David Muniz

I’ve been in Brazil for an entire year. When I first came, it wasn’t some romantic “move to paradise” decision. I’ve lived in 9 different countries over the years. The novelty of being foreign wears off fast. Eventually you’re just a guy trying to live your life somewhere. But something about Brazil is different. It’s the way people look you in the eye when they talk to you. The way a random conversation at a coffee shop turns into a real connection. The way strangers go out of their way to help you instead of brushing you off. Service feels human here. Not transactional like in the States. There’s a warmth that’s hard to explain until you experience it. It’s not perfect. No country is. But it feels alive. After bouncing around the world for years, this is the first place in a long time where I don’t feel like I’m “trying it out.” I just feel at home. And that’s something I didn’t realize I was looking for.