My short stay in São Paulo passed in a blur of business meetings, conference sessions and networking events. Granted, I went there to work and achieved what I set out to do. But after a nearly eight hour flight, I couldn’t help being disappointed that I didn’t get a chance to squeeze in more sightseeing time.
There I was, in the largest city in South America and by many accounts the world’s seventh largest city overall, and all I got to do was skim the surface of the place. AAArgh!
Still, the trip remains memorable for three things.
- The unusual architecture of the conference venue (Hotel Unique)
- Getting to experience a high-energy “partida de futebol” in one of the greatest football-loving nations of the world
- My first meal at an authentic Brazilian steakhouse
Here are a few pictures that show what I mean.
![Hotel Unique Exterior Shot](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_1717-1024x768.jpg)
![IMG_1716](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_1716-1024x768.jpg)
Hotel Unique was designed by Ruy Ohtake, a prominent Brazilian architect. It defines luxury and boutique in the city’s dense landscape. Part of its unique features include a huge inverted arch supported by concrete columns with round porthole like windows.
The interior decor was done by another Brazilian, designer Joao Armentano, and is a mixture of spacious and ultra contemporary elements.
![Lobby area](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_1725-1024x768.jpg)
![Library](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_1729-1024x768.jpg)
![Lobby Bar](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_1760-768x1024.jpg)
Futebol
According to the country’s most famous player, Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pelé), “Brazil eats, sleeps and drinks football.” I got to see a much anticipated Corinthians vs Ponte Preta quarter final match while I was in town . It aired live on ESPN. Did your see me? lol
These are scenes from what Brazilians call the beautiful game…
![Game in progress](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_1653-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/540654_444206688927177_1686290966_n.jpg)
![Fans are fans; rain or shine](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_1673-1024x768.jpg)
Meat, meat…and more MEAT!!!!!!
I always knew about South Americans’ love of red meat. I got a glimpse of it in Buenos Aires but I didn’t truly partake in the true Churrascaria dining experience until I got to São Paulo. At the famous Fogo De Chão, I ate my fill of a variety of rotisserie meats carved table side by Brazilian gauchos.
![Steakhouse](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/394242_444211782260001_10832324_n.jpg)
![Through the glass](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/389206_444211372260042_2033410005_n.jpg)
![Choose your cut](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/535359_444211615593351_1134498407_n.jpg)
![Not a morsel more, please!](https://mytravelstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_1771-935x1024.jpg)
What are your most memorable tidbits from Brazil?