QT (Quick Trip/Tour) to São Paulo

April 21

Tour Day

I arose later than usual Monday morning, following our late-night/early morning talk the prior night. Ana mãe and I had brunch and then went to pick-up Demitila and Edgar. Before exploring some of the city of São Paulo, we went by the bus station so that I could go ahead and purchase my return-trip ticket to Itajubá for the next day. The rodoviaria was huge! When searching for the right bus company, we saw a stand that sold tickets for Peru. What a trip that would be. Ana mãe said that would be a very scenic trip, being able to see so much landscape traveling across the continent. I said that I would no longer have a butt after a trip like that [haha]. 

A trip to Peru from São Paulo would hands-down be the longest bus ride of my life! Ha.

Centro Histórico

In front of Edifício Itália

The weather was great for a walk about the centro histórico (historic center) of São Paulo. Along with Ana's mom, aunt, and uncle, we walked around visiting certain buildings and streets that were significant places to the history of the city and Brazil.

Teatro Municipal

Entrance to the theater. Cool architecture.

Fountain nearby. Big flag in the praça do Brasil.

Demetilia, Me, and Edgar standing in front of Pateo do Collegio, where the city of São Paulo was founded.

House #1

Street Artist

(L) Cones were set up along the street for bikers. The red trucks collected the cones and equipment.
(R) An example of two types of public buses that run in São Paulo: gas and electric.

Had to snap a picture of the name of this street! ;)

Mercadão (Mercado Municipal)

We stopped by the central market in order to grab a snack and visit the place. It was huge! Not all of the stands were open, but it was evident that on a regular business day- that place was hoppin'!!

Pastel- a popular fried snack food (salgado). The juice was good! Suco de abacaxi com hortelã. (Pineapple juice + mint)

Palmitos (palm fruit) inside. The snack was as big as my face! Biggest pastel I have eaten.

Ironic name for a meat stand... no way the pig is happy.

Yes that's a fruit stand with a chocolate fondu machine.

We ate pastel and walked by a several different stands selling a variety of items. Edgar stopped at a stand that sold different types of nuts. There, I too made a purchase. I bought two bags: one of sweet cashews, and the other was a mix called misto americano. Before leaving the market, Demetilia and I bought small fruit salads from this stand <---. Fresh and delicious.

Drive Around

After leaving the market, we drove around different parts of the city. Unfortunately there was not enough time for me to really get to know each place, but I was able to see some the spots I hope to explore next time.

A glimpse of Liberdade, a Japanese-cultured neighborhood in São Paulo. Kind of like how China town is in NY, São Paulo also has a number of ethnic enclaves. I would like to visit this district next time!

Another futebol stadium!

The Estadio Municipal is used by a number of soccer teams in the area.

Inside is not only a field, but a soccer museum.
A must-visit for the next time I'm in SP.

Along Avenida Paulista, there were two models having a photo shoot.

On the side of a building- an artistic tribute to Oscar Niemeyer, the famous Brazilian architect.

 A man passed-out on a patch of grass along the avenue. Reality of how some live.

An obelisk monument found near Ibirapuera Park.

Ana mãe drove me around to several places. It was a nice trip, and possible because traffic was lighter than usual.

Shopping Again

That night, Ana mãe, Demetilia, and I went to a mall. I visited a few more stores and left with two new pairs of pants and a nice long-sleeve shirt (it's now getting cooler down here in Brazil). The Southern Hemisphere is in Fall, whereas back home in Georgia, it is Spring time. It's fascinating how the tilt of the Earth's axis affects these things. We later stopped at a restaurant to pick-up some food to eat once we arrived home. 

Esfiha aberta. Basically like a mini-pizza without the pizza sauce and with different types of toppings.