đ§đ· First Impressions of Campinas
A tidy, colorful, and vivid city! đ The moment I stepped off the bus, I was greeted by stunning pink blossoms on the trees đžâmy friend later told me theyâre called ipĂȘ! Compared to most Brazilian cities, Campinas stands out with its well-planned urban layout: wide roads, orderly buildings, and clear signs of effective urban management. đŠđïž I instantly fell in love with Campinas because it fits my idea of a "proper big city"âclean, convenient, bustling with commerce, diverse food options, and everything just works. đïžđ Though it doesnât have a metro like SĂŁo Paulo or as many Chinese restaurants, the Korean and Brazilian cuisine here is amazing. A certain "village barbecue spot" won me over with its cinnamon-grilled pineappleâabsolutely addictive! đđ„ The "Mercado Municipal" (Big Market) is a gem, offering fresh meat, veggies, fruits, flowers, and spices, alongside handmade leather goods and crafts. Even the Asian supermarket surprised me with fresh roselle flowersâI hadnât seen those in ages! đș And letâs not forget the cream puffsâa nostalgic treat after what feels like a century. đ° Plus, the Shopping Parque Dom Pedro (the former second-largest mall in South America, recently dethroned by an Argentinian rival) was a shopperâs paradise. đđ Unlike the chaotic crowds of Rio or SĂŁo Paulo, Campinas strikes the perfect balanceâvibrant yet relaxed. Even living a bit farther out in the university district, itâs still convenient, delicious, and utterly charming. Without a doubt, itâs forever in my Top 3 Brazilian cities. đ #Brazil #Campinas #TravelBrazil
