A really really random one this, but something I like about Brazil.
Many years ago, I had a brief qualm of conscience about the days of the week, because in English they are mostly named after pagan gods (e.g. Thor's Day = Thursday). I much prefer the Brazillian way - the days are as follows:
- Sunday = Domingo - the Lord's Day
- Monday = segunda-feira
- Tuesday = terca-feira
- ...
- Saturday = Sabado - Sabbath
On the other hand, "feira" is also apparently Portuguese for holiday, and it's with reference to week-long Catholic feasts.
Brazillian work patterns seem to be split into two basic types - the lazy and the complete workaholic. Among the middle classes, it isn't at all uncommon to find people who only sleep 4 or 5 hours a night and who work over 70 hours a week. Days off are almost unheard-of among the workaholics. I really wasn't expecting that, but I find it sad all the same - it seems to be tied into the whole cultural all-out capitalism thing.
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