So I visited a lot in Brazil, here are my thoughts
Printed From: Gringoes.com
Category: Brazil
Forum Name: Travel in Brazil
Forum Discription: Best places to travel in Brazil
URL: http://www.gringoes.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12771
Printed Date: 20 June 2013 at 08:26
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05a - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: So I visited a lot in Brazil, here are my thoughts
Posted By: Brazilianick
Subject: So I visited a lot in Brazil, here are my thoughts
Date Posted: 02 August 2011 at 19:54
|
All together I was in Brazil for 2 months. I went to Salvador, Rio, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Ouro Preto, Fortaleza and Prainha do Canto Verde (my favorite place of all). I will write more later, but I just had to drop a few words before I have the time to write more!!!!! Many gringos on here, who claimed to visit Brazil, are freaking liars, or they went there 20 years ago, in their dreams! Brazil is NOT dangerous! I walked alone, by myself, at night in Rio, Sao Paulo, in Salvador, and I was fine! No one ever even looked at me weird. Not to mention that I am blond, with blue eyes, dressed in Abercrombie and Fitch! Brazilians do not dress like homeless people! Some here advised me to tone down my clothes. Boy were they wrong! I saw a lot of Polo, Lacoste, Calvin Clain, even Gucci and Dolce and Gabbana. Many Brazilians have cars! The cars I saw in Brazil were mostly BMW, Woltswagen, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, etc. Food in Brazil is amazing. It is very easy to shop. There are a lot of grocery stores, and food is not that expansive at all. Restaurants are a bit pricey, I admit. Salvador was the dirtiest, but full of culture. It was totally worth it visiting it. It is colorful, and beautiful. I especially loved Praia do Forte! What a paradise! That place was actually pretty clean, and tourist friendly! Rio de Janeiro was so calm. I stayed in Leblon for 12 days and walked on Copacabana, Ipanema, went to Botafogo, and visited Zone do Norte. I went to a mall in the north part, and visited Niteroi as well. In all of these places, people were nice. No one scared me. No one even looked at me. If some people did look at me, they were girls who thought I was hot. hehehehe (or gay guys). I left my glasses in one place, came back, they were still laying there. I left my backpack in a restaurant. Came back, the receptionist lady was holding it for me. Nothing inside was touched. I dropped my canon camera on a beach, because I was carrying it rolled in the towels, and a guy behind me picked it up for me. I had the easiest time making friends, relating to people. They loved the fact that I did not act fussy or sophisticated. I accepted everything, even the things that made me feel uncomfortable, or out of my comfort zone. I just laughed them off. Brazilians loved the fact that I tried to speak their language, knew about their culture, loved their music, and even watched their novelas. I made friends in Brazil I will never forget! I will visit them all again this December! I will write more about my experiences in Brazil, but the point of this (not so short) post, is that I wanted to say that many of you here were wrong! Many of you scared me and dramatized over how dangerous it is there, or how people are mean, or how everyone will take advantage of me! BULL sh*t! I wonder if any of you even went there! |
Replies:
Posted By: irishdaz
Date Posted: 02 August 2011 at 20:09
|
I went on holidays to the Isle of Man once. And you know what? Johnny Foreigner didn't rob my designer clothes. I even left a Chanel No.7 bucket and spade unattended while I took a donkey ride. It was still there when I got back, amazingly. The people were like, super friendly? When I was changing on the beach one time some really hot girls winked at me and it was soooo easy to make friends too, mainly because I was a sophisticate playing dumb and accepting everything. And my mam says I'm really cute, though I know that anyway. Many have commented on this (and not only there). I decided when I was there that I should just accept everything. I even helped an elderly man into his swimming shorts in a windowless caravan behind the dunes where he lived alone. People are so friendly! I don't know why people advised me to be careful. It was so safe. Granted, the cats have no tails and they are morons compared to where I'm from. I'd love to live there and plan to go back ASAP!
------------- http://pernambucogypsy.blogspot.com - http://pernambucogypsy.blogspot.com |
Posted By: Ray
Date Posted: 02 August 2011 at 21:42
|
You sound like a very young guy and consider yourself lucky. Also, a lot of people cannot afford Leblon, and Leblon is considerd by many one of the safest areas in all RJ state. My advice is go back and live in Brazil, perhaps start a business or teach English, for at least 1 year, then after that time, come back and post. At that point I will take everything you write a lot more seriously.
