Belch after dinner when you meet the parents?

Ivanildo and Jamesom (motoboy) and I had a conversation earlier this morning where we debated which cultures it was acceptable to burp in publicly. I think Jamesom (he talks fast so I don't understand everything) said that in Japan and China it was either acceptable or expected, or rude to not do it, after a meal. I could be wrong about what he said and even if I did get it right definitely don't quote me or him on it. I could research it but I have a lot of stuff to take care of before I head to Buenos Aires (at 7am tomorrow, sigh ...).

Our conversation began because Ivanildo let out an enormous belch while we were sitting around doing work (or in my case, pretending to do work) in the office. I didn't even really notice, but then he said (in English), "I'm sorry, Matt" in a poignantly insincere voice. He then attempted to defend himself by saying it was acceptable in his culture. I asked him if he would do it the first time he went over to his girlfriend's parents house, and he admitted he probably wouldn't. We agreed that after the first time it's fine. Jamesom said that in some or all cases he would be comfortable doing that, although I'm not sure if I completely believe him. Anyway.

Ivanildo's son Matheus told me two days ago that the people here were planning a surprise party for me and Adriana, whose birthday it is today or approximately today. I'm trying to pretend like I don't know what's up, although it's hard to fake for me.

And last night Cintia told me that when I talk my eyes bulge out, or rather, I have big eyes. She said also that I use a lot of facial expressions to communicate, presumably to compensate for my lack of language skills. This is in striking contrast to what my American friends have seen/heard, which is a monotone voice accompanied by an equally bored/jaded/expressionless face.