Everybody is out - all the time... here in Brasilia at least.
I am always getting surprised at night, from 5pm until midnight, many restaurants are fully booked and even people waiting in line close to midnight for something to eat... I am amazed.
On fridays you can find people parking in 2. or 3. line outside restaurants and bars and people parked in line just to deliver the car at the parking service... it's crazy !
Let me say that in Denmark, during the weekends, Copenhagen is crowded too. But many people are parking in separate parking areas (paying a small fortune) and walking the last way or they drive by taxi (or even by bicycle). As the weather is quit cold in Denmark (already 5-7 degrees in Oct.) a lot of people tend to stay in the warmth of their home. Of course people living in the center itself go out more.
Rarely though, you will see huge queues outside restaurants and bars. Exceptions is at the nightclubs or for special events.
So, this really explains a lot about why there is such a big difference in personality between the two cultures.
This could also explain why people in Denmark are so closed. You really experience the big difference when one actually get away from it, and being more objective.
Much more sunshine and much longer days with light, makes people more energetic and happy...
I prefer to smile (and I love the sunshine and warmth) !
Monday, 29 October 2012
Monday, 15 October 2012
The Nobel Peace Prize goes to.... EU !
Come on.... really ??
After reading The Nobel Peace Prize 2012 went for the European Union, I was amazed.
For the reason: "for over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe".
Well thats honorable, but thinking about all the fightings going on in the world these years, this seems too political in these years of economical crises.
This reason looks more as of a Lifetime award, in my opinion.
People are still getting tortured for speaking their minds in China and sometimes disappear, people in an African country are struggling to avoid civil war between religions, people fighting for Syria's government to stop bombing their own people (with support from Russia and China), and unfortunately the list goes on.
And they gave it to some suits in EU... Come on !!
In 2009 the gave the prize President Barack Obama after ha had been 8 months in office. He himself was very surprised. It was given for helping world peace especially concerning nuclear power, and for hopefully future peaceful actions... hopefully...??!!
In his speech when receiving he called for the necessarity of war before peace.! A very peaceful man...
On the other hand, this just tells me that one should not give The Nobel association too much credit.
The Nobel Organization is actually quite big Swedish/Norwegian and consist of multiple organizations with different tasks towards the awards. Of course these people have their agenda and can be moved towards a decision (though they probably don't acknowledge that. But they have so much attention from the hole world that they should be independent.
I would give them a lot more creditability if they more completely independent, with independent judges that didn't have any political agenda, except for supporting people struggling for peace and freedom.
What has this to do with my life in Brazil ?
As I moved from Europe, Denmark, I am still very interested in whats going on there, and very interested in the differences towards Brazil.
But this topic all came to my mind because one reporter her in Brazil joked: "Strange decision, but I guess it was better than giving EU the Economical Prize"...
Haha.... that would have been funny :-)
After reading The Nobel Peace Prize 2012 went for the European Union, I was amazed.
For the reason: "for over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe".
Well thats honorable, but thinking about all the fightings going on in the world these years, this seems too political in these years of economical crises.
This reason looks more as of a Lifetime award, in my opinion.
People are still getting tortured for speaking their minds in China and sometimes disappear, people in an African country are struggling to avoid civil war between religions, people fighting for Syria's government to stop bombing their own people (with support from Russia and China), and unfortunately the list goes on.
And they gave it to some suits in EU... Come on !!
In 2009 the gave the prize President Barack Obama after ha had been 8 months in office. He himself was very surprised. It was given for helping world peace especially concerning nuclear power, and for hopefully future peaceful actions... hopefully...??!!
In his speech when receiving he called for the necessarity of war before peace.! A very peaceful man...
On the other hand, this just tells me that one should not give The Nobel association too much credit.
The Nobel Organization is actually quite big Swedish/Norwegian and consist of multiple organizations with different tasks towards the awards. Of course these people have their agenda and can be moved towards a decision (though they probably don't acknowledge that. But they have so much attention from the hole world that they should be independent.
I would give them a lot more creditability if they more completely independent, with independent judges that didn't have any political agenda, except for supporting people struggling for peace and freedom.
What has this to do with my life in Brazil ?
As I moved from Europe, Denmark, I am still very interested in whats going on there, and very interested in the differences towards Brazil.
But this topic all came to my mind because one reporter her in Brazil joked: "Strange decision, but I guess it was better than giving EU the Economical Prize"...
Haha.... that would have been funny :-)
Monday, 8 October 2012
Brazil - Land of fruits...
Fresh fruits... its just great, especially when living in a very warm country.
But here in Brazil there are so many different kinds that its close to unbelievable.
In all supermarkets and on the streets you can by all kinds of fresh fruits like: pineapple, coconut, grapes, marangos, 100 different kinds of bananas, strawberries, apples, peppers, melons (huge watermelons) and of course vegetables as potatoes, onions, chilies, carrots, garlic etc etc...
