🇧🇷 First Impressions of Campinas

A tidy, colorful, and vivid city! 🌆 The moment I stepped off the bus, I was greeted by stunning pink blossoms on the trees 🌸—my friend later told me they’re called ipê! 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. 🚦🏙️ I instantly fell in love with Campinas because it fits my idea of a "proper big city"—clean, convenient, bustling with commerce, diverse food options, and everything just works. 🛍️🍜 Though it doesn’t have a metro like São 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 pineapple—absolutely addictive! 🍍🔥 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 flowers—I hadn’t seen those in ages! 🌺 And let’s not forget the cream puffs—a nostalgic treat after what feels like a century. 🍰 Plus, the Shopping Parque Dom Pedro (the former second-largest mall in South America, recently dethroned by an Argentinian rival) was a shopper’s paradise. 🛒💃 Unlike the chaotic crowds of Rio or São Paulo, Campinas strikes the perfect balance—vibrant yet relaxed. Even living a bit farther out in the university district, it’s still convenient, delicious, and utterly charming. Without a doubt, it’s forever in my Top 3 Brazilian cities. 💚 #Brazil #Campinas #TravelBrazil