Another of my first places visit in Brazil which deserves a post of its own even if small as have others in general about it is the City of Sao Paulo,the largest city in Brazil and South America. I like to tell you about my first encounter there and my stayed ,memories forever, Hope you enjoy the post as I.
My old time favorite here for stays , and the reason of this post has been the Maksoud plaza , opened in 1979 done by the architect owner Maksoud tire of staying on other hotels, the one and only Maksoud plaza. .Unfortunately after many family feuds after the passing of the creator father the hotel was sold, It is now run by the French chain Accorhotels,Really needs to be check out as also told the world famous Frank bar next door is closed,,,, Do not know if Accor got all or what,,Sadly wonderful memories there and now here maybe just for the memories, can someone local confirm please,
It had wonderful places to eat inside like the Atrium lobby cafe and the Arlanza Grill. Ibirapuera park is nearby for a nice jogging and conferences were held every year for the me business traveler in those days. The close by Avenida Paulista is the grand avenue and most popular avenue of the city (yes) concentrates all that is best in São Paulo. It is possible to visit museums and cultural centers, find a park amid great skyscrapers, check book launchings, enjoy the happy hour in one of its many bars, enjoy the evening at nightclubs, watch theatrical performances and movie sessions of the most diverse productions, and go shopping: all in one place! It is possible to visit museums and cultural centers,amid great skyscrapers,
More for the memories of always, the address was like in the 1980s, when it was possible to bump into Caetano Veloso at one of the tables, smoke cigars surrounded by works by artists such as Yutaka Toyota and Maria Bonomi and enjoy 24-hour bars and restaurants in the hotel, such as 150 Night Club, the Trianon Piano Bar, the Brasserie Bela Vista, the Vikings and La Cuisine du Soleil, for example. Not to mention the exquisite architecture, which received major cultural attractions, such as Frank Sinatra’s last performance in Brazil, in 1981. Also, Alberta Hunter, Bobby Short, and Buddy Guy , Of the hotel’s four restaurants , such as the rare Scandinavian Vikings, where the São Paulo bourgeoisie learned what the smorgasbord was, a table where marinated and smoked fish sparkled, the most eye-catching was La Cuisine du Soleil. Old but comfortable, this one had the advice of chef Roger Vergé , who in his Moulin de Mougins, in southern France, was one of the icons of innovative nouvelle cuisine. Oh yes many memories and at least one picture to show it and a nostalgic memorable post to keep and show to the world.
The maybe new Maksoud Plaza Hotel :https://maksoudplazahoteldistributed.com-hotel.com/fr/
The City of Sao Paulo sits on the plateau of Piratininga at 760 meters above sea level, the city is crossed by two rivers, the Rio Tietê and the Rio Pinheiros which confluent before crossing the whole State of São Paulo and to throw themselves in the Rio Paraná. Founded in 1554 by Portuguese Jesuits, the city developed thanks to the gold of the surrounding mines until the end of the 18C, and then became prosperous thanks to the cultivation of coffee and sugar. In the last century, it has gradually become the economic heart of Brazil, with its business district around Avenue Paulista , hosting the São Paulo Stock Exchange and seats of large Brazilian and international companies. The city is known for its unpredictable climate, its architecture-and in particular its skyscrapers-, its gastronomy, its gigantic traffic jams and the number of helicopters flying over the city (biggest in Latin America).
As mentioned , this was my first entry point to Brazil,back in 1994, The Guarulhos international airport has served me many times on my trips here over the years since. You have their webpage here: https://www.gru.com.br/en/passenger/flights
The tour was given by locals by car lol! I really enjoy it as I am a road warrior bu the traffic here is big and if you are planning to head out by car, better get your bearing on the traffic before leaving home. Not perfect but better than go out blind. Of course, it helps if speaks Portuguese (I do) The official webpage is CET and it has the City in quadrants to explain you about the trafic conditions : http://www.cetsp.com.br/
Of course outside the City and into the Sao Paulo State than the autoban or expressway info which I usually take the Anhaguera (330 , Banderaintes (348) roads , you can get trafic info here : https://www.autoban.com.br/#
I do walk a lot in the City but it is big so sometimes a taxi or metro will do, However, only taken taxis here, The Sao Paulo metro webpage: https://www.metro.sp.gov.br/en/your-trip/index.aspx
The City of Sao Paulo on what to see/do (P) : http://www.capital.sp.gov.br/turista
The Sao Paulo tourist office : https://cidadedesaopaulo.com/v2/?lang=en
There you go folks, a wonderful world different from what most think of Brazil. Lucky to have been there and won’t mind going back, eventually, Again, hope you enjoy this post on memorable Maksoud plaza of Sao Paulo as I.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 