You know you are in Brazil when

You know you are in Brazil when:

- there is a shrine to the virgin Mary in the grocery store.

- everyone grabs a sweater when the temperature drops below 78 degrees. (The mannequins in shop windows are all wearing scarves.)

- your teenage English student just returned from a month in the States with 10 new pairs of sneakers (probably having saved his father, compared to local prices, R$3,600).

- you collect your unemployment benefit from the ATM machine.

- all the grocery stores (let’s face it – ALL stores) are decorated in green and yellow in preparation for the World Cup.

- Speed Stick deodorant is sold in liquid roll-on form only (huh?).

- the president makes a public statement to calm discontent among those concerned about the futebol coach’s selection of the team that will represent Brazil at the World Cup.

- drinking sweet avocado juice for breakfast turns your palate on its head.