Peace
|
Posted By: Twirly
Date Posted: 03 August 2011 at 09:20
|
To be honest you have not visited a lot in this country.
2 months is diddly and your post reflects that. What is a Woltswagen? Lot's of beemers as well? Hahahahaha, yea right. |
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 03 August 2011 at 09:37
|
I agree with his post aside from the part about the cars. Mostly I see Fiats. But everything in his post has been my experience as well- and I live here.
------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: agri2001
Date Posted: 03 August 2011 at 10:15
|
He should come to Alagoas and then write about his experience afterwards...That is of course if he gets out of there alive.
------------- Athiests are moral, they don't kill over religion. |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 03 August 2011 at 10:21
No kidding? I always though they rode chariots! |
Posted By: Twirly
Date Posted: 03 August 2011 at 10:24
|
He should try Manaus or Zona Norte in Natal as well.
Wont see many beemers or Lacoste shirts there. Good for the OP though that he had a good time. Think he should buy a lottery ticket as well as he surely will win millions with his luck. |
Posted By: Twirly
Date Posted: 03 August 2011 at 10:25
|
Posted By: ganeshrkara
Date Posted: 03 August 2011 at 10:44
|
I am back in Brazil and within 4 days here already came to know 2 incidents..
first , a guy was shot dead cuz he made some resistance to one thief ...shot twice on the head ( it was caught in a cc camera and shown in the national news , happened in BH)
other one is one guy from neighbourhood went to buy meat at 9 AM (yes...AM..not 9 PM..) and one thief came with a gun and asked for the car key and drove away...
|
Posted By: Bubbles
Date Posted: 03 August 2011 at 12:04
You would need to spend at least 3 months in one place to get the feel of it. If you have just returned you have also gone at the most quiet (tourist-wise) time....
|
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 03 August 2011 at 12:25
At least it wasn't one of those americans or japanese "doing europe in two weeks" 
|
Posted By: Ray
Date Posted: 03 August 2011 at 13:15
|
People like Sven, Dom and Gringo.Floripa have many years living in Brazil .... read their stuff and learn, and it's all free!
Peace
|
Posted By: Bubbles
Date Posted: 03 August 2011 at 13:21
I've done about 18 months spread over 12 years......!
|
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 03 August 2011 at 16:24
So....a man got shot in the head and someone got there car stolen? This happens all over the world does it not? I feel very safe in BH. Have spent the last week taking my parents around town and have not had any problems. ------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: ganeshrkara
Date Posted: 03 August 2011 at 16:48
even my brazilian wife ( spent all her life in Brasil) dont feel that safe in Brasil....
|
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 01:06
I know plenty of people that live here and feel safe, but I am only speaking about me, and I feel quite safe here. Just as safe as I would feel in a big city in the US. ------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: Brazillifestyle
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 03:11
|
I for one am glad to have read about the OP enjoying his time in several cities. Yes, however two months isn't quite enough time to see all places. To understand your version of experience verse those you might have misunderstood regarding their advice. As contrary as your experience is perhaps to what you've read. I would definitely welcome you to keep your travels constant and see more of the wonderful country. In response to the visiting of undesired locations, why would anyone bother? It would be pointless and not sufficient in arguement either. As stated numerous times in other threads, any where in the world there's criminals acting in crime. In my experiences visiting and living in Brazil, I've not suffered any unfortunate experiences, I say it's safe all relativity included! |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 08:48
Altoproveite... In two and a half years I'll be charging for it! |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 09:04
|
Just wondering, what is an "undesired location"? Who decides what is undesired?
It certainly also seems that under certain circumstances certain "undesired locations" can become desired locations. For years, the area near the entrance of Dona Martha was condlsidered by most an "undesired area" yet it was much safer at night than for example avenida atlantica in Copacabana at night, as the area had an "official" no crime policy. I always heard that Zona Norte, Oeste and Baixada Flumnense where "undesired locations", yet experience has thought me that nothing is further from the truth. One runs a lesser risk of a violent crime there than in Copacabana or Ipanema with the added benefit that there one seems safe from exploding man holes, at least for now. Although Igreja da Penha is in an "undesired area", it is a historical site worth visiting. Quinta da Boa Vista with it's park is also located in an "undesired area", yet certainly worth a visit on a sunny Sunday when it's filled with locals and their children. |
Posted By: nikkij12185
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 11:41
|
I feel safer in certain "undersired locations" than in more popular areas, particularly in Rio. The two times I have been assualted were in Ipanema and Barra. That being said, I was also pickpocketed in DC and have heard of plenty of people who have been mugged in NYC and Boston. Common big city rules apply here. You just have to be wary that you may be a bit more of a target, as it may be harder to hide the fact that you are a tourist here than in areas closer to your home. You also need to be wary of your "friends" who probably will try to take advantage of you, which is why you make friends so easily. Watch "An American Tale" before coming back to Brazil again. You are like the lucky little mouse in the big city here, especially when you are here long term. Just keep your eyes wide open and hopefully nothing (too) bad will happen to you. |
Posted By: Ray
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 13:34
|
To The OP: Hire Sven as your personal Bodyguard / Confidant / Advisor! But pay this Famengo legend what he deserves .... Good service does NOT come cheap, and you get a Don Johnson look-a-like, i.e. all the fine ladies will be grasping for your attention.
