What Difference Does it Make?

It's been fun (right now) for me to learn a few of the differences between Brasilian and American culture.  So I thought I would offer some free rookie advice!

• Don't flush toilet paper (There are trash cans next to the toilet for a reason.  I know, it's gross).
• Don't touch or adjust the shower head, you'll shock yourself.  (I learned this from personal experience.  The shower heads heat the water.  For me, I kind of like it because I think it's easier to operate than american showers.  Strong pressure = cold water and little pressure = warmer water).
• The thumbs up hand motion apparently means a number of good things like "Go ahead" or "I'm good" or "Don't worry" or "It's a deal."  I'm sure there are other meanings, but this is what I've seen so far.
• Slamming car doors is a no-no.  Since the cars here are smaller, foreigners (mainly Americans) annoy Brasilians when they slam car doors.  Who knew?
• On elevators, 'P' is the ground level (not parking lot) and 'G' is the garage (not ground level).
• Complementary coffee is offered at most restaurants, which is nice.  The only problem is they serve it in little, plastic medicine cups.  Basically, it's like half a sip of strong coffee.  When I've talked to Brasilians about this they think it's funny I desire more since it's so strong.  I don't think they understand the coffee culture I'm used to!
• You should pay "car watchers" when you park.  Men assign themselves to a street and appoint themselves Car Watcher expecting payment in exchange for their services.  If you don't pay them, I guess they won't "watch" or protect your car against thieves, and if you do pay them, there's no guarantee they will do anything in the event of a break-in.
• You should greet as many people as you can with a kiss and hug when you arrive at a party or restaurant and say "Tudo bem?" (two-dew bayn) the response, "Tudo bom" (two-dew bomb).  This means something like "All well?" and then "All good."  When you leave, you should also acknowledge, with a hug or head nod, as many people as you can.  One word, overwhelming!

I could go on and on!  We're trying to soak it all in and enjoy this new experience.  The team here has been very helpful.  We feel like we're adjusting, slowly.  :)

This particular box of cereal cost 9 dollars!  What are we to do?

View from our temporary apartment