Finding Home in Brazil
My Journey and Vision for Sempre Viva Travels
Brazil was my first true love, and to this day, it remains to be my greatest. From the moment I first stepped foot in Rio de Janeiro at 17, I felt a sense of "home" I'd never experienced before. I arrived alone, without knowing a word of Portuguese or having any formal support system, yet I was immediately embraced by the warmth of Brazilian hospitality. What captured my heart immediately was the Brazilian people—their humor, joy, and beautiful way of prioritizing relationships and community above all else. There's a saying you hear often there: "O melhor do Brasil é o brasileiro" (The best of Brazil is the Brazilian). It’s true. My new Brazilian friends and chosen family took me under their wings, showing me infinite generosity, kindness, and easy friendship. They patiently taught me Portuguese, eagerly sharing all the funny cultural quirks and inside jokes that make Brazil so uniquely special. Through their eyes, I discovered a country and culture that captivated my heart like nothing else in the world ever has.
Beyond Brazil's incredible people, the country’s natural beauty is truly the most extraordinary I have ever witnessed in all my travels. While Rio, São Paulo, and the Amazon rightfully draw visitors from around the world, Brazil is home to countless other beautiful places worth visiting. Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to venture off the beaten path and explore some of these beautiful national parks and get to know the communities of people who live there. One of these places which made such a significant impact on me was Chapada dos Veadeiros—a place of such exceptional beauty that I have always been completely enamored by. For years, I have felt a deep desire to share these places with other foreigners in a sustainable and responsible way, so they can see and understand the beauty of Brazil that has personally impacted me so profoundly.
When I gush about Brazil to people and suggest them to go, I am often met with hesitation. They'll say things like "But how will I get by without speaking Portuguese?" or "Is it really safe?" Some worry about its sheer size, wondering how they could possibly do it justice in one trip. Others simply don't know where to begin—and to be honest, these concerns are completely valid. Let’s be real: Brazil isn't always the easiest country to navigate as a traveler. Once you venture beyond the popular tourist spots, the infrastructure can be tricky, and going solo can feel overwhelming and super lonely at times. Reflecting back on my most impactful and fun moments in Brazil, they all have one thing in common: they were cultivated by and experienced with my local Brazilian friends who know all the “secret spots.” That is what inspired me to start Sempre Viva Travels. I want to help other travelers experience Brazil the way I've been lucky enough to—with local knowledge, genuine connections, and the confidence to truly immerse themselves in the nature and culture. No stress about logistics, no worrying about safety, just pure Brazilian magic. My dream is to be that friend who opens the door to authentic Brazilian experiences, just like so many of my own friends have done for me.
