The skyscrapers of São Paulo are like blades of grass. They stretch upright in every direction, farther than you can see.

It’s winter and it’s night time. A line of motorcycles slithers through the sparse traffic on a backstreet of Pinhieros and the moon is behind the clouds. I’m on a street corner at the base of a skyscraper on the top of a hill at a bend in the road. A single motorcycle zigzags up the hill, leans into the turn and disappears into the tall grass, never looking up. Just ahead.

Xau in front of Lavanderia • Curitiba, Brazil • Photo by Kent Irwin

Alan Chaves + Mark Nesbitt in Porto Alegre, Brazil

Gus drinks beer from the corner store • Florípa, Brazil

This episode of Van Sounds was brought to you by Astray Goods Company -- honestly handcrafted backpacks made to last a lifetime. Search for Astray Goods on Kickstarter to get a pack at an early backer price.