Interview with Mario and John, World Travelers Exploring “One Week São Paulo”
We had the unique opportunity to sit down with Mario and John, two adventurous Polish travelers who have visited 80 countries together and recently spent an unforgettable “One Week São Paulo” in Brazil. Their passion for travel, cultural immersion, and authentic experiences shines through as they share their first impressions, favorite moments, and insider tips from Brazil’s bustling megacity. Join us as we dive deep into their journey, exploring the essence of São Paulo and what makes this city such a fascinating destination.
Table of Contents
- 🌎 Introduction to Brazil and São Paulo
- 🛬 First Impressions and Settling In
- 🛒 Exploring Brazilian Life: Grocery Shopping and Local Flavors
- 🏙️ Discovering São Paulo’s Urban Landscape and History
- ☔ Weather and Unexpected Moments
- 🤝 Meeting Friends and Local Connections
- 🌟 Highlights and Favorite Moments from São Paulo
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About “One Week São Paulo”
- ✈️ Final Thoughts on “One Week São Paulo”
🌎 Introduction to Brazil and São Paulo
What was it like arriving in Brazil for the first time, especially since it was your 80th country together?
Mario: Brazil has been on our bucket list forever! We made so many Brazilian friends over the years, through travel and university, so finally stepping foot here felt incredibly special. Coming into São Paulo, the largest city in South America, was a big moment for us. We had just come from visiting family in New York, and then took an eight-hour flight down to São Paulo. The fact that Brazil was our 80th country just made everything feel even more momentous.
John: Yeah, it was surreal. You know when you walk out of the airport and the smell hits you? It’s that new, exciting feeling of being somewhere truly different but also famous and powerful. We’d heard so much about Brazil, especially from friends, and we felt like we already knew it well, but now we were finally here to see it with our own eyes.
Why did you choose to start your trip in São Paulo?
John: São Paulo is a megacity that’s often overshadowed by Rio de Janeiro or the Amazon, but it’s the economic powerhouse of Brazil and the richest city in the country. It’s the fourth largest city in the world, so we were really curious to see what it had to offer. Starting here gave us a big, vibrant introduction to Brazil’s urban life and culture.
🛬 First Impressions and Settling In
How was your arrival and first day in São Paulo?
Mario: We landed at Guarulhos Airport after a rather sleepless flight. We were exhausted but excited to get to our Airbnb and crash for a bit. Our place was cozy and affordable—only about $45 a night—and it had a terrace with a cute view. The neighborhood smelled a little funky, but that’s part of the city vibe.
John: After a short nap, we headed out to explore. It was exciting just to be walking the streets, soaking in the city’s energy. São Paulo is sprawling as far as the eye can see, and it reminded me a lot of Seoul with endless urban landscape. We quickly realized this city never really sleeps; it’s alive almost 24/7.
What were your first experiences with the local culture and people?
John: One funny thing was the meme I remembered from years ago about Brazilians’ first words being “come to Brazil.” That phrase kept popping in my mind as we arrived, and it felt iconic to finally be here.
Mario: We also wandered through an open-air art gallery filled with vibrant graffiti and street art. One of the first paintings we saw was a giant Batman mural, which set a cool tone for the neighborhood. It felt like the city had this raw, creative energy that was really inspiring.
🛒 Exploring Brazilian Life: Grocery Shopping and Local Flavors
What was grocery shopping like in São Paulo?
Mario: Grocery shopping might not sound exciting, but it’s one of our favorite ways to get a feel for a new place. We went to a Brazilian supermarket and were amazed by the diversity of products. There was a huge plant-based section, including vegan meatballs that looked like Brazil’s version of Beyond Meat.
John: We also saw acai everywhere. Our Brazilian friends had warned us, and they weren’t kidding—half the ice cream section was acai-based. We felt spoiled for choice and ended up picking up local snacks like caramelized ginger, Brazil nuts (of course!), granola, and some vegan staples like oat milk and peanut butter. It was a great way to dive into everyday Brazilian life.
Did you try any traditional Brazilian foods during your stay?
John: Yes! We had the chance to eat some amazing vegan versions of traditional dishes. For breakfast, we enjoyed vegan ricotta-stuffed ravioli and a brigadeiro cake that was the best vegan cheesecake I’ve ever had. Brigadeiro, by the way, is a classic Brazilian dessert made with condensed milk, chocolate, and butter. It was so creamy and delicious.
Mario: One of my favorites was the paul the geisha, a vegan version of the cheesy bread called pão de queijo. It tastes just like the traditional version, which was impressive. We also tried a vegan burger and fries at a restaurant called AhaAha, which was super tasty and very Brazilian in spirit.
🏙️ Discovering São Paulo’s Urban Landscape and History
What did you learn about São Paulo’s history and architecture?
Mario: We joined a tour called “Hidden São Paulo,” which took us through the central district. It was fascinating to learn how São Paulo only rose to prominence in the late 1800s through coffee cultivation, immigration, and infrastructure development. Unlike other Brazilian cities, São Paulo has never been a capital city, so many of its buildings are relatively new.
