Sao Paulo in Photographs

                                          Sao Paulo Museum of Modern Art

                                          Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge

                                          Sao Paulo Cathedral

Concerns and Observations from Sao Paulo

After spending a month in the city its became clear to us that Sao Paulo has not only vast beauty and culture, but it has its problems too. Despite the warm welcomes and hospitality so far, we've been given many warning of some of the issues confronting Sao Paulo. The some 19 million people living here in the city have difficulty commuting across the city, and congested roads are chocked with traffic. Despite the city's effecient subway line, for many, transport is an expensive and tedious task in Sao Paulo. From talking to the people here, although the language barrier is still sort of lingering, it is clear how valuable education, healthcare, and public safety are to Sao Paulinos. With one of the fastest growing economy's, Sao Paulo is expected to be one of the world's economic leaders from now until 2025.

Sao Paulo Cathedral

Last night after visiting a few pubs and meeting up with some of our new South American friends,we ended up outside on the plaza of the legendary and stunning Sao Paulo Cathedral. Completed in 1967, the Cathedral really is a testament to the country's Roman Catholic roots, and the building itself is a clear source of pride for Sao Paulo, and Brazil's people. Here is a photograph of some of our friends enjoying the local music on the plaza last night.

Sao Paulo's Booming Population

Immediately upon arriving at the apartment it became clear just how far from home we two Canadians were. The streets are packed tightly with cars and people selling everything from fake Rolex's to pomegranates. One thing in particular that came to our attention, was just how populous and alive the city seems to be. The population here in Sao Paulo is said to be around 19 million people, making it Brazil's and the Southern Hemisphere's largest city, and seventh largest city in the world. After unfolding our city map of Sao Paulo, it became evident to us just how colossal this metropolis is.
                                          City Map of Sao Paulo

Below is a photo of Sao Paulo's extensive underground and LRT transit system. With construction starting in 1968 and now almost 200 subway stops, the "Transporte Metropolitanio" is a prime example of proper and effective transportation in a massive city.

                                          Sao Paulo Subway Map

Brazil at last

Sao Paulo at last! After a long and tiresome year of textbooks and classrooms, what better way for two school mates to get some some first-hand, lifelong education, than take a trip to Brazil's largest city, Sao Paulo? For three months at least, until the school year returns, this city will become like one of our old friends, making old memories and new experiences. We're Will and Matt by the way, and welcome to our take on Saint Paul's city.