Fun Facts

Most Brazilians don’t walk their dogs.

Many Brazilian women don’t wear bras.

Brazilians say hello by kisses on the cheeks. In Rio the common practice is a kiss on each cheek while in other places, just one kiss. I’ve also been told that there is an area of Brazil where 3 kisses are exchanged, but I don’t remember where.

Brazilians often mix all the food on their plate together.

Brazilians don’t drink straight from cans usually, because they find it dirty.  When sold a can of soda on the street, either a straw or a plastic cup comes with it. 

When you go to the restaurant, they serve you in platters, and you have to serve yourself from the platter.  I have not seen a restaurant where one can order just a meal for him/herself.

Some Brazilians don’t like you to walk barefoot around the house.

Havaianas are worn as slippers in the house.

Speed limits might as well not exist because no one follows them.  The same can be said about stop signs and traffic lights.

Most Brazilians don’t use seatbelts in the car.  Don’t worry Mom, I do! J

Speed bumps are sometimes small yellow plastic squares on the road.  (Much more uncomfortable to drive over than a hump.)

When traffic has stopped for a light, people will come to your window trying to sell you anything from gum, to q-tips or lighters.  Children can be found juggling anything for a few cents.

Girls don’t generally carry hair-ties, they knot their hair instead. 

Soda is found in almost every household and drank almost everyday.

You can’t drink the water from the tap. 

Toilet paper cannot be flushed, instead it is put in the trashcan. 

There is a recap of the soap operas on the noontime news everyday - Everyone from elderly women to teenage boys watch them.