John: The central cathedral, for example, was only completed in 1967. The city is a mix of contrasts — modern skyscrapers standing next to older neighborhoods and street art. We also saw that São Paulo has the highest density of helicopters in the world, with many buildings sporting helipads for wealthy residents who want to avoid traffic. It’s a city of wealth and hustle.
How did you find getting around the city?
John: We tried the metro for the first time and were blown away by how clean, modern, and efficient it was. It reminded me of the difference between New York’s subway, which my dad always praises but is actually quite old and dirty, and the São Paulo metro, which felt state-of-the-art.
Mario: We also took taxis and Ubers, and I was surprised to find I could communicate fairly well with drivers using Spanish, understanding about 60-70% of their Portuguese. That helped a lot in navigating the city.
☔ Weather and Unexpected Moments
Did the weather affect your plans at all?
Mario: Yes, definitely. One day it poured rain just as we were about to meet a friend, so we had to take shelter under a shop awning until our Uber arrived. Luckily, we had bought an umbrella earlier, so we were prepared this time.
John: There was also a day when most shops were closed on Avenida Paulista, the city’s most famous street, because it was a Monday. It was a bit of a bummer since we had planned to explore the pedestrianized street that weekend, but the weather and timing didn’t agree with us.
Any memorable unexpected experiences during your stay?
John: One of the strangest moments was when we had to get a COVID test before leaving São Paulo for Paraguay. The testing site refused to test us unless we were in a car, so we had to sit inside their car for the swab test. It was bizarre but also funny. The women testing us were so kind and even wished us a good trip to Canada, which was a nice touch.
Mario: Another highlight was when our Uber driver couldn’t take us to the airport at first, but then stopped a friend’s car and arranged for us to ride with him instead. It was such a relief and showed the kindness of locals.
🤝 Meeting Friends and Local Connections
How important were your Brazilian friends to your experience?
Mario: They were crucial! John and I met Julia during an internship in Nederland in 2018, and reconnecting with her in São Paulo was a real highlight. She introduced us to local spots and friends, and we even celebrated her birthday together. It made the city feel more like home.
John: It was great to share meals and conversations with locals and friends. We got to experience Brazilian hospitality firsthand, from homemade food to lively birthday parties. That personal connection added so much depth to our trip.
Did you notice any food culture trends during your time there?
John: Absolutely. We realized that many people in our tour group were vegetarian or vegan, including our guide. This aligns with the rising trend of plant-based eating in São Paulo. We saw a lot of vegan options everywhere, from grocery stores to restaurants. It was exciting to see traditional Brazilian dishes adapted for vegan diets.
🌟 Highlights and Favorite Moments from São Paulo
What were some of your standout experiences during your “One Week São Paulo”?
Mario: The open-air street art was unforgettable. The city feels like a giant art gallery, with colorful murals and graffiti that tell stories of culture and history. Also, the vibrant food scene—from vegan brigadeiro cakes to fresh juice and cheesy bread—was a highlight.
John: I loved the energy of Avenida Paulista, even if we caught it on a quiet day. Taking the metro and exploring hidden parts of the city on our tour gave us a real sense of São Paulo’s diversity. And of course, spending time with friends like Julia made the trip special.
Would you recommend São Paulo to other travelers?
Mario: Definitely. São Paulo is a city of contrasts, culture, and surprises. It’s not your typical tourist destination, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. Whether you’re into food, art, history, or urban exploration, you’ll find something here.
John: It’s a city that keeps you on your toes, but it’s also warm and welcoming. For anyone planning a trip to Brazil, spending at least a week here is a must to understand the country’s complexity and vibrancy.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About “One Week São Paulo”
How long should you spend in São Paulo to get a good experience?
We recommend at least one week to really explore São Paulo’s neighborhoods, food scene, cultural sites, and hidden gems. There’s so much to see and do that a few days won’t do the city justice.
Is São Paulo safe for tourists?
Like any large city, São Paulo has areas that require caution. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, avoid flashy displays of wealth, and use common sense, especially at night. Locals and fellow travelers can provide updated safety tips.
What is the best way to get around São Paulo?
The metro system is clean, efficient, and affordable, making it a great option for getting around the city. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are also widely available and convenient.
Are there many vegan and vegetarian options in São Paulo?
Yes! São Paulo has a growing vegan and vegetarian scene with many restaurants and grocery stores offering plant-based options. Traditional Brazilian dishes are often adapted to be vegan-friendly.
What local foods should I try in São Paulo?
Don’t miss trying brigadeiro (a sweet chocolate treat), pão de queijo (cheese bread), and fresh acai bowls. Also, explore local markets for fresh fruits like maracujá (passion fruit) and unique snacks like caramelized ginger and Brazil nuts.
When is the best time to visit São Paulo?
São Paulo has a mild climate year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is lower.
✈️ Final Thoughts on “One Week São Paulo”
Mario and John’s journey through São Paulo offers an authentic glimpse into one of the world’s largest and most dynamic cities. Their experience highlights the city’s rich culture, diverse food scene, and the warmth of its people. Whether navigating sprawling urban landscapes, indulging in vegan brigadeiro cake, or connecting with friends old and new, their story inspires travelers to embrace São Paulo’s complexity and vibrancy.
If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, following in their footsteps and spending a “One Week São Paulo” will give you an unforgettable introduction to the heart of this amazing country.
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