Two centuries ago, an immigrant disembarked on the country’s coast in pursuit of prosperity. His name originated from Italy, but his story was Brazilian. His years of hard work brought him a successful career and a legacy. As he lived through a moment of ascension, the Italian felt the need for something more lavish beyond all recognition and wealth he had acquired. It was from this propulsive desire that the first skyscraper in São Paulo, the Edifício Martinelli, was born.

After 100 years since its construction, the city is celebrating the creation of one of the most iconic buildings in its history. Located in the triangle formed by São Bento Street, São João Avenue, and Líbero Badaró Street, the monument that is part of the creation of São Paulo’s identity not only generated controversy but was also a landmark of the city’s transition from a low-rise town to a metropolis.

A few weeks prior, my friends and I had bought tickets to the VHS party. We knew that night would be exceptional for two reasons: The first was that the entire group would be present (which was very rare), and the second was that we would experience the premiere of Dua Lipa’s new album with one of the most captivating views in the city.

As the party would only start after 11 pm, we agreed to meet at any bar that served beer for less than 20 reais. Gael suggested a bar in Roosevelt Square that, surprisingly, we’ve never been to. The venue had a different proposal from what we were used to, and it was clear that the target audience was the opposite of what we were. But who cares? We live in São Paulo, and any place with a table, cheap drinks, and closes after midnight can be a favourite.

The bar’s name is Papo, Pinga, and Petisco – something like Speak, Spirits and Snack. Beyond its unforgettable name, its decoration captivates your eyes with various things simultaneously. With its chaotic and historic decor, the place has everything to sell, but nothing seems useful outside of it. You can find crystal glasses and a deactivated bus line plate, giving the bar an excellent charm. However, the palace itself is iconic because there was Elis Regina’s – a famous Brazilian singer – first stage.

As we waited for Laura, who was on her way, Gael and I delved into the recent events of our lives. He told me about this guy, who we’ll call here João. The two had been dating for a while, and everything indicated that João was the ideal partner. Unlike all of Gael’s past experiences, this was the most tranquil. There was a more significant emotional control coming from him, but João was a person who provided everything Gael had idealized for himself. He’s fun, has a good conversation, the sex is fantastic, and he is good-looking. Additionally, he’s an excellent companion and shows he cares about my friend’s well-being, so much so that he had wondered if Gael wanted company at the party that night.

“Why did you decline?” I asked Gael. Without hesitation, he replied that he didn’t want to get João involved in his social group because Gael knew he didn’t want anything serious with him. A little surprised by this response, I asked why he didn’t idealize a relationship with João since he seemed to be his ideal partner. Gael had no rational response, but his conviction resided in the sentiment that he wasn’t the right person.

At that moment, Laura approached our table and greeted us, but her happiness came when she noticed the price of white wine was much lower than at the bars we usually frequent. We agreed to share a bottle since we would stay at that bar for a few hours. When the order arrived, Laura was already inside the conversation and, unexpectedly, told us she lived in the same situation as Gael.

Laura had met a guy who seemed to be the ideal partner for her. They would go on romantic dinners and watch classic films shot on 35mm, and, beyond sharing common interests, he treated her like she had always idealized. However, more was needed to maintain a relationship. As Laura said, he had everything to be an excellent boyfriend, but she knew that deep down, he wasn’t the right guy for her. Therefore, she wanted to leave him free to find someone who loved him.

On the way to the party, I reflected on my friends’ statements. Despite having different positions in relationships, both lived in the same situation. I couldn’t help but wonder – what do we need to honestly want to be with someone?

We arrived at the building a few minutes before the rest of the group; luckily, the queue was still small, and the service was quick enough not to leave anyone waiting. Upon entering the reception, it wasn’t difficult to understand why they invested so much in maintaining the monument. The place’s unique architecture is not only on the outside but also fills all the inner corners. 

The first floor is covered in rosy granite and golden details. Like many old buildings in the city centre, the ceiling is high, and the chandeliers are enormous. On the 26th floor, the wide corridors and round windows catch attention. The structure is nostalgic but modern at the same time. Upon climbing a staircase and stepping onto the balcony, it’s almost impossible not to be enchanted by the magical city view and see the Santander Lighthouse from a unique angle.

The party was for Dua Lipa, but Madonna was the night’s great honoree. Every five songs played, a hit by the diva would come up. But this wasn’t a reason for frustration. After all, we all knew that the night’s real star was the building next door, which had more photos than anything else.

We danced until the newly bought shoes made it impossible to take another step. Unlike planned, the time to leave was reduced to before sunrise – what’s always been my best choice. On the way home in the Uber, Victória told me about the show she had attended before meeting us at the Martinelli. If anyone else told me that they had gone to the McFly concert and then met their friends for a VHS party, I would think it was a lie, but as it was Vic, everything was possible.

The morning after, the hangover hit, and I started wondering how I ended up there. I can tell that mixing wine with spirits is never a good choice, especially when vodka is involved. Without the ability to do anything, I went to get coffee with Vic at a place that didn’t require much effort.

When I finally had food in my stomach and the coffee began to restart my body, I started to speak like a human again. Vic asked me if Laura had told me she had broken up with the guy she was dating, and I confirmed. I commented that I believed that guy was Laura’s ideal partner, and Vic immediately cut me off. She said that, as with many things in life, something beyond rational awakens our interest. That particular something, the je ne sais quoi, makes us want to go beyond the obvious, and in relationships, it’s essential.

In front of that comment, I could understand why liking someone is much more complex than fulfilling a checklist. Sometimes, what we believe is suitable for us is different from what attracts us. We are a well of desires that we only sometimes have knowledge of. That’s why it’s common to like things that seem unusual. Like Vic collecting Barbies, me being a Katy Perry fan, and Laura adoring horror movies. It may sometimes not make sense, but there is something beyond what we can explain, and often, that will be the decisive factor in advancing a relationship.

A.M.