315. Home.

I read an article this morning that my parents posted on Facebook by Marilia Duffles enttitled Things President Obama's Briefing Papers Can't Tell Him About Brazil. I've never readsomething that captures the heart of Brazil so accurately. It made me realize why I miss Brazil so much and how different it really is from from America. Granted, I think we lose a little bit of this true Brazilian culture in São Paulo - just because it's such a large city and we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. São Paulo is definitely nothing like Aracaju, a small city in the Northeast of Brazil, but nevertheless, São Paulo is a part of Brazil and still has that Brazilian spirit and love. I'm a pretty well traveled person. I've been to Brazil, America, Argentina, Kenya, Paraguay, and London. Brazil, though, is unique. I've never experienced anything like the Brazilian culture anywhere else. If you want to read Duffles' article, click here.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marilia-duffles/things-president-obamas-b_b_835569.html?ref=fb&src=sp.

If you don't want to read it, here are some of the best parts:

"... you will notice that Brazilians are truly happy. And it has nothing to do with the happiness quotient economists and the media banter about. Rather, it's home-grown. Happiness here comes from an organic empathy Brazilians feel for one another that goes, well, hand-in-hand with a natural attachment they feel for one another."

"Brazilians are always in close "touch" (remember Lula at the G20s?). And they never seem to let go. Goodbyes last forever

with a thousand kisses. So painful is parting for Brazilians that there is a Portuguese word not found in any other language: Saudade, an aching longing for someone far away with its own cliché to illustrate:

Saudade é a presença da ausencia . . . saudade is the presence of absence."

"And in Brazil, to move is to dance and to dance is to live. You will see it in their natural step, their hop, skip and jump. Like the Hawaiian hula, one note is enough to set them in motion. As yet another old Brazilian saying goes: "o samba é o pai do prazer". . . the samba is the father of pleasure."

"

Speaking their rich language is not necessary as Brazilians speak from their hearts with lively facial expressions and emotion-packed gestures and smiles that are worth a thousand words and open doors to their heart and to their homes."

"Yes, like Hawaiians, these are genuinely hospitable people. Everyone here is kama'aina. Strangers? They simply don't exist as everyone talks to everyone as if they're genetically related. And just like in Hawaii, everyone is an instant auntie (tia) or bruddah (irmão). Little wonder an American Airlines ad said Brazilians are the warmest people in all of Latin America"

"Their motivation is from within, not from the external stimuli of propaganda or a marketed product or trend. Brazilians rely on common sense. They have coffee -- several times during the day -- because they love it for its naturally delicious taste and not because some science study says it's good for you (or not)."

"To the shock of some in the northern hemisphere, Brazilians sometimes refer to their black friends as negão (big negro) or neguinho (little negro). But here is a lesson: it is not only NOT off-color, it is infused with affectionate regard and the suffix symbolizes that this is so. Add ão or inho/inha to any word and you add instant adoring warmth. Just ask Ronaldinho (Ronaldo + inho)."

"And there is pride of nation. But it's not about waving the flag, it's about upholding the people. It's not jingoistic, it's organic."

"A peaceful nation, a peaceful people who correct their hearts through their eyes, as the Shakespearean Garrick said. No imperialistic ambition here. No bellicose spirit. No "Uncle Sam Wants You" propaganda."

"O melhor produto do Brasil é o brasileiro". . . Brazil's best product is the Brazilian himself."

Brazilians are truly unique. I'm very proud to call myself Brazilian. After living in America for nearly a year, I believe I really am more Brazilian in nature than I am American. My parents may be American and I may look American, but that doesn't have anything to do with it. In my heart, I know where I belong and I know that Brazil is and always will be my home. To truly understand what I'm talking about, it is necessary to experience it yourself. I don't expect you to understand this Brazilian love and unity that I am talking about until you pour yourself into Brazil and get to know who the Brazilians are and spend some time there yourself.