Have had an interesting couple of days. So many thing learnt and so much experienced. Here are my three AHA moments till now :
- {new money} I was always aware of the big socio-economic divide that exists in Brazil but it is definitely more apparent than I ever expected. Brazilians talk and walk in classes. It is clearly delineated which class you are in....and in the absence of a strong middle class, we have a high-high class and the lower class. The lifestyle in Sao Paulo is designed for the high-high class - technology, clothing, restaurants etc. are all aimed at them. Leaving the lower class no choice but to retaliate. Coming from US, it is still impossible for me to 'afford' anything in Sao Paulo. A MacBook Pro here costs $3500. Yes, that is in US dollars! That said, there is a clear effort made to raise and create a stronger middle class – which is often referred to here as folks with new money.
- {the design world} Intentionally and unintentionally, Sao Paulo has an outstanding sense of design and style. From the buildings to the street art, an acute sense of style that Paulistanos hold close to their heart. The street art that started out as a rebellion by the lower class for not being included in Sao Paulo's way of life, is now a celebrated form of art where residential owners invite these artist to use their outside walls as a canvas.
- {samba tune} How could you come to brazil and not be a part of the Samba?!? Not as dramatic as we know of it back home but it was all that I expected. Samba is traditionally a specific style of music played rather than a dance style (surprising to me!). The music gave birth to the dance and universally almost all Paulistanos know how to shake their booty to the music. A small gathering around the band and people dancing is how it is done traditionally.
More to come tomorrow! Ciao.