I have an album on Facebook called “Bucket List.” It all started with a picture of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil because I’ve always dreamed of visiting Brazil someday. But I never really planned to go because I worried about safety there. So, it was a big surprise when I found out I had to go to Brazil for our emerging markets trip as part of my EMBA program. It made me believe even more in the power of manifestation.

Our journey commenced on an Air Canada flight, despite a rough start with a two-hour tarmac delay and less-than-stellar in-flight service. Arriving in Sao Paulo and transferring for our flight to Rio de Janeiro, the excitement of a football victory by Argentina on Brazilian soil was palpable, with fans celebrating vigorously.

Our first evening in Rio featured dinner at Aprazível Restaurante in Santa Teresa, offering stunning views of Rio and the distant Christ the Redeemer. The highlight was the Brazilian staple, Caipirinha, enhancing the flavorful moqueca.

The next day morning started with visiting the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, it was incredible! The statue is huge and sits high up on a mountain, overlooking the city. You can take a train or a bus to get there, and when you arrive, the view is breathtaking.

Standing in front of the statue, I felt really small, but also amazed by its size and beauty. The view of Rio from up there is like no other – you can see the city stretching out below you, with the ocean in the distance. It’s a really special place, and I felt lucky to be able to experience it.

Next destination was visiting Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. The mountain got its name because it looks like a big chunk of sugar sticking out of the ground. To get to the top, we had to ride in a cable car, which was super exciting.

As the cable car went up, I could see the city spreading out below me, with the beaches and buildings getting smaller and smaller. When we reached the top, the view was incredible! I could see all of Rio, from the famous beaches to the bustling neighborhoods.

There were also lots of fun things to do at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. I took lots of pictures, explored the walking trails.

We had two hours break in the hotel JW Marriot before we head out for the dinner so I didn’t miss a chance to chill in the Copacabana beach for a brief time. It has beautiful golden sands and stretches for miles along the coast with strong waves. When I went there, I saw people playing beach volleyball, sunbathing, and swimming in the clear blue water.

The day ended with Brazilian steak at Fogo de Chão Brasil. The restaurant is known for its barbecue, and it smelled so good when I walked in. The servers brought different kinds of meat to our table, like juicy sirloin and tasty lamb chops. They kept coming until we were full.

Business activities began the next day with enlightening discussions on Brazil’s economic landscape and social challenges at a panel featuring esteemed experts. Our insights deepened with an afternoon visit to BNDES, which highlighted Brazil’s influential yet challenging economic position globally.

Fashion exploration was next on the agenda, with a visit to local malls where the vibrant styles of FarmRio shone despite language barriers complicating interactions. Our banking insights continued with a visit to Itaú Bank, a giant in the Brazilian financial sector facing its own set of challenges and transformations.

The highlight of the trip was the next day in São Paulo, where we had the incredible opportunity to visit both the BMW factory and Embraer headquarters in São José dos Campos.

At the BMW factory, we witnessed the precision and innovation that goes into manufacturing luxury cars. It was fascinating to see the assembly line in action and to learn about the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every vehicle.

Next, we visited Embraer headquarters, one of the world’s leading aerospace companies. Stepping into the hangar, we were surrounded by impressive aircraft, showcasing Embraer’s expertise in aviation technology. It was awe-inspiring to see the craftsmanship and engineering that goes into building these incredible machines.

During a detailed presentation in the evening, we learned about Embraer’s evolution and its pivotal role in shaping the aerospace industry, Embraer’s advancements in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology. The company’s innovative approach to sustainable aviation holds great promise for the future of transportation. It was a truly unforgettable experience, providing a glimpse into the cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking innovations driving these world-renowned company.

Unfortunately, as soon as I got to the hotel, I started feeling really sick. I had a bad cold, cough, and fever all at once, which made the rest of my trip really hard to handle. When I got back to Canada, I found out I had bronchitis, which kept me in bed for at least a month. It was tough.

Despite of sickness, I enjoyed our visit to the Cubo Itaú which is a tech innovation hub in São Paulo, Brazil, created by Itaú Unibanco in partnership with Redpoint eventures. It offers resources for startups, including coworking spaces, mentorship programs, and funding opportunities. Cubo has become a key player in Brazil’s startup scene, fostering innovation and economic growth in São Paulo.

The afternoon was colorful as we visited the graffiti alley in São. Located in the Vila Madalena neighborhood, this alleyway is a living canvas, where talented artists express themselves through striking murals and street art. Walking through the alley, you’re surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors and images, each telling its own unique story.

The graffiti alley is more than just a tourist attraction – it’s a reflection of São Paulo’s vibrant culture and creative spirit. It’s a place where artists from all walks of life come together to share their talents and ideas with the world. Exploring the graffiti alley is a feast for the senses, offering insight into the city’s rich artistic heritage and the dynamic energy that pulses through its streets.

The program ended with a dinner at the Figueira Rubaiyat- a renowned restaurant in São Paulo, Brazil, famous for its exquisite cuisine and unique setting beneath a centuries-old fig tree. This majestic tree dominates the restaurant’s courtyard, creating an enchanting ambiance for diners to enjoy their meal.

I stayed two more days in São Paulo before catching my flight back to Toronto. It was challenging being there without access to medical help. However, during my time, I couldn’t help but notice the stark income inequality in Brazil. While people were purchasing expensive brands in boutiques at malls, I also saw many slums in the city.

Despite these disparities, my time in Brazil provided valuable insights into the country’s economy and culture. I gained a deeper understanding of the complex issues facing the nation, as well as an appreciation for its rich history and diverse traditions. As I bid farewell to Brazil, I carry with me a newfound appreciation for its resilience and spirit, as well as a sense of hope for its future prosperity and progress.