I say that as I wasn't flattering to Brazil a month ago when I wrote about it. I still think that's fine for what it's worth - sometimes we like experiences, and other times they don't impress. That's life.
I was involved with the same client, but the difference this time was familiarity. It does make a difference in how we (I) approach things I believe. This time, I flew away from Brazil with a warmer feeling for the place, impressed still with the buzz the city has in pure people terms. The city sprawls like liquid poured on a floor, and there's activity in every corner. My own Portuguese was a tad better too, which undoubtedly helps.
Sao Paulo is different than many cities, as it has (to my eye anyway) few distinguishing physical landmarks. More city just keeps appearing around every corner, and over every hill. It's not a walking city, and while there is a city-center I'd suggest it isn't a CBD, rather that's spread in different areas. The picture above is near Morumbi, where the international corporate offices have congregated.
These days there are concerns about Brazil's government, and the stalling economy - how can any country that's grown like that stop growing we ask incredulously, ignoring economic history that seems to play the same cycle out in different places. I'd offer that the people are as industrious, smart and working as hard as any other place. They believe in the potential of Brazil and all of Latin America, and they assume visionary leadership of LATAM by the way. Having visited twice, I'm also starting to believe as the energy of Brazil is a little contagious.
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