Welcome friends to the world of the Brazilian teenager. The land full of Guarana and soccer.
Now, I cannot speak for everyone, especially when I live in Boston, Massachusetts. But I can speak from my own experience and the experiences from my friends and family about being a Brazilian teenager. This is a list with the truths of our lives that will differ from yours. It's a cultural thing. Don't take it personally.
1. Guarana is the drink of choice.
This drink is the equivalent to Coca Cola. Every chance we get, you can certainly bet that we will order it.The actual Guarana fruit actually contains more caffeine than the coffee bean. Once you taste the drink, you'll hint a similar taste and buzz. That's because the fruit is also used to make your beloved and toxic energy drinks such as Monster and Rockstar.
2. Not everyone listens to Luan Santana.
This dapper young man is Brazil's Justin Bieber. He has the hearts of many with his pop star voice and romantic ballads. But, to be honest, he isn't my cup of tea. However, if you ask me, I couldn't tell you who my favorite Brazilian singer is. I just don't have one. Sorry? Maybe I'll listen to Santana a little bit more.
3. Havaianas are cute. And painful.
You have probably seen these sandals at your local mall. American stores such as Macy's and Lord & Taylor's sell this brand of flip flops. Now, they are stylish and quite comfortable. That is, if you wear them. For us Brazilians, we have two types of memories. One, wearing these to the beach or around the summertime, making blissful memories. Two, having these chucked and swung at us whenever we misbehaved.
4. We will not speak Portuguese for you.
Yes. We know how cool it is to know a second language. But seriously, do not ask me to say something in Portuguese. Not only is it annoying, it is near impossible to think of something to say on the top of your head. Also, to who are we speaking? Am I speaking Portuguese to a wall?
5. When we speak Portuguese, 50 percent of the time, it's about you.
One of the only times we realize how cool it is to know a second language is so we can gossip on the sly. But let's be honest, if you knew a second language, you would totally do the same. It's like having a secret weapon or a superpower.
6. The other 50 percent, it isn't.
Now you can ease your paranoia. Sometimes we speak Portuguese to each other in public, but this is when we are discussing something of a private matter. Or if one of us does not fully know the English language. Trust me. It's really comforting, knowing that there is someone else who speaks the language of your heritage.
7. Everyone has at least one soccer jersey.
It's similar to how every Bostonian has a Patriots jersey, or how every girl owns a pair of Uggs. It's a sense of belonging mixed with a sense of pride. Also, who doesn't want to rep a legendary soccer team?
8. Not everyone plays soccer.
This is sad, but true. I remember in sixth grade, during gym class, people would pick me first to be in their soccer team. Really? How many times do I have to fall for you to realize that I am not an athlete? Soccer is not in my blood. I can watch it, not play it.
9. We are affectionate.
No matter who it is, if I meet another Brazilian, I greet them with a hug. That is how I and many others were raised. Trust me, it makes someone's day. Hugging a little girl or an old man just brings positivity and unity within everyone. And our love is infectious.
10. We all know someone who knows someone else.
It is a small world for Brazilians. There is a mutual friend. There is always that one person who knows someone who knows someone else who then knows you. You think that we are just popular people. We think that we all know the same people.
11. Brazilians trust other Brazilians.
For the longest time, my family and I only trusted Brazilians to do our hair, nails and eyebrows. And for the longest time, I thought that only Brazilians were gifted. When it came to my Sweet 16, majority of the people we hired were Brazilians. It has to do with the fact that every Brazilian knows another. In our small world, it is easier to make connections and business with others.
12. WhatsApp: iMessage to Brazil.
WhatsApp, in case you may not know, is an app that connects smartphones with other smartphones, including iPhones, A.K.A, an easy way to connect with relatives back home. In case Facebook didn't do that in the first place. If you go through ten cell phones, all belonging to Brazilian teenagers, they will all have the app.
13. We know the best food.
Hands down. We all know that one bakery that makes a really good X-Tudo.
