Everyone is taking such good care of me.On the one hand, I perceived the uber protection as preventing direct engagement with the real Brazil. Now, sitting in the UniMart watching the flow, people meeting and greeting, I think the attentiveness is part of the culture. Kissing, embracing and touching while interacting are standard features of social interaction, of course. There's more, though. Voices overlap in conversation and, most of the time, it doesn't feel like interruption. More like caress or dance. More like ensemble jazz music.
The sound of the language.... Portuguese doesn't appear on any of the Most Difficult Languages in the World to Learn lists I just consulted. That's encouraging. It is easier and easier to read it but watching TV or listening at the party the other night I comprehend very little.
Some Brasileiros show their caring by at least trying to speak English to me. Thanks but please, no, I want to learn the language, I tell them. I'll get it. I'm sure.
