During winter break, I was fortunate enough to embark on my first trip out of the country. Since it took me 21 years to make it out of the United States, the destination had to be well worth the long wait.

I chose Brazil as my first foreign experience and I was not disappointed.

During our winter, Brazil is in the midst of its summer months. This was a definite factor in my great satisfaction with the country. Who wouldn’t want to leave the bitter cold for a month of summer?

Brazil is a third world country and after my visit I found this a little surprising. Yes, Brazil falls short in some areas compared to the U.S., however, I found the country to be more stable than the impression that is left when one hears the words “third world”.

In fact, Brazil is the world’s seventh wealthiest economy according to The World Bank.

Despite its title, Brazil is a beautiful place. Of course there are the good spots and the really bad spots within its country. But once you stumble upon those good spots, you are in for a treat.

During my month vacation I traveled to and around the cities of Porto Alegre, Garopaba and Gramado. Garopaba was my favorite. It is an older and more secluded area with the most scenic beaches around. Unfortunately I did not have the time to visit Rio de Janeiro but now I have an excuse to visit Brazil at least one more time.

When you spend 26 days in a different country you learn many things. Most of these I knew of prior to my trip, but it took first-hand experience to really believe it. Let me explain.

Water is not free or safe. This was one of the aspects I knew prior to visiting Brazil. However, I did not realize how badly I would miss free, safe water until day three in Brazil.

If you order water at any restaurant you will be given bottled water and a charge on your bill for each bottle you purchase. Let’s just say the first thing I did shortly after landing in Chicago was walk up to a restaurant and ask for a small cup of water. It felt so good and so free.

Brazilians work so hard for so little. Brazilians put in a lot of effort to get food on the table. As a comparison: one could do more with their money in America than in Brazil.

This ties in with homelessness. Sadly, Brazil has several poor and homeless residents, whom of which are not hard to find. They reside under overhangs of inactive bus stops, under bridges or just lay down in the middle of a busy sidewalk.

Brazilians know how to have fun. I think it is because Brazilians just make the most out of what they have. Most Brazilians do not rest near the high-income status but they know how to have a good time and create memories to share with their friends and family.

More people know more English than you think. I learned this the hard way. It is important to be careful of what you say because the chance of a nearby Brazilian understanding English is greater than you think. So, no talking trash while people watching.

Pandora does not work. Again, something I knew prior, but around day five I received a “Pandora is unavailable in this country” message after clicking on my app. It was a long month.

There is no wasting. There is no wasting of food on the plate and no wasting of product. As you stroll through a grocery store you will notice things come smaller. Smaller milk jugs, packs of gum, cereal boxes and so much more.

One could argue this exists so people will buy more quantities of these things but I believe it assures nothing will go to waste. Also, homes and apartments run smaller; there is no room to store several large items like you can in America.

Free trips to public hospitals. Brazil provides free care for all – residents and visitors. And, private hospitals have small exceptions. I wish that was the case in America.

It is okay to live laid back. During the 10-hour flight from São Paulo, Brazil to Chicago, I reflected on my trip and I really understood the way of life for Brazilians. They are so laid back compared to most Americans. There is no great stress towards time. There is no worry, no pressure and no fear. The atmosphere is tranquil and I loved it.

Anyone who has yet to leave this country, you should do it now. It is an incredible experience and there are so many fulfillments to be had out of adapting to new people and new cultures.