What a Normal Day in Brazil Taught Me About Living Well

By Christine Schultz, Plugg Technologies Marketing/Content Creator

Slowing Down and Soaking It In: Daily Life in Brazil

When I first arrived in Brazil, I had no real plan…just a plane ticket, a backpack, and a very caring Brazilian friend who said, “Come stay with us,” after finding out that my father had recently passed away and that I had lost my first business all in the span of a year.   So on the cusp of turning thirty, in the midst of chaos and grief, I packed my bags for a trip that changed my life.  And when the plane landed, my friend’s entire family welcomed me with open arms and no questions asked. Just what I needed at that moment in life.

I didn’t expect to stay longer than a month, but the slower pace of daily life, the richness that came with it, and most importantly, the kindness of the people, convinced me to stay for over a year. Looking back, it wasn’t the beaches or landmarks that made the biggest impact. It was the mornings, the meals, the laughter, and the routines. I didn’t know then how deeply the everyday rhythms of life in Brazil would settle into my bones and ultimately heal my soul.

What a Day Looked Like in Porto Ferreira

Life in Porto Ferreira started early. I’d wake up with the sun and head downstairs to a simple breakfast—pão francês or pão de queijo (French bread or cheesebread), some papaya, and a pingado (coffee with a splash of milk). The mornings were quiet, the air was warm, and the kitchen always in use. Food is pivotal to Brazil, but we will get to that in a minute.

Most days, I helped around the house. Conceição – the mother of my best friend and the matriarch of the family- was always moving, always smiling, and always patient . She didn’t speak any English, and I didn’t speak any Portuguese when I first arrived, but somehow we understood each other perfectly. She loved teaching me the Portuguese names for cleaning supplies and furniture. I loved making her laugh at my pronunciation. It was one of the purest examples of connection and communication I’ve ever experienced.

After being invited to extend my stay, I got a job to help with expenses.  If I was working that day, I’d walk over to CCAA, the local English school, and teach middle schoolers and highschoolers advanced English.   Those are some of my best memories.   I was always so impressed with the speed at which they learned English and picked up on my jokes and dialects.  They were the kindest and brightest kids I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and teaching.  Not to mention the funniest.  Brazilians have a silly sense of humor that can only be experienced to fully understand it.

The Heart of the Day: Lunch at the Kitchen Table

In the middle of the day, at precisely noon, like clockwork, everyone gathered together for lunch at home.

Whether you were at your job or in school, in Brazil you still come home for lunch.  We’d all gather around the kitchen table. There’d be steaming bowls of feijoada, fluffy white rice, farofa, maybe some sautéed greens. We’d eat until we were full, drink strong coffee afterward, and sit for a while longer – no rush. The conversation flowed in Portuguese, and at first I didn’t understand much. But I loved the sound of it. It is a passionate and musical language. Over time, I began picking up words. Then full sentences. I still remember the joy of finally following a joke and laughing at the right moment.  

There’s something sacred about pausing your day to sit and eat with people you care about. That habit alone made me rethink how I approached my own time, meals, and relationships.

Broccolli Pizza. Don’t Knock It Till You Try It

Brazilian food is… indescribably good.

There was a maracujá (passionfruit) pudding I became obsessed with.  I encourage everyone to try it at least once. I probably ate it more than anyone reasonably should. Then there was pizza, which was a totally different experience in Brazil. I’m talking about combinations like broccoli and green olives with a cheese I still can’t name. Or dessert pizzas topped with chocolate and strawberries. It sounds strange, but it worked.

But more than that, the food is tied to the people. Some of my favorite meals weren’t fancy or flashy. They were simple street snacks sold by vendors who took time to get to know me and teach me a new word in Portoguese, or home-cooked dishes made specifically because my host-family knew they had become my favorite.

One of my favorite routines was hopping on the back of my friend’s motorcycle, weaving through town, and grabbing a pastel de queijo (crispy cheese pastry) for about three reais (equivalent to less than one US dollar that year). Just hot, simple comfort food handed to you in a paper napkin by a sweet old lady running her own bakery. That’s the kind of meal and memory that sticks.

Weekends, Hugs, and “Beijoos”

Weekends were for family and food. Usually a long barbecue -no set time, just people showing up, grabbing a plate, and staying for hours. Saying goodbye meant a double cheek kiss and a cheerful “Tchau” (goodbye) I still catch myself signing off texts with a playful “tchau, beijoos,” (goodbye and kisses) even now.

The Habits That Came Home With Me

Sadly, many of the habits and routines I picked up in Brazil slipped away once I returned home. Life in the States moves fast, and it didn’t take long before that slower, more intentional rhythm fell to the wayside.  But one routine that quietly made its way into my life and had staying power was praying over the groceries. Every time we came back from the store, Conceição would pause and say a small prayer of thanks over her groceries. Not loud. Not performative. Just genuine gratitude. I never asked her about it, but I started doing it too. And to this very day, I still do.

Specific routines may have been lost in the shuffle, but the lessons have stood firm.  Brazil taught me to slow down, to sit longer, to be curious, to be grateful, and to let life happen without rushing it.

It also taught me to make a mean maracuja pudding, and in the spirit of the renowned Brazilian generosity, I will share it here with you:

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/47436/brazilian-passion-fruit-mousse-maracuja/