3 Simple Ways You Can Be Less Gringo (And More Brazilian)

We need to face this reality hard and fast. We are gringos.

If you already understand that this word is used in Brazil much different than other parts of Latin America, you are ready to take the next step.

How to Handle Your Brazilian Visa Extension

So, you are liking your life in Brazil and you've decided to stick around.

I support that, but what about all the red tape? What about all the hoop jumping? If you're not in the position of having your school handle this process, lucky for you, I've been there and want it to be as easy as possible for you.

How New Year Arrives Late in Brazil (or, How I Disappeared From TCL for Three Months)

You know that feeling you get when you go back to work on Monday after vacation? I think very few would call the feeling "inspiring."

Now imagine that you go to work on Monday, but Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are holidays. Now how do you feel? Are you telling yourself that you will wait to get serious until NEXT Monday?

Anniversary Post: The Crummy Life Turns One

I think it all started out of angst. Have you ever done that? Started something because the tension you are feeling compels you to spring forward with action. To just do something.

The confusion about where to begin. The confusion about what it is all for. Then, finally, deciding it's just because that's what you want or need to do.

This is how The Crummy Life started.

Thailand and Brazil: Side-by-Side Reflections on Adapting Abroad

I've now adapted in a short list of countries, and the two that have given me the greatest amount of time to go through the process and develop deeper observations are Thailand and Brazil, respectively. It's time to reflect on some of the differences, as I try to rummage through my thoughts to see what I might share with Tom.

"Hey," he said to me as I turned to exit the room, "don't fuck it up."

So goes the general and less than eloquent advice of one of my greatest influences. They were applicable to just about anything, but always reserved for those moments when he knew that a person needed an extra prod to strive for greatness, and the comment would land perfectly so you knew what it was about.

5 Things to Take Home From Brazil

Do you remember how good you felt the last time you stepped into a new city, experienced a new thrill, or met someone that really captured your attention?

When people move to a new place, or even just visit, they start off in "the honeymoon phase." This magical time is filled with the thought that, like a teeneager in a fresh romance, all of these new things are amazing.

It is only natural that a person is going to like some things during this phase so much that they will think, "Why don't I do it like that?" With that idea in mind, I want to offer you five things that have only furthered my fascination of and appreciation for the Brazilian way.

13 Similarities of Brazil and Thailand

One might think that after living in Thailand for three years, living in Brazil must be massively different. Well, not exactly.

While there are plenty of differences, I have spent the first month here documenting things that I feel are similar between the Land of Smiles and the Land of Samba. Since arriving, I have really felt like Brazil is a great balance of my home culture and my first adopted one.

A Name of Sorts: The Crummy Life Exposed

Sometimes people, usually non-native English speakers, ask me, "Jairet, why did you name your blog 'The Crummy Life'?"

I think it's a good, and valid question. For example, consider the following:

Why would someone want to market themselves under a name that implies inferior quality?
Are you trying to give the impression that the standard of the writing, information, products, services, etc. are of low caliber?

International Driving Permit and Inter-American Driving Permit

It's pretty normal for people to want to prepare for the unexpected events that inevitably come up in our future, especially for us westerners. In the case of moving abroad, that means it is important to have a plan for health insurance, bank accounts and money management, emergency contacts at home, and legality of driving.

What follows is a simple explanation of how to cover your butt so you don't have any troubles while driving abroad. For many people, a standard driver's license is likely accepted overseas, but don't expect it.

How to Successfully Complete an italki Language Challenge

I was facing twenty eight days to finish twelve hours of language classes. I knew I could do it because I had already been studying daily alone and was starting feel that I needed guidance.

Last month's challenge started with a public pledge, and a dose of determination that came from failing the January language challenge. [insert lame excuse here]

5 Important Phrases to Learn When Traveling

Image © GL Stock Images

When we travel, we don't usually make a decision and then leave immediately. Most of us plan trips well in advance. We make an itinerary that tentatively outlines what we will do during our time away. So, why not make part of the planning process the native lingo?

It is important to show host country people that we have come to their country with more than just the intent to enjoy the sights. While we we have come to soak up the country's splendor, it shows an extra appreciation and effort if we learn some of the host country's language, too.