Chile - South America's Switzerland-esque West Coast

Relaxed Chile is a diverse landscape from the famous Parque Garden Zoo and railway, to the stunning Torres Del Paine National Park, the amazing Valle de la Luna and the Atacama Desert. Proclaimed independent from Spain in 1810, Chile still practices Old European Manners (see post from August 12, 2020). As well, chic Chile has excellent wines and seafood. Although Easter Island is 3,500 miles away, it is a big attraction from Chile. 

• The beautiful Republic of Chile is a bit larger than Texas with a total population of 14.5 Million. The Capital is Santiago with a population of 5.5 Million. Other large cities include Valparaiso and Concepcion with populations of 300,000 each. Currency is the Chilean Peso. 1 Peso = 100 Centavos. Median income is $5,680.00. All citizens are required to vote by law.  
• Average temperatures are varied from the subtropical to four seasons. Best to layer your clothes. 
• Natural resources include fruit, fish & minerals include copper, iron, steel, timber, pulp, paper, and cement. You will be judged by where you stay in Chile, so stay in a top notch hotel. 
• Famous Authors and Poets include Nobel Prize winner Gabriels Mistral in 1945, and Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Pablo Neruda, in 1971. School in Chile is mandatory from age 6-14. Languages include Spanish (Castillano), German, Italian and English. Literacy rate is 95%.
• Sports include "Futbol" (soccer) and dances include the Tango, Cumbia and traditional Waltz.
• Ethnicity includes Mapuche (largest group of South American Indians) and European. 
• Dress code is casual chic and clean. Black clothes and shoes in the cities are the best for blending. Layer as the weather varies greatly per location. Do not wear shorts in cities. Only wear shorts at the beach on your vacation. Gentleman wear slacks at night. 
• Family is the primary structure of Chilean society. Respect and courtesy within the family unit are of the upmost importance. Kindness is valued. Hard work to help the family is valued as well. Never criticize or embarrass anyone in public, even if it is in jest. Humor rarely translates.
• expect to be interrupted in conversation. It's the Chilean way! It shows interest! 
• When smoking, offer a cigarette to everyone. Never refer to anyone as "Mestizo." It's rude.
• Cover your mouth when coughing, yawning or sneezing. Then, immediately excuse yourself and go wash your hands. Stay away from all hand gestures. Often they translate as obscene. 
• Do shake hands. A hug and 1 kiss on a cheek among friends is acceptable. Greet the head of the household first. Stand for all introductions. Formal titles are important. Use them until invited to do otherwise. Chileans are close talkers. Do NOT back up. Direct eye contact is important. Smile, be very polite and positive. Never talk about politics or religion. One can ask about occupation, but do not mention salary and never talk about money. 
• Meals are meant to be enjoyed with family and friends. Eat Continental style only. Never touch your food with your fingers including grapes, strawberries or french fries! Never lick your fingers either as both are considered not only rude but vulgar. 
• Summon the wait staff by raising your hand. Never bacon the wait staff with your index finger. Considered rude. Never place your hands on your lap which is why you must eat in the Continental style with your wrists above the table to show you have nothing "up your sleeve." No separate checks. One must ask for the check. Summon the wait staff by raising your whole hand. Stay a bit after the meal as it shows you are enjoying your meal and time at the restaurant, maybe with a rum or coffee, and enjoy. Leave small cash on the table as well as a 10-12% tip. 
• Lunch is the main meal of the day from 1:00-3:00pm. Tea time is 5:00-6:00. Dinner is light and late from 8:00-10:00pm. Taste everything that is served. Don't talk with food in your mouth.
• Drink bottled water only. Always travel with pink chewable pills to coat your stomach before each meal. Vacations are fun but foreign foods you are not accustomed to can be challenging. BBQ's are very popular! Arrive 30 minutes late for social parties. 
• Tip the wait staff 10-12%, It's tradition to leave a bit of cash on the table after the meal, and coffee. Tip the Porter $2 per bag. Tip the Maid $4-5 per day. Don't tip the Taxi driver, but do round up the fare to the nearest dollar and let them keep the change. Tip the Concierge $20. Do NOT bribe service people. 
• Chilean cuisine includes: "Empanadas de Horno" = baked turnovers filled with meat. "Asados" = Grilled Beef. "Pastel de Choclo = meal of beef, chicken, onions, corn, eggs and spices. "Cazuela de Ave" = a pot pie of chicken in broth with vegetables & potatoes. First drink the broth, then eat the meat and vegetables. "Sopaipillas" = Deep fried pumpkin fritters. "Humitas" = flat corn pancake stuffed with corn paste. 
• The Chilean culture is "machismo." Men stare at women. It is common flattery. Ignore it and keep walking. Respect for women is traditional, but, do NOT sit at a bar alone, and do NOT walk alone at night. Don't bring or wear expensive jewelry, purses or luggage.  Pick pockets are active at the airport, in crowded spaces and public transport. Be aware. Smog and smoke are common place in Santiago. Take a mask. 

Read the book: "House of Spirits" by Isabel Allende

It is a book showcasing Chilean culture and traditions.

Brazil - a costal Lusophone country famous for the infamous, the "Torpedo" and the traffic.

 Colonized by Portugal, not Spain, The Republica Federativa do Brasil, a Lusophone country, (Portuguese speaking), is where men might ask for a date while stuck in traffic & get one! Brazil is where Supermodels, fancy beachfront hotels & beautiful people Samba in style. Brazilians are a traditional "Old European Society" (see post from August 12, 2020) who adhere to these manners and influences. 

