são paulo

Pão de queijo. I never knew that was a staple food in Brazil, until I arrived and my driver (we’ll call him J for now, as referring to him as a driver feels weird), accompanying me for a work trip, insisted that I try it. We stopped by a local cafe nestled on a street in Itatiba where I was leading an internal video project. I scheduled the drive from Campinas, where I was staying and my work office was located, a little too early. 

J was nice enough to get breakfast with me to pass time for the film crew to arrive. We found ourselves at a small café tucked into a quiet street called Só Pãozinho. I’m not quite sure what that means exactly in English, but I know it involves bread. J and I chatted over strong cups of coffee, which were smaller than my usual grab-and-go orders back in the States. 

I mentioned how this was my first time in Brazil, how I thought the people were so nice and how I was trying my best to speak Portuguese instead of English. He insisted that I didn’t worry, as someone nearby would at least know a little bit of English or some Spanish, which I’m more able to understand and speak. 

That unplanned pause became one of the trip’s most treasured moments and set the tone for my first visit to South America.

Brazil was always somewhere I wanted to visit. I didn’t think I’d be blessed enough to visit so soon, but here I was. I still haven’t fully processed the trip, even as I sit here recollecting my thoughts. 

I covered a fair amount of ground during my visit, flying into GRU, where I headed straight to Campinas, briefly visited Itatiba, and headed back to Sao Paulo once I wrapped work. 

“You must visit Rio while you’re here,” prompted one of the women on the film crew, who also happened to be one of the most friendly and lively people that I ever met. She shared some valuable gems that I noted so I wouldn’t forget. It was like she was sent by the universe to tell me all the things I needed to hear. 

There was no way I should be going to Rio, especially when I was set to leave the next day. I contemplated deeply about it, as I do with most things. 

Without giving it any more thought (which, as an over thinker, I am proud of myself for doing), I changed my flight back to Houston for the upcoming Monday and secured my flight to Rio, which was only an hour away. 

Settling back in São Paulo, I followed through with my original plan, which was to stay one night at the breathtaking Rosewood Hotel. It was like visiting a jungle getaway in the city, displayed adjacent to the famous Paulista Avenue. 

As with any place that I visit, I walked. I walked as far as I could go. Even in the rain, I managed to cover at least 4 miles down the street, trying my best to navigate without using GPS. I stumbled upon a Kopenhagen, a luxury Brazilian chocolate shop, which had arguably one of the best coffees I’ve ever had. It was a mix of coffee and chocolate, my two favorite things. 

Despite only spending a day in São Paulo, I absolutely enjoyed the city, the people and the food. Since I hadn’t had much time in the city, I indulged in my hotel stay. While Rosewood came at a hefty price, I wouldn’t change that experience for anything. The food was amazing and ordering room service felt like I was in a movie. 

I basked in my room and prepared for my journey to Rio.