Laiz Souto de Carvalho

What the graphs do not tell you

Around 1995, Sao Paulo was known as the Brazilian London. Weather was often mild and rainy, typically foggy in the morning. The sky was grey and cloudy most of the time. Summer did not use to last long near the tropic. If you wanted to experience summer all year round, you would have to travel to the Northeast of Brazil.

Around 2015, Sao Paulo felt much warmer to me – as much as the Northeast of Brazil. Did I spend too much time in Stockholm? Maybe I did, but seemingly it was not just me…

Around 2013, I could put up with typical subtropical weather in Sao Paulo, especially because that was the only option I knew. At the time, I did not expect that it would change dramatically.

Around 2014, I moved to Stockholm for an exchange study program. I arrived in summer and was amazed to see the sunlight at night, but that would not last long. When the darkness and snow came, I really missed the sun.

Around 2016, I moved to Groningen to start my Ph.D. research. Weather reminded me of Stockholm, but less extreme and more unpredictable. Spring (tulip season) and autumn (colored trees and fallen leaves season) were astonishing. Summer was occasionally warm and sunny. Winter was cold and dark, but cycling could keep you warm, as well as heating, warm clothes, and coffee of course.

Around 2018, I moved to Girona to restart my Ph.D. research. I had been to Spain a few times before officially moving there, as part of my family is Spanish, so I was sure weather would feel better. I was partially right, though, as summer was unbearably warm and winter was too rainy.

Around 2020, Sao Paulo felt unbearably warm to me – as much as Austin, Texas. Did I spend too much time in Europe? Maybe I did, but clearly it was not just me…

Around 2020, I moved to Austin, Texas for a research visit during my Ph.D. degree program. Except for winter, which was mild, weather was too warm at all times. At least all buildings had fans and air conditioners, but they could be a bit too cold sometimes.

Around 2021, I moved to Bristol for work. Weather reminded me of Sao Paulo in the early days of my life – often mild and rainy, typically foggy in the morning, and very unpredictable. Feels like I am back where I started. How long?