Aetna Global Benefits® World Spotlight

ETIQUETTE/RECIPE

Brazil Etiquette

Business

Three-piece suits have a high level executive connotation, whereas a two-piece suit is associated with office workers.

Avoid wearing any combination of the colors yellow and green, as these are the colors of the flag.

Make sure to schedule appointments at least two weeks before they are supposed to occur. Business meetings tend to start on time, though social events may not.

Never initiate business conversation. It is the job of the host to do so. Business meetings usually begin with small talk before moving into actual the subject of the meeting.

Be prepared to commit your time into the Brazilian relationship, as this is often the key to successful business.

Dining

The mid-day meal is the largest meal of the day; dinner is usually only a snack. However, when people are entertaining, the dinner may be a large production.

Brazilian coffee is exceptionally strong and is served at many meals.

In Brazil, restaurant entertainment is held in higher regard than entertainment in the home.

To toast, say saude (Sah-OO-Day), or viva (VEE-va).

Tipping is normal in Brazil; 10 percent is an appropriate amount.

Gift Giving

When invited to someone’s house for a meal it is appropriate to send flowers with a thank you note the next day.

Purple flowers are usually used at funerals, so beware of sending any kind of purple flower to a friend (Violets are okay to give).

Gift giving is not required at a first business meeting. Instead, offer to buy lunch or dinner.

Greeting

Handshakes are the common form of greeting, and they may be very long. Keep eye contact with the person throughout the duration of the hand shake.

Make sure that you shake the hand of every person you are meeting when there is more than one person.

Women may greet each other by placing their cheeks together and kissing the air.

There is often much physical contact between people, and touching elbows and backs is very common.

First names are often used, but it is still important to recognize someone’s title.

Feijoada

Ingredients:

• 8 cups dried black beans

• 3 pounds carne seca (salted cured beef)

• 2 pounds sweet sausage

• 2 pounds baby back spareribs

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 large onion

• 2 cloves garlic

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. The night before, soak the beans in a large bowl with water to cover at least 3-4 inches. Soak the carne seca in water to cover.

2. The next morning, drain the beans and place in a large pot with water to cover by at least three inches. Bring the beans to a boil over medium heat.

3. Cut the carne seca into 1 inch pieces. Cut the sausage into 1 inch pieces. Cut the ribs into 2-rib sections.

4. Add the carne seca, sausage, ribs, and bay leaves to the beans. Simmer for about 2 hours or until soft, stirring from time to time and adding water as necessary to keep the beans covered.

5. Chop the onion and garlic.

6. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until golden brown. Add two ladlefuls of beans and mash them.

7. Add mixture back into the pot.

8. Continue to simmer gently for at least another hour, adding water as necessary. It should have a creamy consistency.

9. Remove the bay leaves. Some people like to remove the meat and serve them on a separate platter.

10. Serve over rice and garnish with a slice of orange.