Brazilian Top 10 List

1. I have been in Rio now for two weeks, and I still find it strange when people pass by and say "Oi".  For me "oi" is Cockney slang for 'hey' (as in, 'Oi, ya bloody wanker!') and not the informal, and well meant 'hi' used by Cariocas here. 

2. It is perfectly acceptable to wear Jesus-sandals and a speedo to walk around town.

3.  Agua de Coco!!!

4. There is really is the feeling of being comfortable in your own skin, so much so that no matter what your size or shape it is recommended if not mandatory to seek out and wear the smallest bikinis one can find.  Think G-string!

5. The legendary Globo biscuits, or “Biscoitos Globo”, as they are called in Portuguese. To make sure you have the right idea of the importance of these biscuits, not eating them when visiting Rio is similar to going to Mykonos and not trying the Greek gyro.
I was not entirely sure how I felt about these 'air donuts' made from manioc flour - it is definitely an acquired taste and texture but the longer I am here the more addictive they become.  Maybe it has something to do with the fact that you are assaulted by Globo vendors everywhere in Rio, from the beach to the middle of the highway in the midst of a downpour!

6. Brazilians love of everything colorful - kind of reminds me of living in Bermuda.  There is no such thing as a muted color and forget the slimming black pieces you have from your NYC wardrobe as they are not encouraged unless that is the basis for your color explosion for the day ;-)

7.  Like Argentina there are beautiful dogs all over the place but unlike Argentina, Cariocas actually know what curbing your dog means!  Although my sister didn't know what it meant so maybe that was a bad example...let's just say in Rio you can actually look ahead of you while you walk whereas in Argentina one quickly acquires the skill of walking with your eyes scanning in front of your feet while managing to not walk into anything.

8. The bus system!  You take a bus say #570 to Gavea.  #570 has a predetermined route just like buses in most other countries but here they 'can' veer off course at the driver's discretion.  Moreover you actually have to white knuckle anything you can reach so that when the bus takes a corner of unexpected bump you do not fly up and hit your head on the ceiling!

9. Botecos (very casual open sided bars all over Rio and in some of the most random places) showing a TV novelas and/or soccer match will cause equal passionate cries if the channel is switched while a Carioca is watching!  And when I saw watching - I am including the informal gatherings of people that hang around outside the Botecos to watch free tv or take in the scene.

10.  Speaking of watering holes - one cannot forget the Caipirinha - my one Brazilian vice...so far (Sorry Kim but had to try the real thing while I was here ;-)

10 + 1.  I would have to add Capoeira after watching Cece (Kimberly's 2 1/2 year old practicing yesterday)!!