Life in Rio De Janeiro

Well, I arrived here in Rio Thursday afternoon after a 10 hour flight through the night. The first day was hard on the senses. I was quite stressed about customs, carry-on limits and the Sao Paulo airport. Everything worked out well though and I met some great people along the way. Here are a few things that I’ve noticed so far:

  1. People just seem happier here. They understand that there are dangers but it doesn’t stop them from enjoying the day-to-day.
  2. If you can, learn as much portugese as possible. I’m lucky to have a good friend who lives here but it’s an interesting experience to be the foreigner
  3. Food is the same but different. Most products I see, I recognize but they are typically a different flavour or name (chocolate bars, chips etc). It’s interesting to see all the different types of fruit and vegetables though not surprising.
  4. The bars are a dream compared to Vancouver. You can buy beer on the street surrounded by others just out having a good time. It’s like a house party on the street.
  5. The cost of living is very much like Canada here. Dining out, clothes, toiletries all seem to be the same if not a bit more. Things like beer are definitely cheaper though.
  6. If you can, pick an evening flight while bringing a comfy neck rest. I slept an OK 6 hours which shortened my trip considerably. The rest of the time I was chatting with others on the plane about Sao Paulo and life in Rio. Very friendly people.
  7. A “cold” day here seems to be arond 17 with humidity in the mid 80% range.
  8. The driving is very random and chaotic. Many roads don’t have lines which oddly reminds me of Montreal. Getting to your destination is more of an art/skill rather than a science.
  9. Take taxis but make sure they’re new. The one we took last night didn’t have seatbelts and had bald tires (not a good combo).
  10. Most signs have English as a second language but mostly only the middle and upper classes speak it.