Another Lesson In Brazilian Culture

We were talking to some friends of ours the other day and mentioned that Jeff is the primary (and better) cook in our family. They thought this was great and invited him to cook for them in their home. We set the party up for last night. On Wednesday evening, they mentioned to us that another family had invited themselves over and that they would join us for dinner and for a short Bible study. No problem. We would have to pick up a few more things at the store, but that was easily done. We arrived at our friends' house around 5:00, so that we could have a Portuguese lesson before the other festivities. The other family was scheduled to arrive around 7:30.

At 8:30, our friends called and found out the other family just leaving their house. They arrived a few minutes later, and informed us that they had invited another couple to join us and that they would arrive shortly. Jeff and I exchanged glances, hoping there would be enough food for everyone. Around 9:00, we began the Bible study, and dinner was served at about 10:30. The Brazilian children were not fond of the dish Jeff prepared, so their parents gave them cookies for dinner instead. Then, multiple bowls of ice cream for dessert. (And, I can tell you, we were not looked on favorably for withholding these indulgences from our children). Our children were completely exhausted, but our hosts wouldn't hear of us leaving until they had served coffee--at 11:30! We got home and got the children put to bed right around midnight. This is Brazilian culture. It's just what you do. (And not just on weekends)! And this is how we know we will never really be Brazilian.

We also had an opportunity to learn something else interesting today at lunchtime, when we served sandwiches to our Brazilian guests: You never serve bread (i.e. sandwiches) at lunchtime. They only eat it for breakfast and for an afternoon snack. Good to know.