Brazil

Sao Paolo’s Got the Dough, Not the Looks

Sao Paolo is not an ugly city. But honestly, it’s also not the prettiest city in South America. It’s not repulsive, but it won’t win any beauty pageants either.

As the country’s financial powerhouse, it’s got the dough, but not the looks. 😝 The city’s a forest of high-rises that are about as exciting as a spreadsheet. Brazil’s natural beauty? Yeah, that’s somewhere else in the country.

The city is filled with countless high-rises and I would say 98% of them does not have any character or creative merit. The buildings are cookie-cutter, cement buildings that does not have any architectural value whatsoever.

But hey, Sao Paolo’s got a great airport to send you off to those gorgeous beaches, rainforests, and mountains just a stone’s throw away from Sao Paolo.

Somewhere even within driving distance from the city.

Sao Paolo has two great things going for it- the Ibarapuera Park (their equivalence of Central Park), and Liberdade neighborhood (the country’s Japan Town).

If you’re on your way to Iguazu, Brasilia, Florianopolis, or Rio, a day in Sao Paolo is enough. But Rio is infinitely a better destination.

Brazil is Turning Japanese

You won’t believe this, but Brazil has more Japanese folks than any country in the world (outside of Japan)!

It all started back in the 1900s when coffee plantations needed labor and Brazil said, ‘Konnichiwa, come on over!’

Fast forward, São Paulo’s Liberdade neighborhood is like Japan’s coolest cousin – authentic Japanese grub, markets, gadgets, and style. No wonder Brazilians love Asians; they’re like honorary sushi connoisseurs!

Post-WWII, more Japanese arrived, cementing Brazil’s status as Japan’s favorite expat spot. Today, Liberdade’s Japan Town is the place to be for all things Japanese – and Brazilians are happy to oblige.