Have A Wonderful Day Everyone !!!
|
Posted By: nikkij12185
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 14:13
@Sven, Are you paying this guy to follow you around the forum and kiss your backside. He must be planning on needing some serious legal help in the future and trying to exploit your services ;) |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 14:44
Not me.
I'll be on the lookout. |
Posted By: Ray
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 15:05
| Don't worry Big Guy ... I'm completely harmless, so my Psychiatrist says, but at R$200 hourly, he wants me to remain a valued client. The next time you seem me on Catete, say hello. ( I'm the big burly guy with long brown hair ) |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 15:44
Oh, ok 
|
Posted By: Bubbles
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 15:54
As a general rule when a 'desired' location becomes unaffordable, other areas become 'desirable'.
|
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 16:27
|
Posted By: Brazillifestyle
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 18:13
|
Exactly! The desired location is reference to each his own definition regarding a livable premise. In knowing the difference between those who can afford it and those who cannot is defined by the daily function of society as a whole. What I meant specifically was in obvious light, those who can afford say Ipanema, Leblon or even Copa for example, may wish to stay there. And until it becomes unaffordable afterwards begin occupying the surrounding areas or which becomes most preferrable there onward. I do not think the OP was aware that being able to afford living in such areas can be difficult for those who cannot afford it. OR was he? hmmmm Let the haters come and play... |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 04 August 2011 at 18:48
| I can afford Ipanema Copacabana or Barra, but I prefer NOT to stay there.... |
Posted By: AcesHigh
Date Posted: 12 September 2011 at 11:12
well, the FIATs in Brazil certainly cost about the same as BMWs in the US. a Peugeot 206 1.4 liters engine sells for 17 thousand dollars a VW Golf 1.6 liters engine sells for 32 thousand dollars in Brazil 2011 NEW CIVIC LXL 1.8 16V - 41 thousand dollars Honda CRV 4x4 - 70 thousand dollars BMW X1 3.0 - 109 thousand dollars do you even want to know the price of luxury cars here? |
Posted By: AcesHigh
Date Posted: 12 September 2011 at 11:19
|
I feel pretty safe around Gramado.
and cars stop for pedestrians!! |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 12 September 2011 at 11:36
These are considered luxury cars in Brazil
|
Posted By: Joao P L
Date Posted: 27 October 2011 at 19:23
|
For my part my prefered place is Trindade !
;)
Joao P L ------------- http://www.ddi-ddd.com.br - Codigos DDD e Codigos DDI telefone |
Posted By: gringonovo
Date Posted: 27 October 2011 at 22:17
My thoughts exactly. It's a strange concept that someone who has a honda civic here is considered rich as in the states it's looked at as an economic, inexpensive car.
|
Posted By: DUNGA
Date Posted: 28 October 2011 at 06:18
|
I like how some makes have airbags and ABS listed as options. Isn't that cute.
------------- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8hLc_nqx8g - Tales of Brave Ulysses |
Posted By: 3casas
Date Posted: 28 October 2011 at 08:29
|
if i remember correctly, in the near future these things will be standard on all cars sold in braz (unless that got thrown out the window when dilma came in). I forget when it's scheduled, but i want to say 2015. Not that it will help significantly, as used cars stick around forever.
