Originally posted by Captain Ron Thanks Boycie, yes, as Gringos we tread a fragile line. Even in places where I have found, what appears to be acceptance, I know that they will turn on me if given the opportunity. Here on the island you do not decide to live here - they let you live here as long as you conform to the way it is. I still love the place and this incident will blow over - but never be forgotten. I am sure that all this applies to most places in the world, not just Brazil. Let`s get together for a beer when you visit.

Sure thing, I'll look forward to it - September for 3 nights, will send you a PM nearer the time.

Escy, I haven't read this entire thread yet; I'll make time for it later.  However, I want to underscore my support and agreement for your observations about this country. Yes, I say country- a huge generalization- because it is enmeshed in similar culture from region to region, city to city. 

My Brazilian wife and I have tried to figure out why things are the way they are here- we agree with you on all your points regarding the mindset of so many Brazilians.  We believe it comes to this: the heritage of Brazil, a Portuguese-rooted way of thinking and acting, which is short-sighted, selfish, self-serving, near-ignorant, heavily catholic,... etc.  It's so hard to understand how each level of a society can be so damaged as to operate (?) as they do here. 

Some gringos on this post seem to claim to a higher understanding which is only their privilege; others seem to like swimming in sewage infested waters; others may be stuck, hiding, whatever- it's their business.  But many are always ready to attack people like you, who gave it their best shot.  You were not naïve, there are simply daily aspects of life in Brazil no one in their right mind can imagine while visiting.  Aspects that defy sanity.  That said, my Brazilian wife can't wait to get back to the States- almost as if she forgot how "podre" things can be here.

Finally, I fear most for my two daughters, that one day part of this culture will irreversibly "stick" in them, and that removing them to a "real" country will no longer suffice to fix the damage.  That is my nightmare.  But they are both still young and pliable- I know they will remember this place fondly, and hopefully by the time they're adults able to make decisions such as whether to return, this place will have received its overhaul.

Good luck Escy!


PS- Someone made the point about being able to "buy" yourself a bubble here to live in.  That indeed will work until some admiring Brazilian/s decide to burst it for you.  Just ask the fearful/arrogant wealthy here.  Often, their behavior is less human, more rude than the poor.

Squiddie, I'm in Rio watching van and combi drivers shut the city down.  We live in Zona Norte, Ilha do Governador.  There are a few genuinely nice people here, and then... products of chaos.  But you're right- it varies everywhere.  Where I'm from- Seattle- is not paradise due to a colder climate and colder population.  But, as my wife has noticed, there is organization and a certain degree of humanity.  2014 and 2016 will be interesting in these parts...

Originally posted by Captain Ron Thanks Boycie, yes, as Gringos we tread a fragile line. Even in places where I have found, what appears to be acceptance, I know that they will turn on me if given the opportunity. Here on the island you do not decide to live here - they let you live here as long as you conform to the way it is. I still love the place and this incident will blow over - but never be forgotten. I am sure that all this applies to most places in the world, not just Brazil. Let`s get together for a beer when you visit.

Captain Ron, sounds like a bad experience. Don't you have a wife or anybody who can translate for you???

First thing, it took me YEEEEEEEEEEAAAARS and yeeeeeeeeeeeeeears to drop a lot of "old ways". I'm still suprised every day by the lack of common sense and the "forgetfulness" of most people.

When you talk to people, you have to be as calm as possible, and as nice as possible, allthewhile smiling from ear-to-ear. Did you enter the pousada yelling?

Another thing, most Brazilians will try to "rip off" just about anyone, not just gringos. Sometimes we may feel that we are treated differently, but in most cases, we're really not.

Sounds to me that this is a good example of cultural and language differences. If you're really going to stay, learn more of the language and more about the cultural norms. What the young man was saying to the police was "This crazy gringo came here yelling and screaming, and I couldn't understand anything that he was saying." If anyone came to my place doing that, I would tell them to get away too.

I get plenty of interactive immersion during the week at work - so come the weekend (and it can never come quite soon enough) I am all for leaving mankind behind, Brazilian or otherwise and escaping to my jungle. Not that I am anti-social, but I like the isolation of the countryside.