To get the most fresh ones there is an open fruit market every saturday morning, where you will find everything within fruits and vegetables, and a lot of other accessories to cooking.
All these fruits and vegetables are picked, digged up and collected that very morning, early morning. These fruits are so fresh and juicy and super delicious - amazing.
You can buy these for making your own cooking, fruit juices or whatever...
If you don't really have the time or machine for making perfect fresh fruit juices, you can always go to the special restaurants for these... check out: Bendito Suco - nice place, and great juices !
My personal favorite, after arriving in Brazil, is just a coconut cold from refrigerator.
Make a hole and get some straws... = Perfect refreshing ! (and probably the best for fighting hang-overs...).
All these fruits and vegetables are picked, digged up and collected that very morning, early morning. These fruits are so fresh and juicy and super delicious - amazing.
You can buy these for making your own cooking, fruit juices or whatever...
If you don't really have the time or machine for making perfect fresh fruit juices, you can always go to the special restaurants for these... check out: Bendito Suco - nice place, and great juices !
My personal favorite, after arriving in Brazil, is just a coconut cold from refrigerator.
Make a hole and get some straws... = Perfect refreshing ! (and probably the best for fighting hang-overs...).
Friday, 5 October 2012
Flip Flops - and a cultural difference
Flip Flops - I love them... !
In Denmark where the weather is much colder you rarely flip-flops, but only 10-15 days a year (unless you love the cold).
In the warmth of Brazil, Brasilia, where I have only experienced temperatures between 28 and 38 degrees, with only a few days without sunshine, it's perfect for flip-flops. I know my sweatty feet love it too.
But to my surprise I can't wear them everywhere. Obvious you might say, but at least my doctor hasn't complained in Denmark.
So once going to the doctor in Brasilia, to the public office (cartorio) or cathedral I had to wear normal shoes... surprise surprise...
How can people keep there feet dry all day ? Many places there are airconditions, but still...
There are lots of different things between the two countries, which I most adjust to. One thing is a bigger respect for authorities and titles.
I would never wear anything but closed shoes, pants and a nice shirt/polo for work in an office in Denmark or Europe, but some years ago people in offices lots the tie. Unless you are top level management or employees meeting customers directly. The trend came from the US to be more relaxed and casual, and at the same time came employee motivation questionaires.
I still love wearing my Havaianas indoors or to the beach !
In Denmark where the weather is much colder you rarely flip-flops, but only 10-15 days a year (unless you love the cold).
In the warmth of Brazil, Brasilia, where I have only experienced temperatures between 28 and 38 degrees, with only a few days without sunshine, it's perfect for flip-flops. I know my sweatty feet love it too.
But to my surprise I can't wear them everywhere. Obvious you might say, but at least my doctor hasn't complained in Denmark.
So once going to the doctor in Brasilia, to the public office (cartorio) or cathedral I had to wear normal shoes... surprise surprise...
How can people keep there feet dry all day ? Many places there are airconditions, but still...
There are lots of different things between the two countries, which I most adjust to. One thing is a bigger respect for authorities and titles.
I would never wear anything but closed shoes, pants and a nice shirt/polo for work in an office in Denmark or Europe, but some years ago people in offices lots the tie. Unless you are top level management or employees meeting customers directly. The trend came from the US to be more relaxed and casual, and at the same time came employee motivation questionaires.
I still love wearing my Havaianas indoors or to the beach !
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Economic crisis... turns into jealousy ?
It's on every newspaper, all stock analysts, everywhere - Economic crisis !
Once moving outside Denmark and Europe, I am getting a much more objective view on the situation in DK and Europe, compared to Brazil.
Much of the news covering Europe and US tells about all the bad things, companies cutting down on employees, moving production to lower-salary countries, selling factories to the Chinese.
Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland etc are in debt crises and their governments are cutting the costs. It's easy looking back, but "Stop spending borrowed money!!" should have been obvious, mostly for the politicians. Many private people have been taken higher loans, in their real-estate or just cash loans for spending on goods (produced in China), vacation, fancy new cars etc.
The politicians and lots of people blames the crises on the banks and financial institutions. One politician from a danish government socialist party says: "If I am elected new president of our party, I will start a war on financial institutions". For me this is crazy !
It's way too easy, and comfortable, to blame it only on private banks, but it gives a lot of votes...
The politicians and private persons that enjoyed the expanding 2000+, for borrowed money, have to pay back the loans. Take your responsibility !
Still they keep producing everything from China (well mostly) and helping them grow - and people still buys products produced in China.
Why not move the production to the countries in crises in Europe instead ?
According to EU there are now close to 17 million unemployed in EU or close to 12% and still rising...
In Denmark the unemployment rate is lower (ca 8%), but still there are many unemployed on job-training courses and in bad health, not included (nicely hidden in statistics).
With just over 50% of the population in DK working (32% of which works in public sector according to this), and the rest receiving some kind of money from the government, DK is gonna have problems in the future.