------------- |
Posted By: scottyh
Date Posted: 28 October 2011 at 14:30
|
Brazil is NOT dangerous! trying tell that to my cousin in law who got robbed yesterday in daylight at gunpoint walking home from work... an old cell phone and r$10 was all they got cos it is all she has!!! |
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 28 October 2011 at 15:41
I am sure someone in America was robbed yesterday too. ------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 28 October 2011 at 17:06
You mean this poor guy: http://www.eagletribune.com/local/x717136257/Men-report-being-robbed-at-gunpoint Or maybe the pizza guy: http://www.wibw.com/localnews/headlines/132754468.html Or maybe this guy: http://www.tylerpaper.com/article/20111027/NEWS01/111029775 Or this dude: http://www.walb.com/story/15894453/worth-store-robbed They even robbed some massage parlor in the netherlands yesterday: http://www.omroepbrabant.nl/?news/1637771273/Gewapende+overval+op+massagesalon+Roosendaal.aspx And guess what, you can't even drink a quiet beer on Wednesday night in the netherlands: http://www.hartvannederland.nl/nederland/limburg/2011/gewapende-overval-cafe-susteren/ |
Posted By: scottyh
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 11:35
| of course someone was robbed yesterday in the US & and the UK as well... however I dont know anyone in the UK who has ever been robbed at gunpoint... in Brazil at least 50% of the people you know have been robbed at gunpoint! |
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 12:51
not true, but way to be dramatic. ------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: Gringodude
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 18:27
|
Untrue probably, likely definitely.. Dramatic? No... Realistic? Yes.. Just because you teach english and have nothing of value to be stolen, doesn't change that brazil does have a higher crime rate than America... ------------- Keeping the BrazilianLifestyle "Have a great day everyone" - Ray "You know who you are, now go and reflect!" - Esprit |
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 18:59
I do not think that I said Brasil does not have a higher crime rate than the US. And I doubt 50% of the people I know have been robbed at gunpoint. But maybe Scotty has some data or a link supporting that number. And as far as not having anything of value, how would you know? Have you been a guest in my home recently? ------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: Gringodude
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 19:32
It doesn't take boy wonder to figure out the frequency of people you encounter in Brazil are likely to have experienced some form of safety issue. At least more commonly than your useless remark about some random American being robbed "the other day"..
I don't need to be a guest in your house, I was being snide on purpose.. ------------- Keeping the BrazilianLifestyle "Have a great day everyone" - Ray "You know who you are, now go and reflect!" - Esprit |
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 20:48
My remark was as useful as his....he used the example of someone getting robbed, so did I. We offered the same information yet, because it happened in Brazil it somehow proves what a dangerous country this is. One indecent doesn't do that, that's all that I was saying. Do people say America is different if they get robbed in Atlanta GA? ------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: Gringodude
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 22:31
|
Apart from hanging on several dozen particular "hoods", you're definitely more likely to get "jacked" in Brazil. Start with how you dress or what you wear on a daily basis and how that compares to your life back home. If you can't figure it out then maybe I'm mistaken about your understanding on this subject. ------------- Keeping the BrazilianLifestyle "Have a great day everyone" - Ray "You know who you are, now go and reflect!" - Esprit |
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 22:37
This has not been my experience. I think what people fail to realize is that Brazil is a very large country and people just may have different experiences from each other. Where I am moving in Pará is very different than here in BH. Hey, Brazilianlifestyle.....when are you moving here? Are you still in Canada? ------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: Gringodude
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 22:58
|
Okay, awesome swept under the rug... I'm moving in December... ------------- Keeping the BrazilianLifestyle "Have a great day everyone" - Ray "You know who you are, now go and reflect!" - Esprit |
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 23:08
huh? December...nice. Hope you don't get robbed/murdered. It is sooo dangerous here ------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: Gringodude
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 23:16
|
It could happen to anyone man... Especially if you remember that time you didn't have a car in Brazil, and you have to take the bus? Ya... Increases the chances, becareful! A bullet-proof car is pretty cool, guess you'll never know working as an esl consultant... Best of luck!  ------------- Keeping the BrazilianLifestyle "Have a great day everyone" - Ray "You know who you are, now go and reflect!" - Esprit |
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 23:48
People don't want to shoot me, so no I don't need a bullet proof car....darn. ------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: Ca paulista
Date Posted: 30 October 2011 at 01:11
|
hey Braziliannick, I`m glad to hear u have this good impression about brazil.
