The second impressions

In this every-changing world, 'new' quickly becomes 'old'. My second week in Brazil, and although I'm  so happy and grateful to be here, the brand-new shine is slowly fading away.

As the first couple of days have passed, I have started to adjust to wholly new culture. Here, then, are the five things I've found I have had to adapt the most to.

1. Language
Yes, I speak Portuguese but it turns out that Brazilian Portuguese and Portuguese-Portuguese are two whole different languages. Where as Portuguese have no difficulty in understanding Brazilian, the same cannot be said mutually. As such, half of my time here has been spent with people giving me an awkward-smile and nod as they have no clue what I'm saying.

It has also led to a few awkward situations where I've said 'nice' words in Portuguese which are highly offensive in Brazilian. 

2. Culture 
Naturally, different country different culture. My biggest culture shock has been between the genders. Although Portuguese men, generally speaking, are quite open when they find you attractive, I've grown custom to the English way of being. Again, as a generalisation, English men are quite reserved and subtle in demonstrating their attraction to you.

Here it is a whole new scenario.

There is no shame in staring. Typically in England when someone stares, you glance at them with a gentle smile which says "Oh hello there. I don't really feel comfortable with this, but here's a smile so you know I acknowledge you". It turns out that here this same smile says: "Please continue to stare at me it makes me feel so comfortable".

Your ego may go as high as kite, but you quickly realise that it isn't anything personal. If you have a pair of legs, you are worthy of this look.

(I am in no shape or form saying every male is like this. This is simply a reflection of my experience so far). 

3. Food

Probably one of the best aspects about traveling is trying the different cuisine. Coming to Brazil is like I have landed in food-paradise. I've literally eaten so much delicious tasting food that I can't put into words how amazing it is, so instead here's a picture of some yummy fruit: 

But with this, naturally, you have to be willing to go out of your comfort. Not everyone is going to like the food when they move abroad, so I'd recommend some research on that before.

Oh, and bring your favourite food from back home. I'm definitely craving hob-nobs. 

4. Public Transportation

In Europe we are lucky to have such excellent public transportation. With relevant ease we can travel to both our home country and abroad - something which I took for granted. 

São Paulo with its tremendous population has huge difficulties when it comes to transportation and traffic. This means everything here takes more time. Although you are helping reduce traffic by using public transportation, you are faced with this daily: 

It's really good if you like to have sweaty bodies dripping onto you, but not so good if you like your personal space.

Although I enjoy my 2 hour journey to work every morning and back, at times I miss being able to get any-where with ease, comfort and without bumpy road. On the bright side, it's a working bus that gets you where you need to safely.

5. The Climate
Although adoring the sun and the 30 degree warm winter, it has its downside. The sun here hides away at 19:00/20:00 all year around. In Brazil, the long summer nights don't exist and I think that will be hard and I think I will miss that a lot.

Reality vs expectations

Arriving in Brazil was a daunting thought. Every time I mentioned to anyone I was moving to South America, the looks on their faces changed drastically. A quick glance at me and they saw I'm this innocent looking young girl who spoke of adventuring off to practically a third world country. Their faces expressed a mixture of pity and excitement.

With this concern naturally came a healthy and safety message: Brazil is a dangerous country with crime and violence. I heard this so much that by the time I was descending into Sao Paulo, my nerves were sky high. I imagined that the moment I left the airplane, there would be a group of men awaiting to mug me for anything of value I had. I questioned myself so much asking myself why I would leave a comfortable life to go into such chaos.

Naturally, when I left the plane I was practically having a panic attack. I wasn't ready to go into this war scene everyone spoke of, and I wasn't ready because that isn't what Sao Paulo and Brazil is.

Brazil is a country which embraces every culture, religion and ethnicity. You don't have a standard looking Brazilian because it's a fusion of people from everywhere in the world. Brazilians are a nation full of faith; an all loving faith that doesn't judge others because they are Jewish, Muslism, Hindu or Christian. Instead, they focus on their own evolution. Brazil is a country that has a wild mixture of wealth and poverty, and sure there is a huge gap in between. But it is also a country with a nation full of hope and love; hope that one day everyone will be able to have access to good education and medical care.

Brazil is an amazing, curious country.

I'm glad everyone painted such a gray and dangerous image of Brazil. I expected so many awful things that everything and everyone is now amazing.