Some recent observations...
Freshman Orientation: We learned soon after we arrived that Brazilians have a strong tradition of hazing freshmen college students (male and female). During the first weeks of class, upperclassmen paint the faces of the freshmen and force them into a variety of embarrassing situations. One of the most common activities is to send them into the streets to beg for money (see pic). They not only occupy the sidewalks, but also approach cars at traffic lights. College students impersonating the homeless: can you imagine the reaction to this brand of hazing in the US?
Whitewash: When taking a stroll through a park in Brazil, it is particularly easy to identify caretakers, maintenance workers, and restaurant employees. Each has a distinct uniform, particularly with regards to color, that alludes to their profession and therefore, social class. While neutral colors reign in the US, and it seems that companies are moving towards less distinction, the opposite is true in Brazil. For nannies, the all-white look seems to scream, "Don't worry, I'm not kidnapping your grandma...I'm just the help."
Have you ever thought about tossing 'batatas fritas' in Brasil? If so, you're in luck; you'll get the privelege of sporting this ultra-chic denimwear. Who wouldn't want the golden arches branded on their left butt cheek?
(In an effort to avoid causing further humiliation to an actual employee, I decided against snapping a live shot of these trend-setting pieces.)
Finally, here are some pics from our visit to a restaurant about 30 miles outside of Curitiba. The name is literally translated as "Trout Paradise." The owner is an avid nature lover who raises trout in the river that runs underneath the restaurant. He makes a significant effort to conserve energy, water, and the natural wildlife in the area.
Still to come...a recap of my week in Rio and day in the favela.