I`m Brazilian and I know gringos are usually very scared of our country. Well.. I know many bad things about brazil, like my friends been robbed and things like this. But, I`ve never been robbed neither never seen it occurring, u know? I think it`s all about where u are and paying attention. I hope more gringos have the good impression u have =) |
Posted By: irishdaz
Date Posted: 30 October 2011 at 13:33
Jesus. Really? ------------- http://pernambucogypsy.blogspot.com - http://pernambucogypsy.blogspot.com |
Posted By: Gringodude
Date Posted: 30 October 2011 at 13:38
|
.... ------------- Keeping the BrazilianLifestyle "Have a great day everyone" - Ray "You know who you are, now go and reflect!" - Esprit |
Posted By: Florianopolite
Date Posted: 01 November 2011 at 11:44
Being robbed at gunpoint is far less stressful than being mugged in the UK by a skinhead with his fists. You can have hesitation when there is a 'chance'. But with a gun the deal is done. The gunmen robbers are very polite and honest about the situation. Just make sure in Sao Paulo or Rio that you ALWAYS have a 20 in your back pocket. It is more dangerous to be empty handed - you always need something for the gunman crackhea - if you dont then he might think you are holding out on him and he might shoot you so he can search your pockets himself. ------------- A ilusão é uma fé desmedida. |
Posted By: Florianopolite
Date Posted: 01 November 2011 at 11:53
This has to be the most important lesson about it. its really important you try to learn the language and speak about the things you love about Brasil. It changes all your luck here. ------------- A ilusão é uma fé desmedida. |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 01 November 2011 at 12:40
I do. Or at least did. We're no longer in contact. But does it really matter if it's a gun or a knife? |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 01 November 2011 at 12:50
I dress no different from "life back home". I don't do anything different either, ride the train, the bus, the subway. Mostly jeans and tshirt (ok, back home that would be rare due to the temperature) sometimes in a suit. With backpack w/ laptop. I use my phone on the street, even at 22:30 in the center of rio.. I dont live in zona sul. What dont I understand? Sure, you can have some bad luck and get robbed. That doesn't make it much more dangerous than other places I know. |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 01 November 2011 at 12:53
So you're saying that I will get robbed as I am writing while riding a city bus in rio using my iPhone? |
Posted By: Gringodude
Date Posted: 01 November 2011 at 13:45
|
Otima parada 172 coming to theatres near you, I mean it could happen to you..haha.. Nobody is going to be told ahead of time if there going to be robbed or not. It's just a more frequent occurring issue, in Brazil. Not to mention how you act back home, it doesn't even rely on what you wear. It's a different life, zona sul or not you're living close enough, definitely a lot safer than jacareipagua... Just because you ride the bus too, doesn't decrease the odds of it happening. ------------- Keeping the BrazilianLifestyle "Have a great day everyone" - Ray "You know who you are, now go and reflect!" - Esprit |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 01 November 2011 at 14:07
And just how are these odds? 10%? 20%? 90%? or is it like 0.0001% There are more than 20K buses in Rio alone, doing 6 trips a day. With 1 robbery every 4 days. How does that affect my chances? |
Posted By: Gringodude
Date Posted: 01 November 2011 at 16:35
|
Before I go and needlessly research anything, let me get this straight. Are you disagreeing with the idea that Brazil is more dangerous than America or say the Netherlands? Either way they're more or less the same? I want to understand your objections, then I'll go statistic finding... ------------- Keeping the BrazilianLifestyle "Have a great day everyone" - Ray "You know who you are, now go and reflect!" - Esprit |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 01 November 2011 at 17:16
|
Well, in the netherlands we see a lot of robberies lately, especially on jewelry stores. Last week a couple of bomb squad guys where blown up by a bomb some idiots placed on an automatic speed trap.
