Lessons learned on the road…Brazil
- Public displays of affection are not only the norm in Rio, they’re kinda expected. Sadly for B, Mel still hasn’t come ‘round.
- When driving in Brazil, feel free to create your own lane – and if on motorcycle, driving in between cars and buses is totally ok.
- It sucks to be blind or maimed in Brazil – though I guess that’s true in most countries. Who knew Rohinton Mistry’s descriptions of beggars in A Fine Balance were so accurate?
- Heed safety warnings – like don’t go to Copacabana beach at night. Just ask the poor Swede who was swarmed by three locals and arrived at our hotel covered in blood.
- To speak Portuguese (the official language here): Spanish + Italian, spoken with a thick nasal accent. Don’t say ‘Gracias’.
- It sucks to run out of clothes – and wearing a bathing suit cover up (Mel) and jeans (Brendan) for 36 hours in 35 degree heat isn’t particularly a good time.
- Your pack only gets heavier and more annoying the longer you’re gone. Surely magnets make ideal souvenirs for everyone back home?
- There is a limit to the amount of ham you can eat – no matter how many different ways they try to serve it. And no, ham will never compete with bacon.
- Even Brel can start to annoy each other three months in to a year-long trip. Take a deep breath and repeat the following: “Compromise will NOT kill me. Surely he (she) isn’t this annoying in real life – I’ve spent 2 years with him (her) and surely would have noticed this (fill in the blanks: hygiene/morning cheeriness/ pickiness/ stubborness/pig-headedness) issue before?
- Coming up with Top 10 lists isn’t always easy, especially if you only have 9 things to say.
Tags: Brazil, Lessons Learned, Travel
pichemelanie