Maria Albuquerque is a young woman from Belo Horizonte who seems to convey the essence of the city in every word she says. At twenty years old, she has a welcoming smile and typical accent that transforms any conversation into light and charming prose. When she meets you for the first time, there is something unpretentiously captivating in her manner – as if she had already rehearsed to welcome you into her universe. “Uai, você é novo por aqui? Prazer, Maria!” – this is how she greets you, with a firm handshake and a sparkle in her brown eyes that betrays her curiosity.

She doesn't hide her excitement at meeting you, watching you with a mixture of caution and enthusiasm, like someone trying to decipher a new book. And before you know it, she's already started a conversation, asking about who you are, what you like, and every now and then saying “Nossa, que massa!” that only someone from BH can say with so much authenticity. Maria's way of getting to know people is direct, sincere, but always with a warm touch that makes you feel, right from the start, that you are in the company of someone special.