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Location: Formerly NYC by week; ATL by weekend...now Rio bi annually and ATL bi annually
1,521 posts, read 2,254,018 times
Reputation: 1041
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frankrj
I do the same since I blend in incredibly well in Brazil. Like Sao Paulo and the many smaller cities a lot but for some reason places in RJ was always the worst ever experiences with a Policia, corretores de imovies, medico, etc.
As a long time visitor and now resident, its imperative to immerse oneself into the loal culture. Habits that we as westerners have need to be adjusted cause the locals can identify an outsider just off of dress and mannerisms. Sad part is that a lotta people dont even fathom that. Its small things that people pick up on that will alert them to the fact you are an outsider. The wolves pick up on this immediately and you become the prey. And the opportunists can sniff it out as well.
As a long time visitor and now resident, its imperative to immerse oneself into the loal culture. Habits that we as westerners have need to be adjusted cause the locals can identify an outsider just off of dress and mannerisms. Sad part is that a lotta people dont even fathom that. Its small things that people pick up on that will alert them to the fact you are an outsider. The wolves pick up on this immediately and you become the prey. And the opportunists can sniff it out as well.
Exactly. Simple, smart, and non-emphathetic criminals. They'll steal your jacket, pants, watch and shoes coming out of a restaurant with your family on a cold evening. I've seen it numerous times on RedeGlobo. I recall the news about an American tech executive who lived there (from 2000 to 2008) had a wife in central Rio, spoke fluent, not flashy, and was ambushed on a road to Buzios I used to take. Shot him point blank, and burned out the car. I know a Brazilian here who's had two of her young teen nephews killed by guns in a nice part of RJ. bala perdida e outro foi violenca. RJ won't ever change my mind.
I'm already fluent and nobody easily singles me out. I've already been in two favelas with someone. They think I am one of them from first to third glance (clothing, manners, food, etc). I preach about immersion to people and despise the touristy appearances.
It doesn't matter if you're a native there in RJ I've seen injustices up close. It is tougher than rough big cities here. However, I've been to around 8 other Brazilian states and cities and loved them all. Some of the best people you'd ever meet and if in the wrong areas just pure hell. I simply can't believe they'd vote Lula back.
Location: Formerly NYC by week; ATL by weekend...now Rio bi annually and ATL bi annually
1,521 posts, read 2,254,018 times
Reputation: 1041
Quote:
Originally Posted by frankrj
Exactly. Simple, smart, and non-emphathetic criminals. They'll steal your jacket, pants, watch and shoes coming out of a restaurant with your family on a cold evening. I've seen it numerous times on RedeGlobo. I recall the news about an American tech executive who lived there (from 2000 to 2008) had a wife in central Rio, spoke fluent, not flashy, and was ambushed on a road to Buzios I used to take. Shot him point blank, and burned out the car. I know a Brazilian here who's had two of her young teen nephews killed by guns in a nice part of RJ. bala perdida e outro foi violenca. RJ won't ever change my mind.
I'm already fluent and nobody easily singles me out. I've already been in two favelas with someone. They think I am one of them from first to third glance (clothing, manners, food, etc). I preach about immersion to people and despise the touristy appearances.
It doesn't matter if you're a native there in RJ I've seen injustices up close. It is tougher than rough big cities here. However, I've been to around 8 other Brazilian states and cities and loved them all. Some of the best people you'd ever meet and if in the wrong areas just pure hell. I simply can't believe they'd vote Lula back.
Facts. I love Rio...despite all her issues. I lived in NYC for a while and Sao Paolo is NYC to me.....but I do like Recife, Flori for its hippiness, Forteleza and of course Bahia. Bahia is an animal too though...
I think the "answer" if there is one to the OP is there is nothing newsworthy here. In most of these towns on the expat circuit (Medellin, Tulum, Chiang Mai, Belgrade, etc) you have thousands of digital nomads seeking "experiences" and Insta moments. Those last how long? So they get their fill in a few months, maybe a year at most and they move on. They never really learn much of the language so they are immersed in the expat community. Those who like this community don't mind going to the next one because its pretty much the same thing there, just the scenery and food changes. Those who don't like the community either learn the language, find a middle class lifestyle to live somewhat like the locals, and truly immerse. Or they realize this idea isn't for them and they go back to where they came from. It doesn't take long to realize there is no perfect place, you either adjust to a local lifestyle and culture, or you don't and you move on. I'm pretty sure 80% of the new arrivals don't last more than a couple years, if that.
I'm pretty sure 80% of the new arrivals don't last more than a couple years, if that.
Yes I'm sure you are right, most expats wouldn't' last. the realities of life set in and life in the states is more comfortable for most. For other expats it is a phase or a bucket list item. I've met individuals unable and unwilling to make a genuine effort to learn the language. It can be a difficult challenge, especially in older years, but why not challenge yourself is my attitude?
Yes I'm sure you are right, most expats wouldn't' last. the realities of life set in and life in the states is more comfortable for most. For other expats it is a phase or a bucket list item. I've met individuals unable and unwilling to make a genuine effort to learn the language. It can be a difficult challenge, especially in older years, but why not challenge yourself is my attitude?
I think a lot of this depends on where the person chooses to live. If a person is slowly learning German to try to blend in to life in Berlin, I doubt any of the locals would even allow him/her to fumble through practicing with them. After weeks and months of this, the person likely won't bother with it anymore.
If they are in Latin America, they'll probably need the local language to get by. Or that has been my experience just about everywhere but Puerto Rico and some Mexican border towns.
I think the "answer" if there is one to the OP is there is nothing newsworthy here. In most of these towns on the expat circuit (Medellin, Tulum, Chiang Mai, Belgrade, etc) you have thousands of digital nomads seeking "experiences" and Insta moments. Those last how long? So they get their fill in a few months, maybe a year at most and they move on. They never really learn much of the language so they are immersed in the expat community. Those who like this community don't mind going to the next one because its pretty much the same thing there, just the scenery and food changes. Those who don't like the community either learn the language, find a middle class lifestyle to live somewhat like the locals, and truly immerse. Or they realize this idea isn't for them and they go back to where they came from. It doesn't take long to realize there is no perfect place, you either adjust to a local lifestyle and culture, or you don't and you move on. I'm pretty sure 80% of the new arrivals don't last more than a couple years, if that.
Not to mention them adjusting to markets and shops being closed on Sundays, wifi can be down and last for days or even a week, food items at stores can be out for week or two or always a limited supply. The few expats I did meet tended to be originally from Texas, Louisiana or the tri-state area.
Maybe "coming back fron a night club at 2-am" would have some bearing on your expectation of personal safety.
How you project yourself in a seemingly dangerous area is ultra-important.
My Ferret taught me well. My little Ferret, when he sees a big German Shepherd in a park, he races towards the dog and the dog backs away.
I've made 82 trips to Tijuana, alone, walking the downtown area up to 4-5am and I walk around like I'm the Mayor. Has always worked well for me, even traveling in Central America. Never an incident!
Go ahead and show fear and you become a victim!
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