Adventures in Open Door Living

Living as an American in Brazil has its twists and turns, thrusting me into a world of VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity). I find myself questioning things a lot due to the cultural differences. Today, I wanted to share another one of these moments. As I continue to navigate this cultural maze, another peculiar aspect stands out - the Brazilians’ relentless love for wide-open doors and windows. 🚪🌴

Picture this: a serene patio, a sliding glass door leading to it, and a bunch of lively guests. Now, in our part of the city, leaving the door ajar is like inviting chaos for a cup of coffee.

I know what you might be thinking – why would you leave your door open in Brazil, isn’t that super dangerous? Not for us in our safe tropical haven. So why don’t we act like the locals and leave our doors and windows open?

First, we're parents to cats and dogs. Opening the door is akin to setting up a red carpet for their adventurous escapades. Second, our tropical paradise is teeming with critters - bugs, lizards, and yes, even monkeys if you leave your fruit unattended. Our neighbors have regaled us with tales of monkey invasions; it's like a wild safari indoors. Third, the air conditioning gods frown upon open doors. It's like trying to cool the Sahara with a handheld fan.

Curiosity compels me to ask our Brazilian friends, "Why keep the door open?" Their answers range from habit (grew up without A/C) to a simple desire for that sweet breeze. Fair enough, but my sanity demands a sealed fortress against the animal kingdom.

Flashback to a recent cookout at our house - sun blazing, temperature soaring above ninety degrees, and our glass door playing the revolving host. I, the vigilant guardian of cool air and pet discipline, found myself on a mission - Door Patrol. Closing the glass door every time someone wandered outside became my sacred duty.

But lo and behold! Fate struck with a thump. A guest, perhaps overwhelmed by the allure of the glass door, walked right into it, beer sacrificed at the altar of hospitality. And then, déjà vu struck later that day with another party guest.

In the face of adversity, we summoned the great problem-solving wizard - blue painter's tape. Stripes of tape at eye level became the unspoken guardian, shielding guests from unintentional glass door encounters. Check out the photo! Weird? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. Living in Brazil requires a dash of improvisation.

So here's to the tropics, the creatures, and the open doors that bring a unique flavor to our expat life. 🌺🐒 Watch out for the monkeys and invest in some painter's tape – trust me, you'll thank me later! Cheers to the Brazilian way of life! 🥂