Our Unforgettable Stay in Brazil: Vitoria and Vila Velha

This is a brief reflection on our unforgettable experience in Brazil from February to October 2019. Let me start from the beginning: My husband is Brazilian, and when we found each other, our love story came together so quickly. We met in 2016, and just six months later, we got married. Ten months after that, our first son, Artur, arrived—a blessing that forever changed our lives. Since I felt more comfortable and secure in familiar surroundings, we decided to return to my home country, Serbia, for his birth. My hometown, a cozy and intimate place, felt safer compared to the bustling city of Campinas, where my husband grew up.

Artur was born in Serbia, and a year later or to be precise in October 2018, we made our way to Brazil to visit my husband’s family. As soon as we arrived, we were reminded of the country’s rich flavors and warm, welcoming spirit. The simple joy of seeing people smile in stores and the effortless friendliness of strangers felt like a breath of fresh air. From the moment we set foot in Brazil, we were enveloped in a warmth that was uniquely Brazilian. We decided to live in Brazil and chose Vitória as our destination. The city offered proximity to the beach, good educational opportunities, and, as my husband discovered, a safe and peaceful neighborhood called Jardim Camburi. Located in the state of Espírito Santo, Vitória felt like the perfect place for our new adventure. That same month, after visiting my husband’s family, we flew to Vitória for just two days and were fortunate to find an apartment to rent for the entirety of 2019.

Adjusting to a new country with a young child wasn’t always easy. We briefly hired a babysitter, but Artur was so attached to us that it didn’t work out. We even tried having a small dog for two weeks, but the responsibility felt overwhelming. Yet, there were countless magical moments that made every challenge worth it. We bought bicycles and took long rides to the beach, where Artur would giggle with delight or nap peacefully. Our days were filled with volleyball games on the sand and leisurely strolls by the ocean.

One of my favorite memories was our regular visits to a nearby park. Artur loved playing on the small trampoline, and we enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere—food kiosks lining the park, families gathered in chairs, and the air filled with laughter. We also frequented a botanical garden, where Artur and I would share pão de queijo and fresh juice, admiring exotic green trees and the playful animals. Each Friday and Saturday evening, we visited another park that came alive with music. Families gathered to listen to live bands, and it was there I first heard the beautiful song “Ainda bem que agora encontrei você.”

But life, as always, brought its complexities. We had some misunderstandings with Uber drivers and faced challenges with my husband’s university. As October approached, we made the difficult decision to return to Serbia. My parents’ support was a compelling reason, and we hoped my husband could pursue his studies in English. We were also concerned about the cost of education and more than anything we were worried about the safety in Brazil on the long run. Moreover, our dream of owning a home seemed more attainable in Serbia, where land was still affordable.

Looking back, our decision to return home turned out to be a lucky one. The pandemic hit soon after, and being with my parents during that uncertain time was a real blessing. It felt like one choice set off a chain of life-changing events. Even with the challenges and our move back to Serbia, Brazil left a lasting mark on my heart. I’ll always treasure those days at Vila Velha’s beautiful beaches, chasing Artur in the park, enjoying sweet cakes with coffee, and watching him take some of his first steps.

We were happy, deeply happy, and those memories will forever be a part of us.

Hopefully, one day, we’ll return with our whole family—all five of us. I’d love to visit that same café and order cake for everyone, along with fresh mango juice.