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Although my hometown has a population of over 300.000, it never seemed that way to me. It is an old city where everyone knows everyone's family and business, and even the smallest haircut that goes against the 'norms' is enough reason for turning heads at the street. I was born in this place and, in my 20 years of existence, have never left it for longer than a month, Two months ago I decided, rather boldly, to take a trip to Sao Paulo, all by myself and to come back on the very same day (money being the sole motivator of my rush, for I would stay my whole life there if I could afford it). I decided I would watch a play, walk around, see the big stores and cafés (for a small town girl, even a Starbucks is enough to warrant attention). But as I would spend sixteen hours inside a bus, I decided not to dress up. Carrying merely a bag and nothing else, I also decided not to take anything that wasn't strictly necessary. I was dressed rather simply and would remain so until I was back home. It should be noted that, in my town, you can't wear flip flops to the supermarket without receiving a rather judgmental look from the cashier. Everything and everyone can (and will) be judged, specially simplicity. Being raised like that, I was in wonder when I discovered that, in Sao Paulo, it didn't matter. I was at a fancy mall. wearing a ripped shorts, old sneakers, a worn T-shirt and my hair all messed up, and no one cared. No one even batted an eyelid at me. What's more: there were people with tatooed faces, Anime cosplays, rainbow hairs... and no one turned their heads on them either! Oh, how incredible that was, I discovered how amazing it was, to become just a face in the crowd. To have people minding their own business and not judging you on what you wear or anything else. As I sat in Starbucks, sipping a latte and reading a book (those comfy chairs were also something of a prize for tired legs who are used with uncomfortable benches in the cafés they usually wander in), I couldn't keep a silly smile from my small town girl face. Anything was allowed. Anything was accepted. The possibilities were endless. I needed to go back. I needed to try.