Reflections on Brazil
It has been two months now since I arrived in Brazil.
Always when I come back, it is a time of transformation. A rollercoaster of emotions. A period of contemplation about various elements (internal and external).
Brazil is a developing country that has a messy colonial history. Corruption, lack of infrastructure and substantial social disparities are a few of the visible results of a defective root.
But the country also has its beautiful side (and I'm not only talking about the paradisiac beaches).
The polarities are visible, as much as is my relationship to it. Occasionally, I imagine moving back, but sometimes I desire to catch the first plane back to Europe.
I wanted to share with you some of my observations, good and bad, about this vast country (including some comparisons with Switzerland and what we can learn from the local culture).
Social problems are a problem
In São Paulo (as in other cities in the country), you will face the contrasts of social classes. A homeless sleeping on the side street next to a topnotch Porsche; the immensity of the favelas right in the epicentre of the wealthiest neighbourhood in São Paulo, with mansions or luxurious apartments surrounding the poorest metropolitan areas. Upon arrival in Sao Paulo, you already realize how much of a bubble Switzerland is. There you are barely confronted with social issues - a privileged country where it is easy to forget what else is out there. Here, 3 Reais (the equivalent of 0.5 CHF) can be a decisive factor if someone chooses to get a bus or a subway on their way to work. A wake-up call to the fortunate reality one can have back in Europe.
Simplicity
You are reminded how little you actually need to live a fulfilling life - individuals who live with the bare minimum but still will open their doors to you and appreciate all the little gestures. It is all about perspectives and where you focus your energy. A simple smile can already do wonders.
Why make it complicated when you can make it easy?
I'm amazed at how uncomplicated the communication is around here. People value practicality. WhatsApp is one of the primary communication sources; you can do anything with it. Personal and professional use are all blended in this multi-use channel: order food, contact suppliers as well as clients, close deals, communicate with your doctor, get to know a neighbour through the building's chat, and so much more. Communication is easy, instant and straightforward (and often fun and easy-going as well, jokes are a common factor in the day-to-day, making it all lighter). You'll always speak to others using their first name—a contrast to the prevailing formalities used in Switzerland.
And not only is communication easy but so is the transfer of digital money. With a few clicks, a PIX is done (a type of TWINT for Swiss people) - when shopping (online and offline), in restaurants, paying in parking lots, and even beggars will offer you a QR code for donation.
Inventive minds - for the good and bad
If there is something I admire about the local culture is their creative minds. They'll always be on the hunt for solutions and improvements and apply them in an ongoing trial and error without thinking twice. You'll not know if it works if you don't try. These are used as much for good (fixes to problems, solution-oriented mindsets) as for the bad (there are always new, innovative ideas on thieves' rob).
Working culture
It may be the need always to chat and talk; efficiency, as known when studying and working in Switzerland, is not much apparent here. There are many chit-chat and non-related business talks before cutting to the chase. Everything takes a bit longer than back in CH. The upside is no one cares as much, maintaining a relaxed state. You must take it lightly and go with the flow.
Delivery at its best
Everything you imagine can be delivered - not only that but many times in less than 24hs (Mercado Livre as a supply chain wonder). In a chaotic city like this, where traffic is constant, and the rush hour has already stretched to nearly the whole day, sometimes it is hard to imagine how the delivery can be done so fast. There must be leprechauns working under the earth, making it all happen.
As fresh as it can be
If there is, one thing I miss when living in Switzerland is the food from Brazil. The fresh and vast variety of fruits and vegetables is non-comparable. When eating in Restaurants, the plates are well-served and always use the freshest ingredients. Also, here (as in Europe), you can order your organic favourites directly from the farmer to be delivered to your doorstep.
Sao Paulo
A chaotic city, but that has many positive traits. It has everything you can imagine - various international bubbles (with their dedicated schools - e.g. American, English, Swiss, Spanish, German, etc. schools), luxury and poverty, one of the world's highest helicopter traffic as well as the biggest slums in the country, a super well-maintained metro system with some stations resembling Europe, street art (stunning murals around the city), cultural events, exhibition, concerts, theatres, parks, restaurants ranging from BRL 15 to 300 a main course. Startups in various sectors, artists, entrepreneurs, and high-establish national and international companies with career opportunities for employees. A city where everyone can find a little something.
What do I miss the most?
A friend recently asked me what I miss most about Switzerland when being in Brazil. Here are my three:
Silence (the one you get in the mountains, in the middle of nature. Here, even when immersed in the local natural environment, you'll have white noise - the ocean or the insects in the woods. There's nothing like the complete silence and breeze you'll get when standing on top of a mountain and watching everything from above)
Freedom of movement (hopping in a bus, a tram or a train wherever you are, and in less than two hours, you'll be out in nature. In Europe, you can walk outside and rely on public transportation for whatever you need - going to work, grocery shopping or outdoor sports. Here, you are still heavily dependent on the usage of a car. Sure, there are buses, but it will take up to 5 times as long, with delays and lack of comfort. And it is not everywhere that you should walk - especially as a woman alone)
Freedom of mind (not worrying about taking the phone out in the street, sitting in a square and taking the computer out to work on something, not worrying about what I'm wearing or carrying with me in my backpack. I have been lucky not to experience anything negative security-wise, but you constantly have that fear in the back of your mind and are advised to do that or avoid that to preserve yourself. Security is still a big issue around here and gives you a sense of limitation in your day-to-day).
As with anything, there are pros and cons, here and there. The question is, what can you abdicate from, and what can you not? What are the points that have a higher weight in your lifestyle balance?
I'm still weighing the factors, reflecting, learning and deciding. For different periods of life, there are also distinct necessities.
I am still unsure at which moment I'm at and what I long for in the present moment…Though the opportunity to explore and compare various realities might actually be what I am looking for - perhaps this is precisely the moment I'm in - not here, nor there, somewhere in-between.