Paulista Ave, Ibirapuera Park and New Friends

Sunday on Paulista Avenue

man in blue shirt with pedestrian street behind him

Pedestrian street with bikers, joggers and people walking The day is bright and sunny. Graham comes to our apartment because the internet is out at his and he has a project due.

John and I head out to Paulista Avenue and leave him in peace for a few hours to study.

Man with a cart of coconutes Paulista Avenue is São Paulo’s main street. On Sundays they close the street to traffic and pedestrians, bicycles, skateboards and joggers take over. There is a small, peaceful protest against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The sidewalks are lined with street vendors and there is live music every few blocks. There is even a Latin music dancercise class going on. Click this link to check out the video.
a McDonalds in a white building
We pass Brazil’s 1000th McDonald’s, which has a different name over the door. Méqui 1000, slang for McDonald’s 1000.

There is an easy going, Sunday morning vibe happening here. Truly delightful.

On our way to Jardim Luzitania

picture from a car of a big obelisk in the distance

Kimberly, John and Graham in the back of an Uber We meet Graham and grab an Uber to his friend’s place in the beautiful Jardim Luzitânia area.

When Graham first came to Brazil, his friend Victor’s parents (Victor and Mardely) invited Graham to stay in their family home and they soon became his Brazilian parents.

skyline of Sao Paulo They live in a beautiful area. After dropping off some gifts and things for our evening dinner with them, we walked to the nearby Ibirapuera Park.

Ibirapuera Park

a number of black swans in the water

John and Graham in front of lush parkland with a stream running through This park is São Paulo’s version of New York’s Central Park or Toronto’s High Park. It is the most visited park in Latin America and one of the largest urban parks as well. It is cited as being one of the most photographed parks in the world. A lot of large popular events are held here.
a walkway in the park with tall bamboo arched over it
The park is beautiful. The canopy of trees gives welcome shade on this warm day.

People are enjoying their Sunday in the park. I love watching the black swans and other waterfowl. The park also is home to a planetarium, numerous museums and a music hall.

Wonderful Evening with Friends

With tired feet we head back to Mardely and Victors’s home where we are warmly welcomed like old friends.

We have a wonderful evening with Victor Jr, his girlfriend Julianna, Mardley and Victor.

They are a bit horrified to find out that Graham took us to a few sketchier areas (namely the edge of Cracklandia) and gave many suggestions for more beautiful parts of São Paulo to visit tomorrow.

It was a lovely, lovely night.