All four of us spent today at Berlitz taking cross-cultural training. I must admit I was kinda irritated at the whole thought of spending two full days away from work listening to people chat at us about our experience ahead. Since we know very few answers to anything (when we're leaving, where we are living, are we taking our dog, are you going to work while you're there), we just spent the day talking about our concerns about taking this big leap. It was good for Ro and I but we've been through it before with Japan, but I think it was especially helpful for the kids.
They had one teacher for Hannah and Jackson and another for us (no wonder GM is heading toward bankruptcy) and then they brought in a Brazilian lady for an hour or so to answer any questions we may about daily living in Brazil. Parts of it were kind of stupid but most of it was helpful. My big takeaways: eat with a knife and fork, dress well, leave the flashy jewelry at home, don't stop at traffic lights, it is OK to cry if you need to and get involved in the local community. Got it.
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2 comments:
Added you to my Blog Roll.
Hope the move goes well.
Look forward to following your 'adventure'.
ExpatBrazil
Colleen,
You and your family are going to love Sao Paulo, it is a little scary at first, but a wonderful place to live.
Don't be impressed with the news of crime, it is usually exaggerated, most people talk about the same incidents over and over again as if they were happening all the time when in reality it is one incident repeated a thousand times...remember it is a city of 18 million people, things happen, you just behave like you are in a big city and you will be ok, being from Detroit you must understand what I am talking about.
Graded is a great school, our kids loved it and missed their friends and teachers now that we are back in Rhode Island.
The way to enjoy the city better and avoid spending to much time in traffic is to plan to be somewhere during rush hour, either at your job, home or mall...anywhere but in the car with all the other 10 million automobile commuters trying to go home at the same time.
Good luck in your family's new home!
Ray
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