Originally posted by Gringodude I agree about American citizens ... there is truth to it. The American reputation around the world isn't shiny and white.

Edited by Kurtz - 01 January 2012 at 19:34

GD, you are married, maybe a kid or two. You are not going to believe me or any other opinion because you have vested interest in Brasil. A lot of Expats remind themselves that it's all good and nothing is bad in Brasil. I think you are young, perhaps in your late 20s, early 30s. You don't seem experienced living in other countries, outside your small Euro country. I don't know you but it seems you are like a lot of young people living in Brasil. The 685 post count means nothing to me. I value experienced posters who have some age and world experience to add to the Forum.

Ok - fine. Since you are living in Zona Sul for a few years without problems. I have a few questions. Where do you live ( the nighborhood is fine )? What do you do? What is your age? How many years living in Brasil?  .... I bet your Brasilian wife helped you tremendously adapting to every day life in Brasil. I bet if it wasn't for your wife, you might be back in London working 9-5 ...   For me to believe you, you gotta give up some basic information.

Edited by Kurtz - 01 January 2012 at 20:29

Prudente de Morais, I'm in mid-20's, student starting my second mestrado at UFRJ...

I've been coming to Brazil, on my own, since 2005. I landed on my own feet here as far as relationship with Brazil. Marriage came after the fact. I'll admit there's a lot of Brazil I would love to change, but I choose to embrace. Also I am a bit luckier than some others trying to make their way but that doesn't change this subject. The upper-class is very open-minded you have to know this about them. I think your experience might reflect your age, not in a bad way. Seemingly moving anywhere does take time to establish yourself into a comfortable situation, a balanced life.

The only time I've noticed the snobbish side of Zona-Sul is when an outsider is misbehaving, IE tourist. Otherwise if you introduce yourself they're very curious. Sure in all fairness if you are poor and messy and not of their standard, what rich crowd would be interested? But again that's a totally different set of ideas. In general they're nice, they're Brazilian...


P.S if you want snobbery live in SP, Cariocas are far more easy going, rich and poor alike!

Edited by Gringodude - 01 January 2012 at 20:50

Originally posted by Gosteelers The culture of Brazil is very strange...(at least from my perspective). They will gladly show you off as gringo friends in their parties or in front of their friends and practice their English language skills but deep down in their hearts they never accept you as their own. You will be gringoes for them for ever - it does not matter how much time you spent here or how much you adopted their culture or got fluent in Portuguese.

This only partially true! You cannot be friends with everyone, no matter which country or culture. Since we're talking about Zona Sul particularly, it should be noted that these people are generally upperclass. Meaning it doesn't matter which culture you come from being rich is a generic characteristic for the most part. So of course you'll remain a gringo, how do you figure immigrants in the united states feel? Be it that they're treated oh so well!?!?

The point is that it's not the hardest thing in the world to develop a life in Zona Sul, you just need to be able to fit in. Some people can't for a number of reasons, so what? Doesn't mean it's written off as impossible, come on!..