introduce you to Deejay Zezinho.

I asked Deejay Zezinho:

Q. What made you move to the US and what made you come back to Brazil?

A. I was born to an American mother and Brazilian father. My father thought it best that I go to the USA to learn, study and know more about life there. Also he thought I would have more opportunities there. I was born in Rocinha and I plan never to leave. The people here expect big things of me. I need not disappoint them...

I will say Zezinho, I don't think you will!

Meet a Carioca Monday

Today's Carioca is a born native of the famous city of Rio de Janeiro.

Luís Cláudio stumbled upon Meet a Carioca Monday when he offered to sell myself and a friend some peanuts at a Leme beach kiosk.

While a little shy for the camera, Luís was a good sport. I always ask permission to take a picture. You never know who believes the camera can steal the soul.

Anyway, the question we asked Luís was:

Q. What makes Rio de Janeiro such a great city?

A. The people.

I'm going to have to totally agree with the man on this one! However, I'm still waiting for a long-winded participant. Maybe we'll have better luck next week. 

Meet a Carioca Monday

My new friend André

I'm starting a new trend for Monday posts here on Rachel's Rantings in Rio.  It's Meet a Carioca Monday. I will be introducing you to a new Carioca (Rio de Janeiro local) each and every Monday, when I remember.

Each Monday guest will answer one simple question.  It's like playing the getting to know you game only with far more people and over a long, drawn out period of time. Yay for you!

Today we will meet André. He's the serious man above.

André sells bread from his bike. Oh yes, you heard me right. People buy bread from a dude on a bike.

Anyway, very nice man who was completely confused when I approached him, barely understood my fabulous Portuguese, and still said yes to asking a question. Got to love Brazilian hospitality!

His question: What do you love most about Rio de Janeiro?

His answer: Pão de Açúcar. (Sugarloaf for the English speaking crowd)

 The blushing beauty in all her glory

Got to love a man who loves the view of his city! Of course he could have chosen the beach, the ladies, the beer, weather, or anything else. But no, he loves the beautiful natural landscape.

Not saying anything but that makes me think he was a bit confused. That and the weird expression and long drawn out silences.

Regardless, great answer!

Now all I need to do is find a Portuguese teacher before next Monday.

** Thank you to my wonderful blogger friend at http://impossiblyglamorous.com/ for this great idea!