Rio de Janeiro vs São Paulo

Veja Rio is saying that 47% of Cariocas feel some affinity towards São Paulo, and an additional 10% actually admit to really liking it.

Before you go and let your head spin, there's also my favorite stat in the article: 71% of Cariocas would not live there.  Now there is the Rio de Janeiro I know and love!

There is a lot of truth behind that last statistic, although I think they should have also asked the 29% who would move there what their reasoning is. If I had to stake a wager I would say that they are willing to move there for work and because of a chance at a higher salary/position.

That there is one of the core differences. You go to São Paulo to work. It is the base of business here in Brazil, although Rio is trying to squeeze it's large tanned ass in there too these days. But when it comes to work, the go-getting Cariocas usually ends up spending at least a couple of years living in the land of grey buildings and cold winters.

In São Paulo's defense, I do hear that they have great restaurants. I have many Carioca friends who enjoy spending a weekend there going out, eating, and shopping. Since it is more international than Rio de Janeiro, there are things that you find there that you just can't find here.

Personally though, I would hate to move to São Paulo. I am really making a snap judgement as I have only been there twice but that was enough for me. It was cold, grey, and dirty. I also missed Rio! There were no half-naked people, everyone speaks a clear and easily understandable Portuguese, and there was no view to speak of (I do not count buildings as a view)!

In the article Cariocas listed Traffic (30%), Crime (18%), and Flood (13%) as São Paulo's top 3 cons. Anyone else find it ironic that Cariocas are complaining about crime in São Paulo?

On the flip side, the top 3 pros for São Paulo are Job opportunities (30%), didn't respond (19%), and Diversified commerce (10%). Got to love that the second most common pro is no response. Way to stick it to them Rio de Janeiro!

What do you think? Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, or both? 

Blog Friends?

I had no idea that I'd actually meet people because of my blog. I had absolutely no clue that the rants that I would post could possibly help other people! The fact that you guys would seek me out to ask personal questions, or even just ask them in comments, is amazing to me.

I have connected with so many people via Rachel's Rantings that I can't understand why I didn't do it before. Maybe I wasn't in a good place. Surely I didn't have the grasp of the culture nor accept it as I do now. I also didn't get life, love, nor marriage, not that I necessarily get it now.

The thing is, we all reach out to each other in one way or another. While I may just be words on a screen, I do feel the things that are shared with me via comments, emails, or tweets. I just have to say that I am honored that you would choose to share with me. Screw reading my blog, you share your feelings. That takes balls!

I have always known I have awesome readers and anyone who has followed my comment area would know the same. Really, the comment section is usually the best part of the whole blog! But I just wanted to take a minute and thank you guys for being here.

I love being a part of your questions, debates, and comments. I love that I have such a random mix of readers. I really just like my readers in general! Seriously! The interaction on here is a shining star in the middle of the day.

Thank you! Thank you for reading, sharing, and coming back. Thank you for feeling free to contribute. This blog would be nothing without you guys! 

Expats and Holidays

As an expat my holidays are all messed up. I totally forgot today is Labor Day in the states, not that it really matters down here. Monday is going on as normal. Of course, there are no lack of holidays in Brazil.  My kids are constantly getting days of school for things that I don't even understand.

Take this Wednesday for example. It's Brazilian Independence day. Do they have fireworks and all that jazz, no. There are some parades but it's not really done up like we do ours.

Personally I think it's because of the abundance of holidays. When you get half the year off (slight exaggeration) for national, religious, or city holidays they all just seem to run together. It's basically an excuse to escape the city and drink beer in the middle of the day (not that Cariocas really need an excuse to do either).

Still I feel a bit like I am failing my children when it comes to knowing the holidays of their Mother's homeland. We do nothing on American holidays, they think Valentines day is in June, and Grandpa and Daddy have different Father's days. Talk about confusion.

Then you add in Carnaval and conselho de classe (each quarter/semester class is canceled so teachers can have a prep day) and you realize there are about 3 fully functioning work days in Rio de Janeiro.

Anyway, my kids' understanding of all holidays, minus Christmas, is that they are an excuse to miss school/work. Then again, isn't that the essence of holidays in the first place? A day to relax, enjoy, and be with friends and loved ones.

I do wish we could celebrate 4th of July with style down here though. This year I missed good hot dogs, beers, fireworks, obnoxious American Flag clothing items, and the general old fashioned American bbqs. Don't even get me started on potato salad and big dill pickles...

Those of you living abroad, do you ever miss celebrating the holidays of your native land?  If so, which ones?

Party House: Noise like nothing else

The Menace doing his thing on the dance floor

I'm sure some of you are thinking that I'm talking about something cool like a baile funk (funk dance) or a new Rio de Janeiro club. Have you all forgotten that I have 2 children under 5 years of age?

These days my parties are ones that include balloons, even more obnoxious music than electronic, and plenty of screaming children.

I went to one of these parties last night and it was a good one as far as party house parties go. You see, here in Brazil you can rent a house that is fully pimped out to be a kid's dream and a parent's nightmare. It's like sugar and noise on crack. Honestly, I don't know what I would do with myself if they didn't serve beer in these places. Better idea yet, Valium cocktails for parents upon entry!

But the kiddos love it. Hell, what isn't to love. You can jump on everything, climb on everything, all snacks are fried or full of sugar, there are video games, and costumes are almost required. Not to mention the super lame loud children's music, 300 other kids to play with, and plenty of opportunities to lose your parents and freak them the hell out.

I have to say that I secretly do love these parties. While I lament with the other parents, I feel like a big kid while there. I eat absolutely everything. You know when you are choosing your hor d'oeuvres from the waiter's tray and you see an arm dart in, grab something, and disappear? Well, that is my arm. I am that person. It's sad, I know.

Basically you show up at these parties with empty tummies and excited children. You leave said party with exhausted children, a slight beer buzz, a goodie bag, and full tummies (aka. no dinner preparations necessary that night). Not to mention the fact that you get to mingle with other parents as the children are fully occupied.

This girl right here gives Rio de Janeiro party houses a thumbs up as fun for the whole family!
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FYI: I was interviewed by a cool fellow expat Mummy in Provence and she posted it today. Go check it out: http://www.mummyinprovence.com/having-baby-brazil

Virgin Vlogger

Please note that this will not necessarily become a constant thing, so don't be scared. That and I really hope my under eye circles really aren't that bad! Lighting and make up artist please...

And yes, I do need a better camera.