The politicians have a very "clever" solution => higher taxes !
Just like peeing your pants - warm in the beginning but very cold later :-)
Comparing all this to Brazil can be a very long explanation.
From my eyes, people here have to work to get money, so they work. For many people its very hard jobs and for many for a very low salary. But the thing I like is that you keep most of the money yourself (low income taxes) and you have possibility to become rich - if you work. As the lowest basic salary is very low, there are lost of jobs (lots of service jobs).
In Brazil there is a huge difference from rich to poor, which it's not in DK.
The economy in Brazil is still increasing and getting better, very much helped by all the construction and organization work towards all the coming sports event (World Cup 2014, Olympics 2016, etc), high import taxes, tax benefits for foreign companies to setup production in Brazil (instead of importing).
Brazil is also very rich on natural resources which helps the economy, but Brazil has been through a long period of time with paying of foreign debt and hard times... Now it's Europe and US term to get to work.
What I am very surprised about is the arrogance from the western world.
Brazil is still known as a developing country despite:
- 6th biggest economy in the world (no. 5 in 2017 according to CNN, Money)
- 36 $- billionaires (according to Forbes magazine)
- biggest city São Paulo has 11mill inhabitants (20 mill incl. metro), S.P. is the 10th biggest city in the world on purchasing power (6th largest in 2025 estimated; according to wikipedia.org).
- second biggest is Rio de Janeiro with 12 mill inhabitants incl. metro area
- 200 million people living here
Looking at the average GDP per inhabitants of all Brazil, that might not be high.
Brazil is a very powerful country, with lots of resources and lots of low-paid labour, willing to work - so the future seems bright !
Why is the western world then so arrogant ?
Hmm.. maybe they are just so jealous.... !
Once moving outside Denmark and Europe, I am getting a much more objective view on the situation in DK and Europe, compared to Brazil.
Much of the news covering Europe and US tells about all the bad things, companies cutting down on employees, moving production to lower-salary countries, selling factories to the Chinese.
Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland etc are in debt crises and their governments are cutting the costs. It's easy looking back, but "Stop spending borrowed money!!" should have been obvious, mostly for the politicians. Many private people have been taken higher loans, in their real-estate or just cash loans for spending on goods (produced in China), vacation, fancy new cars etc.
The politicians and lots of people blames the crises on the banks and financial institutions. One politician from a danish government socialist party says: "If I am elected new president of our party, I will start a war on financial institutions". For me this is crazy !
It's way too easy, and comfortable, to blame it only on private banks, but it gives a lot of votes...
The politicians and private persons that enjoyed the expanding 2000+, for borrowed money, have to pay back the loans. Take your responsibility !
Still they keep producing everything from China (well mostly) and helping them grow - and people still buys products produced in China.
Why not move the production to the countries in crises in Europe instead ?
According to EU there are now close to 17 million unemployed in EU or close to 12% and still rising...
In Denmark the unemployment rate is lower (ca 8%), but still there are many unemployed on job-training courses and in bad health, not included (nicely hidden in statistics).
With just over 50% of the population in DK working (32% of which works in public sector according to this), and the rest receiving some kind of money from the government, DK is gonna have problems in the future.
The politicians have a very "clever" solution => higher taxes !
Just like peeing your pants - warm in the beginning but very cold later :-)
Comparing all this to Brazil can be a very long explanation.
From my eyes, people here have to work to get money, so they work. For many people its very hard jobs and for many for a very low salary. But the thing I like is that you keep most of the money yourself (low income taxes) and you have possibility to become rich - if you work. As the lowest basic salary is very low, there are lost of jobs (lots of service jobs).
In Brazil there is a huge difference from rich to poor, which it's not in DK.
The economy in Brazil is still increasing and getting better, very much helped by all the construction and organization work towards all the coming sports event (World Cup 2014, Olympics 2016, etc), high import taxes, tax benefits for foreign companies to setup production in Brazil (instead of importing).
Brazil is also very rich on natural resources which helps the economy, but Brazil has been through a long period of time with paying of foreign debt and hard times... Now it's Europe and US term to get to work.
What I am very surprised about is the arrogance from the western world.
Brazil is still known as a developing country despite:
- 6th biggest economy in the world (no. 5 in 2017 according to CNN, Money)
- 36 $- billionaires (according to Forbes magazine)
- biggest city São Paulo has 11mill inhabitants (20 mill incl. metro), S.P. is the 10th biggest city in the world on purchasing power (6th largest in 2025 estimated; according to wikipedia.org).
- second biggest is Rio de Janeiro with 12 mill inhabitants incl. metro area
- 200 million people living here
Looking at the average GDP per inhabitants of all Brazil, that might not be high.
Brazil is a very powerful country, with lots of resources and lots of low-paid labour, willing to work - so the future seems bright !
Why is the western world then so arrogant ?
Hmm.. maybe they are just so jealous.... !
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