There’s a lot I / Americans in general don’t know about Brazil, but in an effort to avoid a long-winded rant about the lack of exposure given to Brazilian news or history in the U.S., I will instead just share 5 new stereotypes I’ve formed about Brazilians since coming here. Perhaps you, too, will be surprised by them.

1. The people are clean.

   I mean like really clean. Between averaging 2-4 showers a day, washing their cars weekly, refusing to touch any food with their fingers, and having very basic daily routine activities that involve strategies on how to avoid touching your hands to things, it is not rare for me to be the bagunça, or mess, of the group. (Also, when things are as expensive as they are and therefore are not as easily replaceable, you take good care of them.)

2. Their families are close and well-respected.

   When the world around you isn’t safe enough to…