While everyone is busy preparing for the Holidays in the US, I thought I'd give you a preview of what the holidays look like South of the equator in São Paulo, Brazil. While São Paulo is often compared to New York, there is one important difference regarding how they celebrate the holidays. Instead of the big retail stores on Fifth and Madison Avenues putting on big displays, here the banks put on the best displays on Avenida Paulista.
One thing that may seem strange for many people that live in the Northern Hemisphere is that the Holidays are celebrated in Summer here. While that in itself can be an adjustment, hearing songs like Winter Wonderland and Frosty the Snowman are especially odd because they most likely haven't had snow during the holidays.
So, I'm happy to share some of the pictures I took while walking around Paulista and hope it helps you get a little more into the Holiday Spirit!
Banco do Brasil- By Day - OVER Avenida Paulisa
Bradesco
Banco do Brazil - At Night - Opposite
Bradesco - At Night
Itau at Night
Itau display closer up...Sadly my head is blocking Santa..
Corn vendors are surprisingly popular on Paulista, along with the popcorn, kettle korn popcorn, hot potato chip, and Tapioca vendors.
Finals are over, and next week I'm going to be travelling to Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Campo Grande, and Bonito. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in South America so far an in my next post will be giving some honest impressions of my time abroad and in Sao Paulo.
If you're a prospective or a first year student that would like me to address specific aspects of the foreign exchange program, please don't hesitate to ask!
Tchau,
Matheus
