The List: São Paulo Edition

7 Things to do in São Paulo

I) Try different restaurants, Brazilian and International

The last time I was in São Paulo, I ate like a king. I didn’t have a bad meal the entire weekend, which included trips to a churrascaria, a pizza buffet, and a French restaurant. The overall impression I got was that food is kind of a big deal in São Paulo, which falls in line nicely with how I view life. So I’d like to try different things in large quantities, and see what happens.

II) Go to the beach

Not very original, but I don’t care. São Paulo is much more of an industrial city than Rio, so I’m curious to see what the beaches are like (and how far one has to travel to get to them). No, I will be not wearing a speedo.

III) Maintain my dignity while exploring the nightlife/singing karaoke

This one may be impossible, but I know I will have the opportunity to try. Leo and I will be going to a karaoke bar for our friend Lili’s birthday, and I promised I would sing. I did not, however, promise to sing well. I like to compare myself to a contestant on American Idol, one of the ones they bring on the show for sheer entertainment value, rather than talent. Be warned: my rendition of “You Belong With Me” has been known to bring people to tears.

IV) Eat a Bauru sandwich

Roast beef, cheese, tomatoes, a few other things, and French bread. Yeah, I’m okay with that. This is apparently a popular dish that originated in Bauru, the city in the state of São Paulo. And it sounds delicious. So it’s on the list.

V) Go to Hopi Hari Park

From what I’ve been told, this is the Six Flags Great Adventure of Brazil. Lots of big, scary rides with plenty of twists and turns. I can almost guarantee there will be plenty of me screaming “Ah! Oh God! Oh God!” like Peter Griffin, because that’s what I do whenever I’m on a roller coaster. And there’s a Halloween themed after party, which should also be nice.

VI) Visit a museum

This one should be really easy. São Paulo has plenty of museums to choose from, so really it’s just a matter of picking one and going. Possibly even the CCBB- SP!

VII) Find the city limits

São Paulo is the most expansive city I have ever been in, anywhere in the world. While driving through it last year, I was amazed that anyone could figure out where they were going. It’s full of skyscrapers and highways, making it impossible for an out-of-towner to tell which way was up. It really felt like you could keep going in one direction and never leave the city, so it’s my goal mission to find the city limits. Just to prove that they exist.