Perdi Tudo no Rio... E Ganhei Uma Família: A1 Portuguese — Survival Vocabulary & Cultural Connections

24 years old, born and raised in Vidigal. Works as delivery driver for iFood and local restaurants. Saving money for mechanic school. Knows every street and person in the community. His English is decent from dealing with tourists but he pretends it's worse than it is to mess with Jake. Single, lives with his mom and younger sister.

22 years old, grew up in Vidigal but studies at UFRJ (Federal University of Rio). First in her family to go to university. Works mornings at her family's açaí shop to help pay for school. Studies sustainable tourism and dreams of creating respectful favela tourism programs. Speaks excellent English from her studies. Has seen too many exploitative 'poverty tourism' operators.

68 years old, lived in Vidigal for 50 years. Widow who raised 3 kids alone while running her boteco. Her bar is the community's living room - everyone stops by. She's seen the community change over decades. Doesn't use tech much but her kids taught her WhatsApp. Sends mostly voice messages because typing is slow.

71 years old, was semi-famous samba singer in 1970s-80s Rio music scene. Recorded a few albums, played at good venues. After his wife died 20 years ago, lost passion for music. Had to make money, started selling coconut water on the beach and streets. Never sings anymore except alone. Still has beautiful voice. Kids are grown and live far away.

32 years old, born in Vidigal. Studied social work, works for local government in tourism regulation. Has fought against exploitative favela tours. Lost friends to violence that tourists would film and post for clicks. Deeply protective of community's dignity and image. Married with a baby daughter.

19 years old, born in Vidigal. Dreams of being a filmmaker. Watches YouTube tutorials obsessively. Shoots on borrowed cameras and edits on cracked software. Makes videos for community events for free. Works part-time at community center teaching kids. Jake represents everything he wants to be - until he realizes he's already more talented than Jake in some ways.