Ive had the opportunity to read many posts on the website. Reading the information has been helpful and sometimes confusing. But Im appreciative that there is a site like this where one can read about specific locations abroad.

My travels have been specifically in South America, Europe and also Asia. During my travels to South America I never had the chance to go to Brazil until this coming January 2006. During my travels the attitude toward Americans is absolutely INCRDIBLE, but to my suprise its even better if you are black. Im not sure why but my black ass is not complaining!!!!

Have any of you come in contact with black Americans in Brazil and what were there thoughts. We will be traveling to Rio for the Rio De Janerio Fashion Week and we were wondering what is the perception of a black American is in Rio.

Take Care

Grabs a bowl of popcorn and takes a seat! (This ought to be entertaining)

Sebastian, just like you, I have been fortunate enough to travel to many different countries. Peoples reactions are pretty much the same all around the world. Once they determine that you are not African, they will study your demeanor and attire, to see what category you fit into. Usually, we fit into 1 of 3 different categories.

1) Military - This is usually the easiest for them to believe. Why would a black american be in Russia/Guam/Indonesia, unless he is in the military?

2) Athlete or Entertainer - If you are over 6 feet tall or have on a gold chain, they will instantly think you are in the NBA or a rapper.

3) Ordinary Guy - This one seems to be the biggest surprise for most people; A college educated, professional! The idea that you are a regular guy, who just happens to be visiting their country on vacation, normally gets the biggest reaction. After the initial dissapointment of finding out you arent famous subsides, they normally find this category of Americans, the most interesting. They will begin to pepper you with a million questions on where you are from and what you do for a living.
Now, of course I am talking about regular people in other countries. Prostitutes will see/treat you exactly like any other foreigner, a huge ATM:-)

Fashion week will be an outstanding event for you. I would much rather be a famous rapper or professional athlete for that week:-)




(Message edited by Thumper on December 18, 2005)

In my one week of experience, if you're under 45, American and in Rio - odds are you are black. If you are over 45 and American, odds are you are white. If you look under 45 you'll fit in fine. If you look over 45, hang out with someone younger and "look" younger? I don't know, this seems like a stupid question since some high percentage(like 60%) of girls in Rio are black.

Whoa, sorry if you misinterpreted my question bluelight. My question did not have any reference about women being black or white. As mentioned I have never been to Rio before so I did not know about the 60% ratio, until you responded. My question specifically mentioned "Have any of you come in contact with black Americans in Brazil and what were there thoughts." And if there are any black guys on this site how do you feel about Rio?

Thanks

Sorry to go on a tangent, but what is "Fashion Week" and what are the dates? Just wondering cause I'll be in Rio the week of Jan. 14.

BTW, the 60% figure is misleading because a good % of the chicks in Rio are very "mixed" with African, Caucasian, Native descent - thus so many of those cinnamon-skinned girls that I so love.

Sebastian,

I went to Rio for the 1st time this past August and I came in contact with about 25 different brothers. All were college educated and there for regular business travel. There were many other brothers that I did not speak to but saw in passing. I cannot speak for their educational standing or reason for being in Rio. I was there with my partner and were there strictly for pleasure, but we were still well recieved.

On this site you may see some post that give the impression that black men are not treated as well as the white men. I travel quite a bit with my job and in Rio as in every other place I am/have been treated FABULOUSLY! If the white brothers on here are treated better than I have been treated then WOW...GREAT for them. I have had only one questionable time with a lady and that was in Mexico City. By the end of our time together once she realized what I do for my career I know that I could have called her back again (but she lost points from me for the initial tentativeness on her part).

In my opinion you will be treated very well in Rio and I had absolutely no complaints or problems at all during six day stay there.

(Message edited by hard2no on December 19, 2005)

(Message edited by hard2no on December 19, 2005)

In my experience, it's best to keep a low profile. Try to dress like a local and I leave all my NYC gear at home. Also, I avoid the Meia Pataca scene. You can tell who's a vet or a newbie by the way brothers hang out at MP. Vets, I find, usually go solo into their own thing. They know how to get around, moving about with a low profile.

Thumper: I like your style. I always look forward to your posts. You give great insights on how to operate in Rio.

Sebastianjones I meant no disrespect, but there are millions of black people in Rio. About 1/2 are hombres.

Gentlemen

Thank you for the insight and also recomendations. Also, bluelight, please understand I did not take your response as disrespect but appreciated your return message. Elgrancombo, there are many fashion weeks globally. These events are only held in the top fashion cities around the world: New York, Milan, London, Moscow, Prague etc.. One of the top fashion events is held in Rio during the month on January 9 - 15. This event is called the Rio de Janeiro Fashion Week, http://www.fashionrio.org.br/. These events feature not only the top global models but they also really promote the events harcore in each city. During this week you will definitly see more stars, athletes, rappers, musicians, entertainers in the city. FROM MY EXPERIENCE, THE WEEKS ARE ABSOLUTELY INSANE. There is one thing that I can say about women, they love money and also fashion. When you mix the two together, somebody is getting some pussy that night. Sao Paulo also has a Fashion Week, which in the fashion industry is much better than Rio Fashion Week, http://spfw.ig.com.br/html/spfw_en/season/mf_2916_1.htm

AGAIN THANKS

Thanks Sebastian. Rio's always insane, Fashion Week or not. Maybe I'll see you there.