A union of 26 States, Brazil is the size of the United States. They are a country of 200 million people. 90% of the population lives on 10% of the costal land. The Capital, Brazilia, has a population of 4.7 Million, Sao Paulo = 46 Million, & Rio de Janeiro, 17.5 Million. Don't refer to Brazilians as "Latins", but rather "Lusophones." Like many European countries, it is common for three generations of family to all live together, as family is the #1 priority. School is mandatory until age 14, with an 82% national literacy rate.

Brazil is the 10th largest economy in the world, however, income distribution in Brazil is extremely uneven. One third of Brazilians live under the poverty line. GDP is $8,727.00 USD. The currency is the Real (pronounced 'Ray-owl'). Portuguese is the official language. Spanish is understood but not spoken. 

Brazil is the world's largest producer of oranges. They are known for their coffee, cocoa, soy beans, bananas, beef, rice, cattle, pork, sugar, rubber, and corn. Their industry is cars, textiles, minerals, ship building, paper, wood products, and pharmaceuticals. 

Remember, Brazil's seasons are reversed. Brazil is a breezy tropical climate, so wear your bug spray always, a hat, and mind the sun. Travel websites have anti-mosquito bandanas and clothing. They also have clothing with hidden pockets and zippers to guard against pick-pockets. Wait for a sale and buy!

It is said there are more Italians in Brazil than Venice. The same is true for the multitudes of Lebanese in Sao Paulo. A class system society still exists & men comment and stare. Keep walking. 

"Carnival" is the week before Ash Wednesday. Don't plan on doing any business during Carnivale week or on Ash Wednesday. The entire country is either "hung over" or repenting! 

Some shops & businesses close from 12-2, as lunch is the main meal of the day. Most shops are open 6 days a week from 9:00 to 6:30, or later. Shops are closed on Sundays, but a few food markets may be open. Plan accordingly. Brazilians love to bargain too! Enjoy.

Dress code is feminine sexy chic for women with clean hair & manicured nails & toes. City chic for men, and long pants at night. Be sure to have clean shoes. Jeans must be clean & pressed. Do not wear green and yellow together (flag colors).  Dressing up a bit when traveling means you can go anywhere!

The #1 sport is soccer "Pele." Hang gliding is popular too. Games are friendly, warm & fun. Enjoy!

The ethnic make up of Brazil is extremely diverse: 47% White European "Brancos", 22% Mulatto, 12% Mestizo, 11% Black African, 150,000 Native American, and 1.1% Asian/Japanese. 

The "thumb's up" hand gesture is rude. The "Ok" gesture is acceptable. Rubbing your hands together means: "doesn't matter", but when abroad anywhere, it is probably better to stay away from all hand gestures all together! 

In meeting, take time to greet and say goodbye to everyone. Women kiss twice: once on each cheek if married, and three times if single. Brazilians maintain eye contact, stand & talk close & are touchy feely.

Good conversation includes Brazil's famous soccer team "futebol" and beautiful beaches. Don't mention politics, religion, poverty or rival Argentina. Never ask someone's age, salary or talk about money.

"Cafezinho" is Brazil's famous very strong coffee. All dining is in the Continental style. Dinner is late, from 8:00 - 10:00 pm. Wash your hands before eating. Also, take 2 pepto chews before eating. Never pick your teeth in public. Never touch your food with your hands, even grapes. It is tradition to ask someone if they would like drinks. 

The waiter is "Garcon." Ask for your check "A costa pro favor." Never eat and leave. Meals are to be enjoyed with friends and family. Hang out at least 1/2 an hour after dessert and enjoy. 

"Mate" or "Yerba Mate" (chimarrao) = a type of tea brewed from dried evergreen shrub leaves or Holly tree leaves. Cold Mate is common on Brazil's beaches. 

Breakfast is mostly Continental with fruit & "Cafe com Leite" (coffee with milk). Lunch is the main meal of the day, between 12-2. Brazil's national dish is "Feijoada" (beef, pork, sausage, tongue). Snacks may be served at 4:00pm, and consist of cookies, cakes, beverages and "Pao de Queijo." 

"Bife a cavalo com fritas" = meat with eggs & french fries. ""Betides" = sweet fruit beverage made with rum. "Americano" = ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato & fried eggs in a sandwich. "Churrasco" = charcoal broiled meats. "Aguardiente" = Brandy like drink made from sugarcane. "Pudim" = a flan dessert. 

A note from an admirer in a restaurant is called a "Torpedo." Be cordial but be aware. Always drink bottled water. Never eat uncooked or unpeeled food. Always take pepto chews before each meal. Wear mosquito repellent always. Travel websites have mosquito repellent clothing.  Buy on sale!

Tip the Taxi driver 10%. Tip the Porter $2 per bag. Tip the Maid $4 per day. Tip the waiter 5% cash at the end of the meal (hand it to him in person) because there will be a 10% Service charge on the bill. 

Carry your Passport & immigration permit always. Travel websites have annual sales on clothing with hidden pockets. Have patience in Brazil. You will always be in a line. Be aware of pick pockets, and especially at the airport.  Don't wear a watch or wear jewelry on the outside of your clothes. 

As of 1997, all Brazilian citizens are organ donors after death. Brazil is 73% Catholic, 20% Protestant, and the African Voodoo "Macumba" service on Friday night is not uncommon. 

Gift giving includes: gourmet chocolates, fine wines, champagne, aged Scotch, and products from the USA. For children, give hard candies, soccer themed gifts (T-shirts) and NBA hats. Very expensive gifts may be interpreted as bribes. Nice gift wrapping will be appreciated. Always open the gift in front of the giver. Send flowers before visiting a home for dinner. No purple flowers (funeral color). 

On New Year's Eve, locals throw lipstick, flowers and compact mirrors into the sea to celebrate the Patron Saint of Rivers and Sea named Yemanja (Lemanja). It's called: 

"Jumping 7 Waves."