On the seventh day of my business trip to Brazil, the lingering fatigue from over 20 hours of travel still clung to me, yet my time in São Paulo felt like it had made every moment worthwhile.
Beyond its undeniable vibrancy, what truly struck me about São Paulo was its laid-back atmosphere and the straightforward, genuine nature of its people. In truth, the city’s appeal doesn’t lie in its infrastructure—its urban development is average at best, and safety remains a concern, with even daytime strolls carrying risks.
But São Paulo shines in other ways: its unhurried pace, its delectable cuisine, its warm and welcoming locals, and that unmistakable South American charm that makes each day feel lighter and more enjoyable.
Another highlight was Brazil’s strong fitness culture. Gyms buzz with energy as early as 6 AM, and reportedly stay packed well into the evening. A small but delightful surprise came during my Saturday visit to the gym to pick up a pass. When the attendant noticed I was a foreigner struggling to navigate the system, he simply waved me in without hesitation. That kind of effortless kindness added an extra layer of warmth to my experience.
There’s so much more to share, yet putting it all into words feels overwhelming. If I had to distill my journey into one thought, it would be this: arriving here with the confidence of someone working for a tech giant, I left realizing that on the other side of the world, there are people who navigate life’s ups and downs with remarkable calm. It’s only then that you understand how varied—and beautiful—the answers to life’s questions can truly be.