I have been robbed twice in the Netherlands, at knife and scissors point, had my car broken into in New York (they stole a pack of juice and some donuts). I hear of gang shootouts in LA. Personally I don't see all that much difference between Brazil and any other country. Sure there is more crime here, but it's mostly very localized. There certainly are areas one should avoid, if alone, at night, but these places you can find in most big cities around the world. Sure there is more crime in Brazil, but what I want to know is what my chances are of getting robbed when using my iPhone on the bus (or train). So, what are my odds: "10%? 20%? 90%? or is it like 0.0001%" I bet it's much more like 0.0001% Actually, "roubo a transuente", 59K cases in 2010, mokes it 0,0118 or 1.18%. Remember that purse snatching and taking a cellphone from someones hands and running away is also considered "roubo". "Latrocinio" or "roubo seguida de morte" was at 62 last year. Bus robberies where 568 last year. Considering 20K busses, 6 rides a day and 365 days, you'd have 1243920 rides and in 568 of those a robbery occured, I have a chance of 0,0456621005% to get robbed on a bus. I'll take my chances |
Posted By: Kitten
Date Posted: 02 November 2011 at 21:24
A tip: Lose the wooden shoes and you will not only stand out less, but be able to flee potential crime scenes even faster! |
Posted By: cara0910
Date Posted: 13 November 2011 at 15:36
Funny...because some of my Brazilian friends have 'done Europe in two weeks' or some similar amount of time. I think 70% of the world's tourism is in Europe, and they don't make the Eurail passes for nothing. I think this describes most tourists in Europe, and I frankly see nothing wrong with it. If (when?) Europe crashes in the coming months, I'm sure Europeans will be more than glad to host as many people as they can as domestic demand will tank. |
Posted By: expt2233
Date Posted: 13 November 2011 at 16:44
Brazil IS dangerous. Instead of relying on your impressions of a massive, continent-sized country that were formed over the course of 8 WEEKS, try looking up some stats. Murder rates in Rio, Sao Paulo, Salvador and other cities are extremely high. Police violence is out of control in Rio. Traffic deaths are extremely common. I'm not bashing Brazil, but the use of impressions and anecdote. Cariocas always say, 'there is violence everywhere man!' Uh yea, the question is, HOW MUCH?! |
Posted By: expt2233
Date Posted: 13 November 2011 at 16:48
Sven, at least you are using stats. Who are you, where do you live, and how do you live? If you are one of the 25% of Rio's favela-dwellers, life is dangerous. If you happen to be one of the 8,000+ people killed by the Rio police (yes, 8,000+ !!!) in the last ten years, life is dangerous. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7tDB7hHnqY It's important to consider where the violence is and who you are. |
Posted By: Gringodude
Date Posted: 13 November 2011 at 17:02
|
And to add the importance of any facts vs generalization. What would be your point? ------------- Keeping the BrazilianLifestyle "Have a great day everyone" - Ray "You know who you are, now go and reflect!" - Esprit |
Posted By: jplap
Date Posted: 15 November 2011 at 06:18
Hey Sven, interesting topic, but where did you get your numbers from? The best I could find googling is from the Instituto de Segurança Pública (ISP), which publishes monthly and yearly totals here http://www.isp.rj.gov.br/ - ISP web site If you go to "Estatisticas de Seguraça Pública..." -> "Balanço de Incidencias..." you get these numbers for 2010: Roubo a transuente: 63346 (71066 in 2009) Latrocinio: 156 (221 in 2009) Roubo em Coletivo: 8202 (8930 in 2009) The numbers for 2011 are (of course) not out yet, but they do have the monthly tallies available on that site. |
Posted By: expt2233
Date Posted: 15 November 2011 at 22:05
That's true! You have to suck up to them man. When I was a happier gringo people loved me. Now I know it's cause I constantly flattered them. "Wow, you speak Portuguese well. I'm surprised, it's the world's most difficult language - not like English, which is a simple language." |
Posted By: expt2233
Date Posted: 15 November 2011 at 22:10
More importantly, when will they start to teach Brazilians to drive??? I know they all know how to put the pedal to the metal, but they don't seem to be so good at yielding, signalling, going within the speed limit, etc. |
Posted By: WENGER
Date Posted: 03 February 2012 at 15:55
You know what, my boss is driving Daewoo SUV and nobody is laughing at him... weird.. |
Posted By: GreatBallsoFire
Date Posted: 03 February 2012 at 17:43
For each reported crime you have about fifty that are not. My gf was robbed at gunpoint with some family members by a crackhead. She lost her cel phone and the nice jacket I gave her. No police report. THat is the norm. ------------- Simia quam similis, turpissimus bestia nobis. Oi amigo, pode trazer a saideira? |
Posted By: Gringodude
Date Posted: 03 February 2012 at 17:45
|
But you reported one of your fellow members over a text quarrel.
