Possibly moving to Natal, Brazil (home, university, living in)

[ellabellaia]

[SIZE=3]Just found out that my husband’s research project in Brazil has been extended from six weeks to one year. We have two little girls (ages 4 and 18 months) and he wants us to go with him. He will be working with the university in Natal, which is where we would be living. Has anyone ever been there? Are there many Americans living there? I know Natal was rated as the safest capital in Brazil, but does that really mean anything? [/SIZE]

[jtur88]

Originally Posted by ellabellaia

[SIZE=3]Just found out that my husband’s research project in Brazil has been extended from six weeks to one year. We have two little girls (ages 4 and 18 months) and he wants us to go with him. He will be working with the university in Natal, which is where we would be living. Has anyone ever been there? Are there many Americans living there? I know Natal was rated as the safest capital in Brazil, but does that really mean anything? [/SIZE]

I've been to Natal, but I don't have a clear recollection of it. But the impression I recall is that it seemed nicer and more relaxed than Recife, Fortaleza or Belem. Brazil is very nice, you will like it. Do't worry about your children, they will adapt much more quickly than you will, expecially if you do not get overprotective. Latin Americans are very protective of children, and they will not let any harm come to your kids. Brazil has a more modern and better developed aspect than Mexico. The infrastructure is in better shape, it is cleaner, the people appear more prosperous. This is not a putdown of Mexico, but Brazilian cities look more like McAllen and Brownsville, than like Matamoros or Reynosa. Brazilians are just like everybody else, and their loves and cares and dreams and fears and worries are the same as yours. You'll be among friends, who will be helpful and honest. Don't feel like you have to socialize with Americans or other expats. They can be helpful at first, but relying on their socialization can lead straight to alcoholism---as it has for many of them.

Your attitude going in will have a lot to do with how you accept it. Think of it as a wonderful adventure, rest assured that nothing will go wrong, minor inconveniences will be quickly overcome, it will be the experience of a lifetime, it will become your second home and you will always want to go back. You can make it happen.

[BRAZILIAN]

Originally Posted by ellabellaia

[SIZE=3]Just found out that my husband’s research project in Brazil has been extended from six weeks to one year. We have two little girls (ages 4 and 18 months) and he wants us to go with him. He will be working with the university in Natal, which is where we would be living. Has anyone ever been there? Are there many Americans living there? I know Natal was rated as the safest capital in Brazil, but does that really mean anything? [/SIZE]

I know Natal very well. If you come to Brazil and to choice live in Natal, you'll do a best choice. If you like tropical places, wonderful beach, Sun, variety of fruits you will be happy there. I consider Natal the most nice and safest city of the Brazil's northeast.

[recycled]

I have traveled solo around many parts of Brazil by bus, including the northeast. I like many of the medium sized cities (like Natal) much more than the mega-cities like Rio, Sao Paulo or Bahia. Two other cities in the northeast that I liked are Joao Pessoa and Forteleza. I didn't encounter many Americans in that area either as visitors or permanent residents, although there are a small number of "expats" who have retired or migrated there. It's a very long distance from the big cities where the big foreign businesses are based, hence not a lot of foreign residents. You will need to learn some Brazilian Portugese to enjoy your stay. Many people understand and speak a little English, but it's much better to know enough of the local language to take care of your basic needs and to be able to socialize with your new neighbors. Brazilians are for the most part very friendly, so much that after awhile you may not want to come home.
Hopefully you will acclimate to living in a tropical year round climate. Natal is so close to the equator that there is almost no seasonal temperature change. The mid day sun is very strong, so wear a hat and sunglasses or stay in the shade at that time of the day. Most of northeast Brazil has a rainy season and a dry season, and it's usually the driest part of Brazil. The good thing is that Natal usually gets good winds off the Atlantic to keep the temperature from getting too hot as long as you live near the coast. Temperatures are much hotter inland.
Northeast Brazil is not as prosperous (in monetary wealth) as Sao Paulo and the states in the far south of Brazil. However the culture, food and music in the Northeast is rich and exotic. If you like good seafood, you will like Natal. Enjoy your adventure, you and your family will be fine.