You are correct Locii!!! Brazil has different regions, accents, cultures, lifestyles!!! It is an amazing place. When I talk to someone from Sao Paulo, or Rio, or Recife, or Maringa, or Amazonas their Portuguese words and accents are different. (Very much like Texas, Washington D.C., Jersey, NY etc.) Brasilians love the American culture, and soak up as much as they can down here.
Today is October 31st. And, unfortunately I saw a sad copy of the Halloween holiday down here. The children are just starting to get accustomed to it. It is the day of witches here, and there are only about 4 costumes you can buy. Witch, Vampire, Black something-or-other, spider-witchy-thingy, and some scream black outfit. That's it... Can you imagine the looks when my daughter was a princess, and sons a futbol player, and blues brother walked up. Some of the others rushed home and changed to something else. The other kids here were excited for other options. I hosted a party, even though I was a little under the weather... and the kids were so happy!!!
I've been to some dance clubs here. 50%-90% of the music played was all in English. Their clothes, etc. etc. reflect the desire to learn, adopt, and have many of the US things. There are little English schools everywhere providing classes. I am asked continually to teach private English lessons for 30-50$ Reais an hour. (Hahaha mostly by the men) Brasilians are very open to learning many new things, even though the President has said on several occasions in the past year that Brasil is large enough that they only need to know Portuguese. The people do not reflect this.
It is true... in the past many agencies did only sell prost.. however I've talked to many many many woman here that have expressed a desire to meet American, Latin or other foreign men through the internet, or other ways. The times are changing...
I am going to the USA to visit next Tuesday for a couple of days.... hahahaha, don't think I'll post my trip report there. risos!!! I'm going the opposite way!!! Hope all your holidays coming up are warm, happy, and joyful these next 2 months!!!
Peace,
Cheryl