EM CASA: SÃO PAULO

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Bem vindo a São Paulo 🙂

Riding anxiously from the airport, my grin was from ear to ear in the back of my Uber (sidenote – Ubers are super cheap in Brazil). The sun was just peaking over São Paulo as I was dropped off in front of my Airbnb on Avenue Paulista.

View of mini forest called Trianon Park.

The buildings went on for miles, some for business and many more for residential purposes. In 2009 a law was passed making graffiti legal and so these never ending towers were giant canvases that showcased ads, African motifs, humor, and some politically themed drawings.

Building art really brightened up the city.

My São Paulo experience was mostly filled with spontaneous adventures where I stumbled across events or activities – one being a launch of an esteem shoe brand, Melissa’s – in Av. Paulista.

On Sundays they shut down the entire street to allow pedestrians, to run, walk, cycle, dance and use scooters.

This was also when I briefly joined the Run Adidas – São Paulo group.

Paulistanos are big on exercise – which is seen everywhere, including at Parque Ibirapuera – where there’s a space for everyone. Every 50 meters there are stations to work out, soccer fields, volleyball courts, huge lawns were people dance, sleep, read, and perfect concrete were people roller blade, skateboard and even breakdance.

In Parque Ibirapuera, you can also visit the Museum of Afro Brasil.

One of the exhibitions on coffee and its origin.

Chronicling the impact of Africans on the city of São Paulo, this museum opened my eyes to the amount of forced labor used to create the city, but also how African culture penetrates every facet of Brazilian culture.

On Sundays, the streets of Av. Paulista also become a major market place where vendors sell beautifully hand-crafted work and vintage items.

Along with some fun activities, entertainment and food.

Freshly made smoothies.

Traveling further distances required the metro. An underground train system that incorporates art with function. I took the train to Villa Madalena to explore this chic neighbourhood. Lined with boteco’s (bars), ice cream parlours and boutique shops.

I will always find them good ice cream joints.

The main attraction of this area is a Beco de Batman.

An alleyway overflowing with graffiti, no two were exactly alike and they all express a different idea. Coming at night is more relaxed because there are less people around.

Food here is amazing in Brazil. From sushi in Liberdade, the largest Japanese enclave outside of Japan, to –

– the famous salami sandwich in Mercado Municipal (Municipal market).

They had produce that I’d never seen and never heard of. Willing merchants would cut a piece of the fruit for you to sample. The flavors were as vibrant as the fruit was bright.

Just outside of Mercado Municipal is the chaotic and boisterous Rua 25 de Marco (March 25 road). From clothes to electronics, you can purchase all sorts of things here for cheap. This is where knowing how to say “Não por favor” (No thank you) becomes super handy. If you get hungry, I recommend getting Pao de queijo (cheese bread) or the tummy filling Coxinha to hold you over until dinner.

In the evening I caught an Uber to world renown Skye bar. Great for sexy vibes as well as the views. The cocktails were great. Capirinha and Capirivodka were stronger than I thought – way stronger than cocktails in South Africa

Afterward I went to Club Avenue. Brazilian night clubs are one of a kind. Beautiful people dancing and being free. Men being respectful and not trying to make you feel uncomfortable. Very different to what I am used to.

São Paulo is definitely a great city to visit and I could easily write a small book on my time there but I’d rather keep It short and sweet. Stay tuned for the next part of this 4 part series “Em Casa” were I tell you about Rio de Janeiro.

Tchau xx

Location: Brazil, São Paulo

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