I think it's a little weird people here have such distaste for meeting up with their fellow countryman. I've just recently posted but have read this Forum since it's inception since 1999. Here in So. Florida, Brazilians hang with their own, Cubans hang with their own, Colombians, etc. Brazil is the only country I've lived where my fellow Americans and Brits seem standoffish and rude. Surely, not all, but most fit this profile. The Latin countries I've lived; Col, Pan, CR, and even Spain, my fellow countrymen always seem open to friendship. Most every major city in Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica has a thriving friendly Expat community. I've also noticed on this Forum, Expats enjoy online camaraderie but meeting up personally is taboo. And on other Expat Forums, people like the idea of meeting people from their home country. However, I am aware Brazil does harbor Fugitives and that’s really unfortunate and sad and I've met my share of shady people: Brazilians and Expats, in Brazil and USA.