Before arriving to Rio expectations were instilled in me from a variety of sources: travel guides, tv shows (according to a Travel Channel program Ipanema Beach is the #1 in the world) and South America fanatic friends. However, these sources tend to exaggerate the good and bad, leaving behind commentary on the subtle things that truly make one culture different from another.
Ive discovered that the way some things operate in Rio are much less efficient than the American cultural, which is where America derives so much of its success. Other differences seem more a product of the natural surroundings. For instance at most restaurants the Suco (or Juice) is a common beverage made from fresh blended fruit. They are cheap too (relatively); in America you pay a fortune at the grocery store for a product with 30% juice nevermind 100%. But there is more at play. American drink options are so reliably controlled by our large corporations such Coca-Cola and Pepsi. In Rio such dominant brands constitute a much smaller portions. Coke is impressive though; it is available nearly everywhere. Chains stores also appear much less common. Stores are all smaller in square footage and a large amount of sales are done by street vendors. Obviously these systems are different but the american one allows for better efficiency. The street vendors spend most of the day standing around doing very little.
Another difference is the driving styles. Here nearly everyone is highly aggressive. Due to the frantic driving styles the horn gets much use, but it is not entirely offensive. One light tap means that im on your side and passing, it is a safety caution. During one taxi ride pedestrians would run out from the road it had he appearance of a movie car chase from the camera in car angle.Ive discovered that the way some things operate in Rio are much less efficient than the American cultural, which is where America derives so much of its success. Other differences seem more a product of the natural surroundings. For instance at most restaurants the Suco (or Juice) is a common beverage made from fresh blended fruit. They are cheap too (relatively); in America you pay a fortune at the grocery store for a product with 30% juice nevermind 100%. But there is more at play. American drink options are so reliably controlled by our large corporations such Coca-Cola and Pepsi. In Rio such dominant brands constitute a much smaller portions. Coke is impressive though; it is available nearly everywhere. Chains stores also appear much less common. Stores are all smaller in square footage and a large amount of sales are done by street vendors. Obviously these systems are different but the american one allows for better efficiency. The street vendors spend most of the day standing around doing very little.
Frankly, one of the most interesting aspect are seeing the consequences of less government regulation/different policies. You begin to appreciate services that are taken for granted in the US. On the beach vendors mercilessly harass you into buying things. Everyone is an opportunist an must find a niche to make an income. Trying to jipp tourists can be a good way. The severe separation of the upper and lower class has also been readily observable. For instance, the restaurants have either been very expensive or very cheap the middle ground is hard to find. The stores also are either trendy and pricey or raggedy. Rio is very pretty but not well maintained, most buildings in the city are in serious need of a paint job or powerwashing.
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