@David *********

Thanks, I have been studying language and language teaching for years and I do know that Thai is not in the same category as the romance languages. Actually, it is proven that learning more than one language does help learn another one, no matter what the source. Something about learning languages changes the way our brains function. That being said, I guess I misstated my 'just picking up

and you, my friend, are an ignorant turd-ball. Move to Egypt, there is a beetle waiting for you.

@Marc *******

Marc...you are just plain wrong, and you ARE generalizing unless you tell me you HAVE walked around Brazil drunk. I don't drink, so I cannot report on 'my' facts. You might have noticed that I admitted that Thailand is 'generally' considered safer than Brazil. I am not arguing that point. At the same time, I would walk alone in Nova Friburgo anytime of the day or night and feel perfectly comfortable. (not drunk). I just hate saying it, but you are clueless. If I were planning on staying here longer, I would invite you down and show you around. The chances of getting killed IF you wander into a Favela when the military police (very corrupt) are making a raid are pretty high...but walking around in Copacabana with some local company...na. Been there? done It? Until you have...don't tell me what kind of clue you have. pftt.

@Eric *********

I am a bit worried about that, but I will try....that's what is important. I know how to say 'hello' and 'you're welcome' already. Strangely enough, I remember it from my time in Thailand in 1968. hum.

@Edna ******

One of my cousins played a Brazilian bossa nova album for me when I was 11...that was around 1962. I fell in love with it. When my friends were buying the beach boys, I was buying Jobim...I studied architecture in my first go around after being in Vietnam and saw the architecture of Oscar Niemeier and really dove into reading about Br. My home remodeling company went belly up after , my daughter turned 20 and I said...."time to go" never looked back. I have nothing figured out and never will...but I love the quest.

@Marc *******

I've been here for 20 years and... somehow...never been abducted or seen a gun. The unfortunate truth is that some people insist on simplifications and generalizations. But, you are right, Thailand is 'generally' safer than Brazil. Of course, if you choose to come down, I will point you right to the worst favela in RJ and tell you it is a 'must see' for tourists. kkkk (be sure to bring your iPhone for the fantastic views of Guanabara Bay). I have had many Brazilan friends who have been in Thailand and highly recommend it AND say it is safer. Just watch the generalizations if you don't have a clue. Deal?

Do you have an office in Pattaya

@Alistair *********

kinda like life, eh? a bag of subjective nonsense! kkkk (5555)

@Paul ********

I know! Somehow...there are old people all over the world! Not a clue as how that happened! I was in Thailand twice....exactly 52 years ago.

@Marc *******

well...I say 'huh' to your 'huh'! tudo bem? kkk something tells me I am more like 'the dude' than you...(smile)