I once visited Mexico and found it to be surprisingly safe, so I assumed Brazil would offer a similar experience. This time, however, work took me to São Paulo, a bustling city in southern Brazil. From the moment we boarded the tour bus at the airport, warnings came fast and furious: never walk alone on the streets, avoid going out at night, keep your phone discreetly tucked away, carry some cash for emergencies, and if you’re ever confronted by a robber, hand over your money without resistance to prevent greater harm.
Then, our guide recounted his own harrowing tale of being robbed. At first, I suspected he might be exaggerating just to ensure we stayed close to him, but I was quickly proven wrong.
Our bus delivered us to a Chinese restaurant for dinner around 7 PM. The scene was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. The restaurant’s heavy roller shutter was already down, leaving only a small door through which we were ushered in hurriedly, the door slammed shut behind us, and then we began eating.
Honestly, by this point, I was already stunned. Was all of this truly necessary? Coming from a country like China, where safety is largely taken for granted, this was my first brush with such heightened precautions. We ate cautiously, almost furtively, as though we were engaged in some illicit activity.
My mind raced with worry about the days ahead. “Oh no,” I thought, “is this what life is going to be like?”
After dinner, as we stepped outside, we noticed a few individuals lingering near the entrance. Among them was an elderly man with blood smeared across his face—he had just been mugged while crossing the street. That sight sent us scrambling back onto the bus without hesitation. From that moment on, I became a model follower, sticking closely to the guide’s instructions, terrified of straying even slightly.
For the next few days, my schedule was packed with work commitments, leaving little time for exploration. In the evenings, the bus ferried us directly to the restaurant, where we dined safely before returning to the hotel. It was a routine that worked seamlessly. Occasionally, though, I heard unsettling stories of others falling victim to theft or abandoned mid-ride by unscrupulous taxi drivers. These tales seemed almost too improbable to believe.
On our final day, we enjoyed a bit more freedom and followed the guide to explore some local landmarks. We didn’t disembark at the cathedral shown in Figure 1; instead, we admired its grandeur from the comfort of the bus due to the large number of refugees nearby, making it a hotspot for crime. Later, we visited several other attractions, each boasting a pleasant environment. We even encountered many locals enjoying outdoor activities, bringing a lively energy to the city.
Figures 4, 5, and 6 showcase the vibrant Ibirapuera Park, a verdant oasis in the heart of São Paulo. Figure 7 highlights the majestic Brazilian Independence Monument, while Figure 9 features the striking Brazilian Pioneers Sculpture. Figures 12 and 13 return us to the enchanting landscapes of Ibirapuera Park, capturing its serene beauty and charm.
Even though São Paulo is the largest city in South America and a major financial hub, it still feels surprisingly underdeveloped. To be honest, there aren’t many must-see attractions in São Paulo. I don’t think it’s worth making a special trip just for tourism. And let’s face it—it’s an awfully long way from China.
In my case, I was traveling with a group, and our itinerary included a layover in Dubai. That journey turned out to be the longest of my life: about 9 grueling hours from Shanghai to Dubai, followed by another 15 hours from Dubai to São Paulo. By the time we arrived, I was absolutely drained. Honestly, I can’t see myself wanting to go back anytime soon.
