Brazil and football
You don't have to be watching the television to know when Brazil is playing in the World Cup or what is happening in the match.

First, the streets are absolutely deserted when they are playing - so today at lunchtime there was no traffic at all while the match was on - very peaceful for us since we live above a busy crossroads with traffic lights, which cars and motor bikes scream up to at break neck speed!

Second, when Brazil scores a goal the whole place goes mad. You can hear the cheers in all the houses and bars and everyone leaps out and lights fireworks.

Finally - when the match is over, if they have won, the cars roar around blaring their horns and there are more fireworks.

It is all a very social and patriotic event. Brazilian flags are flying outside many houses and on the morning of a match you can see the men buying charcoal for the churrascos (BBQs) that are going to accompany the event. In addition, the local bars give themselves over entirely to watching the TV and screen all the light out (from shining on their massive TVs) with black plastic - so if you fancied having a drink and a meal out while a match is on - forget it!

It also seems that work is completely abandoned when a match is on. I can't imagine what the atmosphere is going to be like if they get knocked out!