Thanks Ralph, I have spent a year on here now being told by people sat in their armchairs either in Barcelona, Bologna, Bremen or Brum that I am off my trolley..and now we have another discussion I precipitated where they say I am mad! Thank goodness you are sane, local and upfront with your views like me and yes, I see it the same as you....Brazil is not as cheap as people like to think, it is certainly not as sophisticated as EU or USA and if you want a similar Gringo lifestyle then many of your home comforts will cost the same or a lot more....if you forgo these comforts then yes Brazil can be cheaper but I am not that keen on plastic chairs and tables and nor are many other Europeans or Americans just to save a few pennies on a beer!