Pinheiros district, a changing neighborhood
By Ricardo Ito
22 Jul 2008
What city do you live in? What neighborhood?
Pinheiros is one of the oldest districts of Sao Paulo, Brazil. After 1995 Faria Lima Avenue expansion, the changes in the urban structure fastened. New buildings took place of old houses, the land value rose and it became part of the "new downtown" axis.
The night life is intense with dozens of cafés and restaurants. You also find excellent food at saturday´s street market.
What are some adjectives that describe your neighborhood?
Elegant, contradictory, welcoming, alternative, partially arboreous.
How long have you lived there, and what brought you there?
Although I never lived in Pinheiros, my family has strong ties with this region of the city. My father lived there as a kid, and I work at the borough.
What is your favorite thing about this place? Your least favorite?
As everywhere in Sao Paulo, the worst of all is the daily traffic jam.
Do you feel that you belong there?
I do feel as part of this region in town. It´s a pleasant place to be.
What is the most common misconception about where you live?
Some people believe the borough is only a fancy, rich and elegant neighborhood. Although it is one of the wealthiest districts in town, you can also find poverty and popular areas where the common citizen can buy cheap clothes, household items and R$ 1,99 shops.
What is a special fact about your city that you have to live there to know?
There is a philosopher beggar that lives in one street of the neighborhood for a long time. He is always writing something or talking with curious people.
What aspect of your city do you secretly love?
You can find one of the best pizza ever! There are many good restaurants to go, and the cultural life is excellent. And art is seen at almost every corner if someone pays enough attention to small details.
