Lessons learnt after learning a new language, leaving school and living in Brazil for 3 years (1968 – 1971).
Back in the 60s – with no good idea of the world – Brazil appeared to be a country where people of all backgrounds and any colour were able to live together in relative harmony. Having asked my parents if I could learn Portuguese at school they said ‘yes’ and ‘sort it out yourself’. So – I was lucky to be taught -really well.
I managed to find a job in the Bank of London & South America in their Rio de Janeiro branch – and lived there for 3 years.
Having started with one connection who returned to England after my first week I was on my own. Total immersion ensued. New friends, new places, new customs and much, much more.
On returning to England in 1971, the Brazilian Rules of Life were written in 1972 – so as not to be forgotten. They are still fun and relevant today, over 50 years on.