Happy New Year. In Brazil, it is a new year, the first Monday after Carnaval.

In theory, Brazil should roll like a heavy steam engine, seeking enough inertia from its first push of power from the boiler to move forward and gain speed.

I have written many times on the blog that Brazil’s economy should traditionally take off, with production picking up after Carnival.

Brazil is a vast country, the 5th largest in the world, with almost 220 million people.

That is a lot of people and a large market if a company knows how to tap into it, and if the country’s economy is strong and buoyant. If everybody has money and wants to spend their disposable income, it is burning a hole in their pockets and bank accounts.

Sadly, for a long time, this has not been the case in Brazil, if not ever. The majority of the population is lower-middle class or poor, with some even extremely poor. At the same time, only a small percentage is middle-class, and a minute percentage is upper-class or wealthy.

The only real reason a company would want to invest in Brazil is its large population, and, economically speaking, that is a contradiction.

Poverty and unemployment are rising, and the middle class is getting poorer and poorer. Brazil was slowly on the road to recovery and improvement under the last government under Bolsonaro as president. Still, with this re-elected left-wing socialist-communist government that does not know how to control public expenditure, inflation is rising, and growth is declining.

The upcoming presidential elections are scheduled for September and October 2026. If Lula’s government wins and secures re-election, then Brazil is effectively digging its own grave. Endemic corruption, the misappropriation of public funds, and the government’s disregard for the people are driving the final nails into its coffin.

Lula is a know-it-all, and his inflated ego makes him believe he is the be-all and end-all of politics and running Brazil. I see a power-hungry little boy in an old body who does not know when to give up or stop.

Since his government began, the administrative and international errors in managing Brazil have been endless. Every day, there is a new foolish act, mainly committed by him but also by his recently married wife and his team.

Besides the 220 million people who are suffering and enslaved by one man’s ego, which is perfectly clear to me and many others, it is also obvious that in his third government he relies on and trusts the same incompetent, poorly prepared, and corrupt politicians from his previous terms, which were marred by scandals, problems, and embarrassment.

One of his trusted right-hand henchmen was caught smuggling thousands of dollars hidden in his underwear during an international flight out of Brazil. Shockingly, that same disgraceful, hypocritical politician has now returned as the head of Lula’s government in the Brazilian Congress.

How crazy is that?

How stupid is that?

How disgraceful is that?

How can a country the size and potential of Brazil, with so much going for it, including its good, hardworking people and its unlimited natural resources, some of which are still not properly tapped, be in such a shameful and disgusting situation?

I have been in Brazil for over 35 years, and I love the country and its people. However, I am deeply disappointed with it. I thought it would realise its true potential, at least in part, during my lifetime, but I no longer believe that is possible.

Brazil is like the stripper girlfriend you love so much. She is attractive in a rough way, the sex is excellent, but you can never take her home to meet your parents!

In bed by 9 p.m.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Monday, the 10th of March 2025: “Brazil: My Stripper Girlfriend”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

And again, it is Friday. It has been a long week. Yesterday, I received a short message from Julie and answered, but we both know there is no future.

She has two of my jumpers and a Panama hat. When I go back to England, I will ask for them back unless she has already thrown them away or donated them to a charity shop.

I am sad, very sad, more for putting myself in such a situation than anything else. I saw the signs from the first day we went out. But because loneliness shouted louder, I am now almost feeling sorry for myself. I am not, but I nearly am.

Now it is time to move on. We are always moving on. Time never stops in our lives while we are alive. Even that is debatable in spiritualism. Even death is a form of moving on. Our adaptability to move on, to adapt to change, to accept that what was once an essential, accurate part of our life is no longer so, and the degree to which we are capable of doing that defines our true intelligence and force.

All my life, I have been adapting to change, separation, and, above all, disappointment and deception.

Our ability to accept and adapt to disappointment and to restructure our lives in the face of loss defines who we are. Something rigid, solid, and brittle can easily break, snap, or shatter on the slightest impact. In contrast, something more flexible, able to bend, turn, twist, and absorb impact, has the power to maintain itself through diverse situations, enabling it to survive.

We are all survivors of the world, the society we live in, and our marriages and partnerships, except that we’re trying to maintain all these things to survive. While what we’re living through bombards us with diverse difficulties and challenges, we fight to keep our heads above water, which means that, besides being survivors, we’re also hardened warriors.

Sometimes we give up, or at least we want to, but with the law of nature always hanging over us, we continue in our battle no matter what.

Life is not for amateurs, so let’s not be amateurs. Let’s face what it has to offer, including its challenges, see what we can gain from it, adapt to it, improve, and go ahead. We are here for the experience, and the longer we live, the greater the possibility of better and more rewarding experiences, which depend on us.

In Brazil, we sometimes joke that Brazil is not for amateurs. Still, when I hear this or when somebody says this to me, I reply saying that Brazil is not for amateurs, but unfortunately, it is run by amateurs.

Everything in our lives is our own fault, and accountability and responsibility follow. As soon as you understand this, life becomes easier and more fluid. Fluidity equals speed, and speed equals greater adaptability to move on and improve.

It all comes back to us, and it is all our fault. When you accept that, everything becomes clearer.

Exercise in the morning, a few classes in the afternoon, a meeting with Alex, who is developing my site, and a bottle of wine in the early evening.

In bed by 11 p.m.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Friday, the 12th of July 2024: “Moving Forward”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

Today has been a great day filled with many activities and moments of reflection.

I dedicated this day to taking care of my home and tackling various tasks that needed my attention.

I started my day by fixing a problematic toilet and doing some DIY repairs. After that, I defrosted and cleaned my fridge, leaving it spotless and ready for new beginnings. I also spent some time cleaning the apartment and the bathroom, which helped me restore a sense of order and freshness to my home.

As I achieved my domestic goals, I found myself getting more organised. I sorted and organised my correspondence and work desk, tasks that had been on my to-do list for far too long. It’s remarkable how tidying up one’s living and workspace can bring a sense of clarity and tranquillity.

At the end of the day, I treated myself to two of my favourite films: “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and its sequel. Each film carries a distinct message that has resonated with me for a long time, especially on this day of productivity and self-reflection.

In the first movie, a powerful quote at the end reminds us never to give up in the face of life’s disappointments. It goes,

“Everything will be alright in the end, so if it is not alright, it is not the end.”

“The only real failure is the failure to try, and the measure of success is how we cope with disappointment. Remember, you are Everything, or you are nothing.”

For me, this is brilliant!! The second film teaches the value of letting go and embracing life’s natural course.

“You have no idea now what you will become; don’t try to control it. Let go!”

These words gently reassure us that sometimes, we must release our need for control and embrace the beauty of the unknown and the unexpected.

I must admit that I am feeling a bit insecure about the upcoming changes in my life that I have yet to experience.

It is a little unsettling, but I know it is necessary. I try to remind myself that with every small and steady step, these changes are taking shape, so Everything will eventually fall into place.

I am on a journey and firmly believe I will succeed. My victory will lead me to where I should be. The key is to persist, believe, and keep faith.

Today has been a day of accomplishments and inspiration, a reminder that, in the face of uncertainty, we have the power to persevere and embrace the unfolding path of life. As we navigate these changes, let us remember that success is often a matter of resilience and unwavering belief.

May you find the strength and courage to navigate your path with unwavering belief and steadfast determination.

Thank you.

I appreciate your support. Please feel free to explore more blog posts and leave a comment. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Saturday, the 28th of January 2023: “Cinematic Wisdom At Its Best”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.