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If your destiny is Brazil, here are a few tidbits of information that will help make your stay an enjoyable one:
* About the history: Brazil was colonized by the Portuguese but also received a large group of immigrants from other countries, mostly from Germany, Holland, France, Spain and Japan in addition to Africans who arrived as slaves. Thus, the Brazilian culture is a rich blend of many ways of living reflected in its food, clothes, religions, literature, and food. There’s little racial and ethnic segregation in Brazil and you’ll enjoy your time there better if you go in with an open mind.
* About the geography: If you’re going there, you already know Brazil is in South America. Brazil is also larger than the continental United States and its northern region is crossed by the equator, which means it’s very hot all the time. Eastern Brazil is on the Atlantic and boasts of beautiful beaches you can sunbathe on year-round.
* About religion: While most Brazilians will tell you they are Catholic, a lot of them also practice the African religions without any conflict, as spiritualism created deep roots in Brazil centuries ago when African slaves maintained their culture alive by continuing to practice the same religious rituals of their homeland.
* About introductions: When meeting for the first time, two men will shake hands while it’s usual for two women or a man and a woman to exchange kisses on both cheeks.
* About eating out: Brazilian food has been mainly influenced by Portuguese, African and French cuisines. Don’t leave without trying codfish cakes or stepping into a bakery (there’s practically one in every corner!) for a “pao-de-queijo” (cheese bread) and “cafezinho” (espresso). There’s no one traditional Brazilian dish, but many, and they vary from region to region. Every restaurant bill includes a 15% percent gratuity charge for the waiter or waitress regardless of how many there are in your party.
* About safety: As is common in tourist destinations, criminals lurk in places where you’ll probably visit while in Brazil. Take the following precautions: avoid going out alone; keep valuables at home or in a hotel safe; if you’re staying in a hotel, ask at the desk what areas to avoid; keep your camera out of sight when not in use; keep your credit cards and ids in a front pocket; avoid carrying large amounts of cash--credit cards and travelers’ checks are widely accepted in Brazil.
* About the climate: There are no well-defined seasons in most of Brazil. Except for the deep south, where it may even snow in winter, the temperature usually oscillates from the high 70s to the low 100s all year. Pack light-weight clothes made of natural fibers so your skin can breath, and wear sun block! The temperature is measured in centigrade. (Lengths are measured in kilometers and meters.)
* About money: Brazil’s currency is the real. Its value fluctuates a lot. If you’re traveling from a country with a stronger currency, like the dollar, don’t trade all your money in for reais right away or you may end up losing money when trading back what you didn’t spend.
* About the language: Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. The alphabet is similar to the English one minus “K,” “W” and “Y.” Here are a few Portuguese expressions for you to practice and their English equivalent:
Bom dia: Good morning
Boa tarde: Good afternoon
Boa noite: Good evening and good night
Ola: Hello
Ate logo: Good-bye (Brazilians also commonly use the Italian word “ciao” when saying good-bye)
Como vai?: How are you?
Tudo bem?: Is everything okay?
Obrigado: Thank you (If a male is saying it)
Obrigada: Thank you (If a female is saying it)
De nada: You’re welcome
Muito prazer: Pleased to meet you
Por favor: Please
Quanto custa?: How much is it?
As a final suggestion, ask your travel agent for all information that is available on the region you’ll be visiting. Brazil is a large country and few people get to see everything in one trip. Each of Brazil’s regions has its own subculture. For instance, the Northeast received a heavy influx of African slaves while the South saw a large number of German immigrants. If you leave the South and go to the North or vice-versa, for a minute, you may think you just left one country and entered another. Your travel agent should also be able to advise you about any vaccines you may currently need and any warnings that may have recently been issued by world organizations of different areas, such as health and human rights.
In general, Brazil is a fun place and its people are a warm bunch. By taking some simple precautions, you’ll ensure that you and anyone travelling with you will have a grand time that will provide all with lifelong memories.
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