Three Weeks in Brazil – A Journey & Country That Leave Their Mark

There’s something about travel that brings up all the emotions — excitement, uncertainty, joy, presence, and a deep sense of wonder. And as I sit here reflecting on my three weeks in Brazil, I realise: this was one of the most intense and diverse trips I’ve taken in years.

It wasn’t just the newness of the country (Brazil marks number 50 on my travel list, and the first new one in five years). It was the fullness of the experience — the way professional, personal, and playful parts of me all got to show up. And maybe even more than that, it was the presence with which I experienced it all.

Part 1: Landing with Purpose

View from the circular window of Annex IV of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil in Brasília.

The journey began in Brasília — not your usual postcard Brazilian city, but one that intrigued me with its futuristic design and political buzz. I was there to represent C40 Cities and speak on a panel at an event hosted by three Brazilian national ministries.

It was one of those professional moments that reminded me just how far the team and I have come. I got to meet long-standing colleagues in person, connect with partners, and feel the impact of the work we’ve been building together.

To round it off? A short trip to breathtaking waterfalls outside the city. If you know me, you know how much being near water grounds me. That moment — mist in the air, sun on my face — gave me the kind of quiet joy that tends to linger.

Part 2: Rhythms of Rio

Next stop: Rio de Janeiro.

This part of the trip? A delicious blur of ocean swims, office days, partner meetings, samba nights, and sunrise walks by the beach.

Cable car at Sugarloaf Mountain

I connected with colleagues based in Rio and got to engage with staff from the city of Rio, as well as our project funders. Those conversations, grounded in action and local context, reminded me why I love city-level work.

And yes, I did go up Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset. Touristy? Definitely. Worth it? 100%.

But some of my favourite moments were the simpler ones: salty skin after an early morning swim before work, a conversation that left me inspired, trying all the fruits and veg, and not to forget the obligatory rice and beans. Brazil, and especially Rio, opened its arms — and I didn’t hesitate to lean in.

Part 3: Slowing Down

For the final week, I left the city behind and settled into a quieter rhythm outside of the center. I spent time on a remote island, strolled along empty beaches, and (of course) surfed.

In fact, I can definitely add to some of my most beautiful sessions yet — and also some of the most challenging ones. Bigger waves, currents, moments of doubt. There were times I felt clumsy, hesitant, out of practice… and yet, so very alive.

It wasn’t just about catching the perfect wave (though those moments are pure magic). It was about showing up — with shaky legs and all — and letting the ocean teach me once again what it means to surrender, to trust, and to try anyway.

Surfing continues to be so much more than a hobby. It’s a place where I reconnect with myself. Where I remember what grounds me. And every time I’m in the water, I feel it again: that deep inner knowing that a life by the sea is what I’m moving towards — slowly, steadily, intuitively.

Surfing at Macumba beach

What Made This Trip So Special?

Honestly, I think it was a mix of things. The diversity of the experience. The energy of the people. The ocean. The rhythm of life. The fact that I could blend in so effortlessly — there’s no such thing as a “typical Brazilian”, and I loved that.

But mostly? I think I was just being fully present with it all. All the mindfulness work, journaling, and reflection over the past years — it’s paying off. I was there for the sunshine and the rain, the clarity and the questions. And I felt alive.

Brazil also did something else: it nudged me — ever so gently — toward the Portuguese language. I’ve been holding off for years, but something about this trip sparked a little curiosity. I’m not making any promises just yet… but who knows where that curiosity might lead?

I’ll Be Back.

Maybe with better Portuguese.

Maybe to explore a new region.

Or maybe just to return to the places that already feel like a little piece of home.

Obrigada, Brasil. You’ve left your mark. 🇧🇷✨