The culture of Brazil is unlike anything I have ever seen. The people, graffiti, art, shopping, food… It is a totally different world, filled with culture shock around every corner. The Brazilian culture is composed of love, happiness, sex, and cuisine. It is the most vibrant country that I have explored, and I love it.
“Open your mind to new possibilities, love, and adventure. This is where you truly find who you are. Not behind a corporate screen, sending emails.” - Me
BRAZIL
In Brazil I found myself happy. The lust for adventure and general curiosity seems to be returning. The culture, language, beautiful men, and women - it is everything I thought it would be. AND more! I landed in the early hours of the morning and went to my Airbnb. I took a shower, went to the grocery store, and took a nap. The host I was staying with suggested that we go to a local gay space in Centro Sao Paulo. I shook my head in excitement and got ready. We embarked to the city in his little stick-shift Honda. Before I knew it, I was seeing all the graffiti and architecture I had seen in articles I read prior to coming. The beauty of this city is indescribable.
We walked up to the door, and I saw the sign “Cabaret” by the door. I thought to myself, “Okay, pep talk. Bob is not with us anymore, we can go in. You are safe. These men are gay - just like you. This is a safe space.” And a cabaret show it was. I had never seen one of this type before. I was told there would be nudity and attractive men. And….oh…boy… Was I ever surprised. The rest of the night went well, and we headed for home shortly after the show was over.
A couple of nights passed, and it was Friday. I wanted to explore and take myself on a dinner date. I set out to have dinner at a bougie restaurant called Athena's in Central Sao Paulo. It was everything I expected and then some. After dinner, I decided to walk around and see what the city had to offer for nightlife. I walked around the streets, and it is actually safe, you will not die or be robbed if you have common sense with your phone. Totally safe and at easy to navigate. Again, it helps if you have common sense.
I found the first gay space; it was jam packed with men and women. I walked in, ordered a drink, and danced for a couple of minutes. I overheard two women talking about a drag show (it is the same in Portuguese). I asked if they could tell me where it was, I really wanted to see one. I set out to find my next destination.
As I started walking, the men that looked at me were so attractive and super sweet. I asked for directions from one guy, and I was in shock. He took out his phone, Googled the directions and showed me and told me the areas to avoid. He offered to walk with me, and we set out to find the show.
Once there, I was told the show would be in an hour, but the dance floor would open in a couple of minutes. I walked up some stairs and there it was. This time, I did not need the pep talk, I thought to myself, “just fugging go for it!” and I did! I danced like Phoebe runs, a complete idiot. BUT… I was happy, smiling, moving my feet, and did not have a care in the world for the rest of the night. I was approached by a couple of men, one turned out to be a friend. And then….
He walked in and we locked eyes. His hair, smile, eye color, body, and the most gorgeous face that I had seen thus far. We eye flirted for a little bit as we danced across the room from one another. He was with a friend, and I did not want to impose myself on their conversation, so I plaid it cool. And then. We finally spoke. His accent made him even more attractive. I thought to myself, “my gawda. Is he real?” The night went on, we talked for a bit and decided to go to another place where we could talk, eat a snack, and have a drink. As we walked around, the conversation went well. I noticed something, I wasn’t panicking. I wasn’t overthinking. I wasn’t scared. I wasn't sweating through my clothes like I was in a sauna. I was able to hold a conversation without losing eye contact or sweating. The night went on and we made plans to meet again the following day.