It's not really shallow at all, I think. This is a good thing and you're approaching it the way that I prayed all my visitors did, whenever people came to see us in Brasil or if I was working as a tour guide/translator.

And there's something to be said for the perspective it gives you when you go back to your home. Even if it's just a short trip, you still come away from it different.

Also if you ever want to travel down to Brasil - let me know and I can either connect you with awesome locals to show you around or if the stars be right, hop along too. Brasil is kind of magical in that strange fun magical realism sort of way.