Introducing Philippa Learns!
Hi! Tudo bem? I’m Philippa…
I’m a 30-something American, married to a 30-something Brazilian and we’ve been living in São Paulo, Brazil, since February, 2020. Adjusting to a new life in a foreign country has required some intense transition and personal change, especially given the backdrop of a global pandemic. However, this moment of upheaval has also given me a fantastic opportunity to learn many things including: a new language, a new culture, and the beautiful corners of a new country. After almost a year in Brazil, I realize I’ve only just started to scratch the surface.
“Philippa Learns” is an American-Brazilian travel blog at heart. I also like to think of it as an exercise in capturing the “big ideas” from the next phase of Escola Brasileira (Brazilian School). It’s partially study notes, partially self-reflection and, perhaps one day, it can help someone else make a smoother transition to traveling and/or living in this country.
This blog will focus on…
1. Travel in Brazil
We’re beginning 2021 with “The Great Brazilian Road Trip:” A ~ 12-week journey through Brazil by car. When we’re done driving, we have a few other destinations on our bucket list which may require alternative means of transportation. Eventually, I’ll write a few “flashback” posts to capture some of our 2019/2020 adventures as well. From the dunes of Jericoacoara to Porto Alegre wine country: Brazil is a big, beautiful country and there is so much to see! I can’t wait to share our adventures with you.
2. American commentary on Brazilian “things”
Living in any foreign country requires adjusting to a different way of doing “things”; from grocery shopping to celebrating holidays and everything in between, Brazil has a unique, vibrant culture that influences much of daily life. I adore many of these Brazil “things,” but it’s hard to resist making a comparison to life back home. As I learn and reflect on Brazilian “things,” I’ll share these with you.
3. Intercultural relationships
American and Brazilian cultures are similar in many ways although there are some notable differences. As any intercultural couple will tell you, these differences can become more pronounced as you learn to navigate a life that is foreign to you but familiar to your partner.
In our shared life, these differences have inspired some interesting discussions and debates which help me understand Brazilian culture as well as encouraging me to reflect on American culture and some of my own long-held beliefs and personal opinions. Being in an intercultural marriage has been an incredible learning experience, especially as we navigate the complexities of the US immigration system. I hope that sharing some of our findings will help others in similar situations.
Disclaimers:
1. Traveling in a pandemic
Despite the dawn of a new year, COVID-19 is still raging around the world as well as here in Brazil. There are many who say that traveling now, during a global pandemic, is selfish and irresponsible, and they aren’t entirely wrong. While we are lucky enough to have access to great health care, many Brazilians do not. Travel represents a risk not so much for us as it does for others and we remain conscious that we could be unintentionally carrying COVID-19 with us, wherever we go.
Still, it’s important to note that roughly 7.68% of the Brazilian economy is dependent on tourism. That percent doesn’t just represent a portion of GDP; it represents families who have bills to pay, who need an income to survive. The Brazilian government can’t afford to send stimulus checks and, the reality is, many Brazilians have struggled to survive a difficult year. Now, as I write this post, Brazil’s borders are open to tourists from several countries, including the US. To us, this is a call for travelers as well as an acknowledgement of the many Brazilians who depend on them to make a living.
Traveling during a pandemic is risky. However, we believe that if we remain respectful of others, if we wear masks, wash our hands, and socially distance whenever possible, then we’re doing our best to minimize the risks within our control. The Great Brazilian Road Trip was inspired, in part, by a desire to be self-contained and minimize our chances for exposure and transmission whenever possible.
These days, everyone must do their own mental calculus to determine what level of risk is acceptable to themselves and those around them. This is ours. Even if you have your own reservations, we hope you'll respect our decision.
2. “All” Americans and “All” Brazilians
While I’m an American and my husband is a Brazilian, we are by no means representative of ALL Americans and ALL Brazilians. Both countries are incredibly large with diverse populations and sub-cultures, and it would be impossible to capture these nuances and complexities in a single travel blog.
Many of my observations on Brazil as well as my reflections on American life and culture are heavily dependent on my own lived experience and, by definition, are limited. While we are not wealthy, we are comfortably middle class. I’m white and well-educated and, although I’m a woman, I walk through this world differently than someone who lives with a different level of privilege than I do. I try my best to remain conscious of this, especially when writing about my experiences in another country and culture. My intention is always to err on the side of empathy and respect. Still, sometimes I get it wrong. I hope you’ll forgive me when it happens.
3. This blog is not about “budget travel.”
Traveling on a “shoestring” has been done before and the biggest lessons for thrifty travel remain the same across time and countries: do your research and plan ahead.
I was a backpacker in my 20’s and, while it certainly felt like a rite of passage at the time, I’m no longer interested in travel that requires me to skip the creature comforts (including hot showers and hotel rooms with air conditioning). While we encourage everyone to choose their own adventure, we believe in a balance between responsible spending and really enjoying this “once in a lifetime” travel experience. For this reason, I don’t plan to share information related to pricing and/or economizing.
The internet doesn’t need another blog explaining how to pinch pennies while on the road. But, more importantly, if you’re planning to travel in 2021/ 2022 you should ask yourself what you’re sacrificing and/or risking by trying to doing it on the cheap.
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Having said all that, I’m happy you’re here. After months of thinking about doing this, there’s a certain relief that comes from putting pen to paper/fingers to keyboard.
Thank you for joining me.
Cheers to the adventure ahead!
