FIFINONO – a blog about cultural exploration

Today we bring you the love story of Kelsey and Wu!

An American drama teacher and a Brazilian Chinese soccer coach, Kelsey, and Wu’s locked eyes at a Carnival party in Shenzhen China. Kelsey was still seeing someone else (FIFINONO is super happy that one didn’t work out) while Wu approached her. The initial casual hangouts soon turned into romantic dates and then a very serious and happy relationship!

FIFINONO had an interview with these two lovebirds to learn how cultural difference impacts their lives.

What perceptions did you have of their culture? Did they live up to it?

Kelsey: I didn’t know much about Brazilian culture except they were very Catholic. Wu is very religious but he will say he is not Catholic he is a Christian.
Wu: American Culture is a little similar with Brazilian Culture sometimes, but yes, she lives up to it!

Have you had arguments or misunderstanding due to cultural differences?

Kelsey: Yes. I grew up in a very liberal environment where he didn’t, so his views are more conservative than mine. But I like to think I am making him a more open minded person.
Wu: Yes, mostly because of the language. But the point for me is trying to speak more in order to  understand each other better.

What are some of the products that you didn’t know your partner uses?

Kelsey: Different kinds of medicine from Brazil, but really they are just the same I would use in the US just different names.

ON FOOD:

What food does your partner eat a lot from their culture?

Kelsey: Couscous!!!!!!!
Wu: Pancakes with Eggs!!!!!

What food do you love from your partner’s culture?

Kelsey: Churrasco! It’s basically Brazilian BBQ and Coxinha!

Wu: Pancakes with Eggs!!!!

What food from your partner’s culture is weird to you?

Kelsey: Couscous…But it’s not too bad, just dry….

 ON LANGUAGE:

What cute phrases have you learned from your partner’s language?

Kelsey: Eu te amo (I love you), Meu Coracao (My heart), Lazara!!! (literally means anything you want it to)

ON FESTIVAL:

What festivals in your partner’s culture do you celebrate together?

Kelsey: Luckily, we both celebrate Christmas, but because he is half Chinese we also celebrate Chinese New Year. This year we visited his Chinese family. We also celebrate Carnival and a Corn festival that is apparently huge in his hometown in Brazil.
Wu: If possible I would love to celebrate everyday! (heheheh) But besides this, I think Christmas’s.

ON PARENTS:

Have you met your partner’s parents? Did you have any concerns about meeting them?

Kelsey: No I have not met his mom face to face yet, only saying a passing hello on video chat. I am super nervous to meet his mom because 1. she speaks no English so I am trying to learn Portuguese so I can at least try to communicate 2. Apparently, his mom is very conservative and very religious and even though I’m dating and love Wu I’m still a big flaming Bi sexual who has a lot of witchy hobbies…And I know her final opinion of me is a make it or break it situation for him….But I refuse to hide who I am and hopefully she just sees how much I love him and doesn’t care.
Wu: I didn´t yet, but I would love to meet with Kelsey parent´s.

FINAL WORDS:

What is the best part of being in a cross-cultural relationship? 

Kelsey: Learning from each other and sharing this experience with each other. It’s not normal where I come from for someone to date/marry outside of their country. I feel lucky I get to be adopted into a different kind of culture where I can learn new foods, music, art, etc.
Wu: To build our own family with different cultural backgrounds.

FIFINONO Notes:

Wu comes from a traditional and religious family in Brazil, while Kelsey is a very independent and liberal girl from the US. As Kelsey said, it’s not common for either of them to date someone out of their country, race, and culture, The different backgrounds, values, believes and language barriers will inevitably create misunderstandings and conflicts. But with respect, open-mindedness, love, and commitment, the relationship will only get stronger. And this couple is a perfect example.

FIFINONO Cultural Discussion:

Is Brazil a conservative society?

When we think about Brazil, we think about Carnival, beaches, and Samba. Wu and Kelsey’s story also remind us that it is also a very religious country. With complicated historical, political, and social factors, Brazilians have quite contrasting images, open in some areas but conservative in others.

Do you think Brazil is a conservative or liberal society? Share your views with us!

Are you in a cross-cultural relationship? Would you like to share with us your stories, learnings, and tips? Would you like to have your couple sketching on our website?

Please email us at info@fifinono.com, we look forward to hearing from you!