I have been here about a week now and I want to say that one of the best investments in terms of time and money I could have made before the trip was doing Pimsluer's Portuguese I
Am I having any in depth conversations about the advantages and disadvantages of a bicameral republic government? No. But I am able to get my point across most of the time, order food, give instructions and directions to the cab drivers, ask the girls how they are, their names, and engage in basic conversation. It helps tremendously. I even was able to call an escort agency, get the book to my hotel, and setup a date at VIP's. I have used almost everything Pimsluer taught in that unit. It is perfect for hobbying.

For anyone going to Brazil that doesn't at least speak Spanish, I would recommend doing at least the first unit. A couple nights ago at Help I had girls there asking me if I was a Brasiliero because I went up to them and greeted them and asked how they were in Portuguese.

Oh yeah, and bring Vigel, too. I was off to a slow start with the stuff, but my two most recent girls came 4 and 5 times respectively.

No disrespect Xenono, I've seen your posts, and I'm but a humble newbie with a few trips to CR, but .....

"I had girls there asking me if I was a Brasiliero" is a way to butter you up ..... at least that's been my experience in Centoamerica, and I've finished all three Pimsleur Spanish plus Pimsleur Plus.

That said, I'm doing my best to start Pimsleur Portugese for my first trip to Rio. Judging by how my experiences improved after my Spanish improved, I'm sold on learning Portugese.

EMK

Ah Xeno, I remember when you were first trying to learn - I thought, damn, that's pretty intesive for a mongering trip.

A month later I went on my first Rio trip, and before I even left the airport to come back home, I was checking for Portuguese lessons!!!

I knew I didn't have your disipline to do tapes everday, so I wanted a class. There are NO classes here for Portuguese?!?! Couldn't believe it. I did find a private tutor and have learned TONS already. I was just checking through the Pimsleur Portuguese post and it seemed pretty easy. I'm supprised at how efficient lessons are.

Still a LONG ways to go, but at least I can read a little Portuguese now!

I was able to get through lesson 20 in Unit 1 before my recent trip and it did help me a lot in Rio this time. I had a lot of girls laughing at me too, so it helps in a lot of ways. I was actually answering and posing simple questions to the girls in Portuguese without really thinking. They are a good investment in your vacation to Brazil.

About 6 weeks ago I purchased Pimsleur's Conversational Portuguese. Surprisingly, I've finished the 18 lessons already. Now I find out Pimsleur's 1 has the same first 18 lessons! I hate to purchase the whole package for 12 lessons. Anyone have the last 6 CDs I can borrow? I have 3 weeks until I leave. Drop me an email if you can help.