My Life in Brazil

This beautiful photo is from Angra dos Reis here in Rio de Janeiro. The question I get asked most often is: Why Brazil?

Ten years ago, I first visited Brazil to see my wife’s family, and I instantly fell in love with everything about this country. My wife actually thinks I was Brazilian in a past life! Since I retired in July of 2025, moving here has been a dream we finally decided to pursue. I will update this page with pictures, locations, food, and experiences as my life in this big, beautiful country grows.

This move has also given my wife and son a precious chance to reconnect with their family after a decade in the States. The best part? My extended family here treats me like a brother. We have such a great relationship, which made this entire transition absolutely seamless and perfect.

I genuinely believe that living in another country offers anyone a wonderful perspective on life and how others live. Of course, it presents some challenges. I have family in the U.S.—my parents, two grown children, a daughter-in-law, and two amazing grandkids—whom I miss dearly. However, after forty-plus years of working, I needed to focus on finding a good quality of life for myself, and this was the perfect spot. I couldn’t ask for a better post-work life! Of course, I am traveling back to the States every year. I am trying to make it two visits a year starting in 2026.

I am actively learning the language, which, for the record, is Portuguese, not Spanish! Everyone knows I’m the gringo, and they are incredibly friendly and understanding. They even try to speak English! This often leads to conversations where neither of us is exactly sure what we are saying, but we always manage to get by—and I am getting better. Ultimately, I am the visitor, and it’s up to me to fit in. After all, Tudo bem means “All good!”

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