The Heart of São Paulo

Just a quick pit stop in Japan!

"The one thing that all great cities have in common is that they are all different."

- Cate Blanchett 

The wonders of São Paulo are everywhere. Some are stunning statues and amazing architecture. Others are pockets of celebrated cultures to keep heritage alive.  Adriel and I visited a couple of these wonders on our way to visit the heart of São Paulo this last week with some friends.

Bairro Liberdade (pronounced: Bye-ho Liberdajee)

                Liberdade is a Japanese community that has thrived within São Paulo. With so many having immigrated here over the last few decades, the culture is kept well and alive. The streets are lined with Japanese style lamps with store fronts all written in Japanese. Inside, shelves are filled with all kind of Japanese cuisine and candy. I’m starting to realize know that I will take advantage of Adriel’s full cooking knowledge as he did not leave empty handed.

Catedral da Sê (Basically pronounced how you see it)

Reverently Quietly

                The Catedral da Sê is a gothic style cathedral that is smack dab in the middle of city. It is amazing how the Catholics seem to get some prime real-estate for their chapels. This thing was beautiful! From the flying buttresses on the sides to the stained-glass rose window at the rear entrance (I still remember a few things from my high school humanities class); everything was made with great detail. I loved it, and tried to take as many pictures as possible. The architecture was truly amazing.

Avenida 25 de Março

                In complete contrast with the serene solemnity of the Cathedral, Avenida 25 de Março is loud, dirty and completely exciting. It is here where you can find the truly talented of the of world’s population. There were people painted silver who wouldn’t move unless money was given; who, upon delivery, would smoothly make a gracious gesture. Others were Jack Sparrow, a bronze statue, and some famous guitarist (or something).

Statue People

                Like the xingy lingy, this place was filled with shops and goods to buy. You could find anything you wanted on this avenue. The sound of deals being made and money changing hands filled the air. I managed to barter down a pair of sunglasses myself.

I think we just about covered the quite the array of experiences in one day!