Sorry, I just love the irony here! ------------- Keeping the BrazilianLifestyle "Have a great day everyone" - Ray "You know who you are, now go and reflect!" - Esprit |
Posted By: Twirly
Date Posted: 03 February 2012 at 21:06
No wonder they are crap if what I experienced tonight is a good indication. Finally doing my brazzer DL and had the first 'theory' class tonight. What a frecking joke this is. No discipline, no interest in learning, only asking about how to pass without studying, a teacher that told stories and bragged (lying about his greatness) trying to pick up some dumb blond bitch. For those of you that have studied in this country, is it really this bad or am I just in a bad group? Why do I even ask when I know what the answer will be? |
Posted By: Gringodude
Date Posted: 03 February 2012 at 21:10
Are you sure getting your DL is equivalent to university?  ------------- Keeping the BrazilianLifestyle "Have a great day everyone" - Ray "You know who you are, now go and reflect!" - Esprit |
Posted By: Twirly
Date Posted: 03 February 2012 at 21:33
|
^^Elevator stops half way up tonight?
|
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 04 February 2012 at 08:02
90% of crimes in Brazil are not solved by the police and the "inqueritos" are arquived, due to lack of manpower and competence. Of the 10%, around 10% is actually convicted to do time. So prisons are full with that 1% that does get convicted 
|
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 04 February 2012 at 08:08
At masters level, I would hope that things are different. I am in luck, since most of the people in my class have some kind of discipline. Other than that, i'd say that university and theory classes for drivers licenses are comparable in that way. Last year, they did some actual checking for "cola", cheating, in one class, 38 out of 60 students had papers taped into their codes with all their notes of class. Many don't go to university to learn, just to get a diploma. Why do you think last time only 13% passed the bar exam? |
Posted By: Twirly
Date Posted: 04 February 2012 at 09:23
|
^^I did some rather expensive Cisco training last year and even there about 30-40% started to behave like two year olds after 2 days.
This is the 6th country I have been doing training/certification/studying/courses and it's by far the worst discipline wise and the only one where students have asked the teacher openly about cheating options also the only country where teachers has handed out or indicated where on the Internet you can get the cheats. I knew it was bad here but this bad? Does not matter, I refuse to start cheating at my age to pass a course, especially the DL as it it so frecking easy but some of the questions from my fellow students left me with the impression that they have never opened a book in their lives. |
Posted By: expt2233
Date Posted: 04 February 2012 at 10:31
Dude, please stop putting Brazil down, ok? Just because you are a gringo doesn't mean you are better than Brazilians. They are a hardworking, cheating, carnival-loving bunch.
Some people on this forum refuse to accept what anyone who has worked in education here knows: Brazil has a long way to go. |
Posted By: Esprit
Date Posted: 04 February 2012 at 11:28
Or as the great Buzz Lightyear might say, “To infinity and beyond!” How many non-Brazilian universities accept the Vestibular as an entrance qualification? ------------- Esprit |
Posted By: expt2233
Date Posted: 04 February 2012 at 12:06
While that could, in theory, be a legitimate point, it could also just be a manifestation of economic power infiltrating education. Of course, education is, to some extent, just a training ground for the economy... What I really meant is that the vast, vast majority of Brazilians have no idea what real study even means. Go to Korea, at least there they know what discipline is. This does not mean that I think the US is far better off. Only slightly... |
Posted By: spongebob
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 20:23
|
expt - what do you care? you are moving back to the USA so you can eat lotsa cheesenurgers, get fat, and then buy a Harley. I have a strong feeling you will be like everyone else I and my wife know that leave Brazil: you'll want to come back within 2 years time. As chaotic as some things may be in this country, Brazil is "addictive", athough I'm still trying to figure out why. I've probably already mentioned too much of my life on here... The point to this post is that there are many activities that you can do to make money in Brazil, besides just teaching English. I remember your number: 60k. That is chump change here if you know how to play the game. ------------- - ** Just sayin' ** ** Make lemonaid out of lemons. ** ** Trolls get old...** |
Posted By: Gringodude
Date Posted: 05 February 2012 at 20:27
Exactly, if you can put together your personal abilities, educational background etc, and have people skills to develop a network of contacts. It should be difficult to pull strings together and weave a tangible income and enjoy doing it! ------------- Keeping the BrazilianLifestyle "Have a great day everyone" - Ray "You know who you are, now go and reflect!" - Esprit |
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 06 February 2012 at 06:58
|
"weave a tangible income" what the f**k does that mean? c'mon man, who talks like that? ------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: cara0910
