Top Five Ways To Spot a Gringa in Brasil

5. She is quiet on an elevator.
Everyone in Brasil speaks to everyone.
Not just, "Good Morning."
Con Ver Sa Tion!


4. She only smiles when the conversation turns political on the dry pasta aisle.
An old hippie tried to get us all involved in some serious discussion over tomato sauce.
Three basket pushers pulled up and parked it.
I didn't engage.


3. She dresses in capris, a tank top, and flip flops when it's 77 degrees outside.
Brasilians are wearing sweaters, long pants, socks, sweatshirts, scarves.
It's Autumn!


2. She wears sensible shoes--flats, canvas slip-ons.
Brasilieras suffer for their fashion:
pumps (with short shorts)
2" platform super-wedges
3" stilettos


1. She has hair on her face and arms plus a razor nick or two on her legs.
Brasilian women (and men) depilate.
The depilation menu ranges from eyebrows
and nose
to legs
and everywhere in between.