Imported Goods

Imported Goods.

What do you think of when you hear that? Fancy cars? Designer clothes? Expensive? Exotic?

The other day Deison and I were at a store buying some random things, and I saw a sign at the cash register. "All of our products are imported, therefore we do not guarantee any of them."

Shady business.. 

But that's the thing about imported goods... you can't know much about the origin, as the origin is far away. The product is in a foreign place. Where it doesn't belong. But people are fascinated with it; it's different. Exotic. Everyone wants to get near and see it, even though no one understands it and the instructions are written in a different language that no one can read.

I.. am an imported good.

People have this thing, like driving an imported car makes you look rich and fancy. But the reality is, nobody knows much about the imported good and if something goes wrong... how do you fix it? It's imported. It's different. And sometimes... strange.

Everyone here think I'm odd. Brazilians are known for their warm and friendly culture; parties, people, all the time. Helloooo... warm? Friendly? People all the time? Ew. That... is like my alter ego. I like to be alone, and I don't like being around people. Especially a lot of them at once.

Brazilians are also known to comment on things they find interesting. For example: the other day Deison and I went for dinner with our pastor and his wife. As we're chatting away, the pastor looks at me and says "oh you've really filled out since the wedding. Nice and stronge now. That's good." Mmmm. I smiled. Yes.. isn't it just lovely?

This... is totally normal in Brazilian culture. It isn't the first time someone has made a comment on my weight. Which is absolutely taboo in North American culture, right? You would never, EVER, go up to a woman and say "wow, you've gotten chubby!"

Totally exceptable here.

Infact, it doesn't upset me anymore, I get it. The other day Deison was like, "you're so pretty" *smile*, and then, "though you really do need to start running" and then, "hm, I wonder if that guy is ever going to call me.. I need to get back to work" as if nothing was wrong..

Do you see how intercultural misunderstandings can cause a serious rift? Do you get it now?!

In my culture, this is a completely unacceptable and offensive thing to say to your wife. In Deison's culture, it's a gesture of caring. Of wanting the other to be healthy and their well-being in a good state. Deison knows I want to stay fit, and if I sit on my butt all day and eat cookies... well... you get my point. I understand where he's coming from and what he meant to say.

Which really, is the essence of any relationship... cultural differences or not. I think we're just forced to deal with these things on a regular basis because they come up frequently and in-your-face-big.

Ok that's all.. now here's a picture of us looking cute.