Ok, so we`re a few days into our time in Brazil and I have started to notice a couple of things - there are a lot of dogs here, a lot of tattoos and and A LOT of bums on show.

But, I have figured it out: I rate that the Brazilian government issues each person with a dog and ONE swiming costume as a child and they are instructed to wear it for their whole lives. As a child the bum coverage is not a problem but, as you grow this does result in a little more on show. Until you become an adult and then, well, let`s put it this way - you`ll never have a problem with a tan line on your bum! :)

Tattoos: I think you must get a free one when you turn 16 and then then another one when you hit 50.....discounts are offered for subserquent ones (something like 1 per year at 95% off)

It`s interesting here but you can tell we`re gringos (tourists) from a mile away with our tatoo-free pastey-white skin, bum-covering costume and no dog. Our complete lack of Portuguese pales in comparison.