Touchdown in Brazil

What should I have expected landing in Brazil? Favelas left and right, crime running rampant, kids playing futbol in the streets with no shoes? These are some misconceptions that people have about Brazil. When I landed, I was greeted with beautiful landscapes and nature surrounding a massive city. Flying over São Paulo, the immensity of the city hits you. Few buildings are over 7 stories, for geographical reasons, forcing the city to spread laterally. 

I've been in cities where I don't speak a word of the language or customs, and I've managed to get what I need. I feel comfortable enough to go to restaurants and supermarkets and order what I need.

So far, I have not seen evidence of sustainable energy, and the main river through São Paulo is horribly polluted. It's a strange juxtaposition of sustainability and pollution. 

A second juxtaposition is the incredible wealth and poverty, living side by side. Apartment buildings built last year exist next to slums. Progress and regress. 

Brazil, however, truly is a beautiful country.