Zoya is a spontaneous adventurer who loves photography, yoga, dancing, music and the arts! She has two beautiful homes in Macedonia and the United States. Zoya is an avid home exchanger and has generously shared her experience traveling to Sao Paolo, Brazil.
How did you choose your destination and home exchange?
I was traveling through Brazil and Sao Paolo was my last destination, a former capital city with a great deal of cultural events and great restaurants to enjoy. Looking to stay in the Paulista area I was happy to find Kiel’s place near numerous bars and restaurants and walking distance to Paulista Avenue.
"I experienced the life of a local Paulista woman and had someone to lean on with any questions or help I needed!"
Kiel responded quickly and was happy to accept me as a guest, non-reciprocal exchange with GuestPoints. I was alone and could occupy her guest bedroom; we shared the rest of the flat.
Tell us about your arrival at the home exchange.
Kiel’s is a nice flat in an elegant historic building. She was away when I arrived but her kind neighbor met me and let me in the flat. I had a spacious bedroom and shared the rest of the flat with Kiel when she returned. She was busy with work and I with sightseeing so we did not spend much time together, but she responded to my text messages and addressed any requests or tips I needed.
She speaks good English, so that was helpful too. We were fortunate to have a little get-together with some of her friends the last night of my stay. I had brought a small bottle of Mastika, a Macedonian drink, for them to try, and we enjoyed it with bruschettas and pizza.
How did home swapping influence your vacation?
Staying with with Kiel’s was a special experience, as I experienced the life of a local Paulista woman, met her and her friends, and had someone to lean on with any questions or help I needed. Now I have friends in Sao Paolo.
"The little party at Kiel's the last night of my trip is what will stick as it was a personal and fun experience"
Tell us about what you saw during your trip.
Being near Paulista Avenue, I explored that area, and well as ventured into the Jardins quarter. The first morning I took the free tour of downtown and learned a lot more about the history of Sao Paolo and the people who built it. I enjoyed very much my visit to the art museum and its unusual way of presenting its art pieces. Last but not least, I had to try their famous Italian food – pizza and pasta, some great coffee and gelato, and of course acai.
The whole visit was lovely. The little party at Kiel’s the last night of my trip is what will stick as it was a personal and fun experience.