Date Posted: 06 February 2012 at 11:10
I actually like a lot of things about Brazil and wouldn't be opposed to coming back here some day. However, the way that people caricature the U.S. is hilarious. Do people honestly think that the UK and other developed countries are that different? % of people overweight in the U.S. = 68. In the UK? 61. NZ? 63. Brazil? ~50! See that last statistic? Brazil, with its large domestic market of people who LOVE to consume sh*t just as much as those in the U.S. do, is well on its way. Grow fat on burgers and buy a Harley? Yes, it's only in the U.S. that people love those things... My BMI is 23 right now and I work out 4 times a week. Here's what I'll do in the U.S. that I CANNOT do here: I'll buy a membership to a gym that's under $50. I'll do one of the million activities that are undeveloped here in Brazil, like climbing or crossfit or something else. I'll spend less than $1000 on rent and have a decent apartment with sh*t that doesn't break all the time. Of course, there are many things I'll miss: the beaches, the amazing climate, etc. To me, Brazil isn't addictive. It's a country with some pros and cons (more pros than cons, in my mind). But really, the differences when compared to the U.S. are a matter of degree; it's not black and white. I may come back to Brazil or I may not. But regardless, I find the caricature of other countries (mostly that of the U.S.) to be laughable and the romanticizing of Brazil to be equally ridiculous. |
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 06 February 2012 at 11:25
|
How many cities in Brazil have you lived in? ------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: cara0910
Date Posted: 06 February 2012 at 11:26
I've been to 5 or so. How is that relevant? |
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 06 February 2012 at 11:36
Lived or been to? I ask because you are talking about "Brazil" as whole when there are a lot of different cities that tend to vary quite a bit from one and other. ------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: cara0910
Date Posted: 06 February 2012 at 11:38
That's true. I have only lived in a few. I agree that I generalized too much. What I said is definitely true of the larger cities in Brazil (Rio, SP, Brasilia). However, my main point stands. People caricature other countries and romanticize Brazil. EDIT: It's interesting that few people make that point when someone says, "Brazil is addictive" or "Brazil is _____." Any generalization falls short. EDIT #2: Exhibit B from another post by Spongebob: Originally posted by expt2233: It seems you and spongebob have convinced yourselves that this is the best place to live in the entire world. Spongebob's response: No, not really. I never said that. I just don't want to go back to AmeriKa. What would I do? Sit in traffic all day and make 50k/60k/70k per year -- AND have to tolerate FOX news being blared into my face all day long? AND hear the T-word every 2 seconds. Sorry, I'll pass on that one! I can honestly say that I don't miss a single thing from the US. That's just me though. I can imagine many foreigners in Brazil that miss some thing where they come from. There's nothing wrong with that. See what I mean? He doesn't miss ANYTHING. It's all Fox News and traffic and utter sh*t. Never mind the fact that I never watched Fox News in the U.S. - I'm more of an NPR type of guy. Never mind the fact that I never owned a car in the U.S. and relied on my feet, a bike, and public transport. It goes on, and I'm not atypical. There are many people like me. The U.S. is not all bad, just like Brazil is not all beaches and forest and monkeys and people looking to f**k you over and ... well, you get the point. |
Posted By: hpeak13
Date Posted: 06 February 2012 at 11:48
The only reason I mentioned it was because my experience in BH was different than a lot of the posts I've read about Rio/SP. I for one would never really want to live in either of those cities. Currently I live in bumfk Pará and it is so different from from any place I have ever lived that I have nothing to compare it to. Although I here we are going to get highspeed internet that actually works sometime soon! And maybe the brownouts will stop as well! ------------- We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. -Enoch Nucky Thompson |
Posted By: cara0910
Date Posted: 06 February 2012 at 11:52
Yeah, I can understand that. Brazil is a very diverse place, and I'm sure going to live in Pará is way different from BH. |
Posted By: sven
Date Posted: 06 February 2012 at 11:54
That takes 5 min. Doing a notitia criminis will take all day
|
Posted By: toolio
Date Posted: 06 February 2012 at 12:40
My BMI is about 1000 and I work out 0 times a week. There is nothing I will do in the U.S. that I CANNOT do here.  ------------- I don't need to be right; I just don't want to be wrong. |
Posted By: cara0910
Date Posted: 06 February 2012 at 12:43
I'm not sure I get your point ... |
Posted By: toolio
Date Posted: 06 February 2012 at 12:50
I realize it was a highly intellectual response, LOL. Guess it went over your head ------------- I don't need to be right; I just don't want to be wrong. |
Posted By: philipjohn123
Date Posted: 25 May 2012 at 04:56
|
I had never visited Brazil but i am planning to visit there can you please suggest me which places should i visit there. http://www.globalvisas.co.in/usa-visas.html - usa green card |