Believe it or not, but it is very common for foreigners to have or understand something like a pattern in relation to a country. And that's normal, but often funny. With that in mind, I decided to create this article with the main questions that gringos asked me about Brazil, based on my contact with other nationalities, of course. However, I have to say that I've lost count of how many times I've had to answer, I have a stove at home, we use toilet paper, I don't have monkeys, we have internet and that the Amazon isn't the whole country.
Although many people know more about our Brazil, especially after the World Cup and the Olympics, which attracted a huge number of tourists, some foreigners are still confused. But first, I want to make it clear that the idea of this article is just entertain and show some curiosities, in no way do I want to appear to be judging any nationality or people.
– In Brazil, do you speak Spanish?
This question is classic and certainly many people, especially those who did or are doing an exchange program, will pass. Our language is very close to Spanish. In my case, I also speak Spanish, but I explain that our native language is Brazilian Portuguese, due to Portuguese colonization, marked by the historical period in Brazil. Some say it's the same thing… But it's not.
– Bury people the next day?
Calm! Of course, after the person dies, not in the context of burying anyone alive, dear reader. But yes, this is an interesting thing and that until now I had never stopped to analyze, in Brazil when a person dies, he will be buried within 24 hours after the event. In other countries, this process can take days, even to communicate with family and close friends. In this case, foreigners find it curious how everything “settles” much faster here.
– Juan, do you know Jesus? Have you seen him?
When an American asked me this question, at the time I simply didn't understand the meaning. It might sound funny, but I really couldn't understand the context. A few minutes later, I understood that he was referring to Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro, by the way in the state where I currently live (at the time of writing this article). IT IS…
– You're good at soccer and samba, right?
Wrong! I'm terrible at football and samba so leave it alone haha 😀 I even understand the reason for this question, because our Brazil is well known in the world because of football and especially the great Carnival parties with Samba. By the way, here's a curiosity: I don't like Carnival, but I respect those who do, okay?
- You speak Brazilian? Huh?
Complementing the first item, some think that our language is “Brazilian”. I immediately get the thought “Do you speak American?”… Jokes aside, it’s understandable, because some really know that in Brazil the native language is not Spanish, so when in doubt, they try… 🙂
– The capital of Brazil is Rio. Correct?
It was many years ago, but today it is not. This question isn't entirely strange and makes a bit of sense, but let's settle things once and for all: the capital of Brazil is Brasilia. 😛
– Do you see monkeys in the streets?
Well… I've been asked this question several times. In the same situation about Jesus and Rio de Janeiro, at first it took me a while to understand the reason for the question. But in this case, until today I still don't understand, if anyone knows, leave it in the comments haha 😀