Post #31: Not So Scary

Brazil has had it rough in the press. During my Portuguese classes in Washington, we talked incessantly about the military intervention in Rio, Lavo Jato, favelas, protests to release Lula from jail, the truckers' strike that shut down the country in May, and general problems with the economy, disparity, and crime. Carefully mulling these topics gives one the impression that Brazil is a country in which it is almost too dangerous to leave your home, especially in big cities like Rio and São Paulo. The image is compounded by urban legend and the stories of teachers, classmates, and colleagues who have been mugged or know someone who has been the victim of a crime.

After my latest security briefing and rereading the State Department travel website, I packed carefully and did not wear a single piece of jewelry on my trip. Not even my plain, gold wedding band. I packed a fake wallet and took care to pull out my extra id and debit card from the purse I carry every day. When getting in taxis, I was sure to put my laptop in the trunk and not open my cellphone in the car.

And I was made to feel silly when I started observing the people around me. You know, women wearing jewelry and people talking on their cellphones on the street. In the neighborhood where we were staying in São Paulo, it was possible to walk to restaurants and even do so alone at night. In fact, there were a lot of people, regular people, just carrying on with their life. I don't want to minimize the crime rate or issues that people may have in Brazil with safety and security, but it was a reality check. Of course, the city is also home to the people who live in it. There are great opportunities for culinary adventure, culture, shopping, and arts -- ones that would be a shame to miss while shuttered in a hotel room.

I am glad that the city is not as scary as envisioned and very much look forward to exploring (carefully) its treasures.