Author: Megan Long

Sasha Cooke, Greenheart Travel’s homestay teacher in Brazil, had some time to explore a few of the major cities in Brazil, including Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro, from her suburban location of Pindamonhangaba. She explains that people often asked her which location is better.

Two of the largest cities in Brazil, it is natural for residents and foreigners alike to argue about which city is better. Similar to the U.S.’s East Coast vs West Coast debate, except that Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo are practically neighbors, less than 300 miles apart!

Rio de Janeiro 

Perhaps more famous, the city of Rio de Janeiro offers stunning views, rolling mountains and beautiful white sand beaches. Plus one of the 7 wonders of the world is situated there! However, this also means more tourists. Surprisingly, Rio is able to maintain its charm despite the flocks of annual visitors and is known for its friendly and laid-back culture.

Sao Paolo

The largest city in South America, Sao Paolo offers an experience of new urbanism with a reputation for its inhabitants being workaholics. You’ll be surrounded by a concrete jungle, but Sao Paolo offers an interesting mix of European and modern architecture. And don’t forget the local culture, with a funky art scene, cool hipster hangouts and over 100 different museums to explore.

Which does Sasha prefer?

Sasha states that “Being the diplomatic Canadian that I am, I can’t say that one is better than the other, as they both have their own personality and charm. However, I can say that they are very different cities that represent two very different Brazils: whereas São Paulo is city, rock, and hipsters, Rio is nature, samba, and beach boys.” Find out which location ultimately won over her heart on her blog “Tango del Momento“.

Are you hoping to score a homestay in Brazil, just in time for the 2016 Olympics? Apply now for this program here.

During Sasha’s first week in Pinda, Brazil, she had the opportunity to visit a public school with her host sister-in-law. Sasha has studied government education programs during university, so she was fascinated to learn more about the Brazilian system.

Pinda is located in the Southeast corner of Brazil, surrounded by the major Sao Paolo and Rio de Janiero cities. In Brazil, primary education is mandatory, but many of the public schools are filled with low-income students whose parents migrated from the Northeast to the state of São Paulo in the pursuit of a better life.

Since her host sister-in-law worked as a school teacher at the school, Sasha was offered to visit as a guest.

Sasha explained that many of them had never even met a foreigner before, so they were understandably excited by the first exposure to a life outside of Brazil when she visited. She shares a bit about her experience:

“When we arrived at seven in the morning, Maria Antonieta led me into the first classroom and announced “Today we have a guest. Where do you think she is from?” Dozens of bright eyes and curious smiles fixated on me.

“Estados Unidos!” (US)

“Rio de Janeiro!”

“Portugal!”

“São Paulo!”

Maria Antonieta jumped in, “No, no, no. Sasha, where are you from?” Charmed beyond belief, I replied, “Sou Canadense”.

One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had in my life…attending a rural elementary school in the outskirts of São Paulo. We all live in such different realities, but seeing light in a child’s eyes, despite the challenges life has placed in front of them, is one of the most beautiful gifts to receive #brazil #nowords #greenhearttravel

A photo posted by Sasha (@sashcooke) on May 28, 2015 at 10:15am PDT

It was charming to be asked so many questions about life in Canada, to share words in English. Having no idea where Canada was, some of the children asked, “How do you get there? Can you walk? Can you go by bicycle?” And due to my unmistakeable “gringa” appearance, I received some of the funniest questions of my life: “Are you an actress? Do you live in Hollywood? Have you been in movies?”

Needless to say, I was not expecting to be asked to sign autographs, or to have pictures taken with me, but I was charmed by their obvious fascination with my American appearance”. I absolutely loved being able to connect with these kids who grew up in an entirely different world than my own.”

Read more about Sasha’s reflections on her visit to the school here.

Are you interested in experiencing life in Brazil for yourself?

Sasha Cooke is one of Greenheart Travel’s Teach in a Homestay Teacher in Brazil. Staying for two months, Sasha is placed in Pindamonhangaba, Brazil. When Sasha first arrived in  “Pinda” (for short), she didn’t really know what to expect.

She shares that:

I’m loving learning the language, seeing new places, and meeting new people! My host family consists of my host mom Rose, her sister and her grandmother. But also in the nearby town of Taubaté lives Rose’s brother Tennyson and his wife, Maria Antonieta. Plus the extended family is always running in and out of the homes, and I even met one of Rose’s granddaughters Marina.

“My host family is wonderful (and very big), and I have had the chance to teach English to most of them. It can be challenging when they feel embarrassed to speak, but I am doing my best to encourage them by making lots of shameless mistakes in Portuguese!”

Sasha goes on to explain that she spanned multiple generations in one family from age 22 to 85! Of course with this many different people and past experiences, Sasha has learned a lot  and teaching English to people with different jobs, interests and hobbies was a challenge, especially when she had limited Portuguese language.

Read more about Sasha’s adventures in Brazil on her blog here.