Published: 9th of August, 2022 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: August 11, 2022 at 15:07 pmThere is a saying that goes, “the only constant in life is change.” The story of how the beautiful city of Campo Verde changed from June 2020 to June 2022 is a shining example of this timeless truth.
On May 30th, 2020, I landed by plane at Cuiaba, Mato Grosso. That same night, I boarded a taxi to Campo Verde and arrived around midnight. The taxi stopped me at Hotel Pequena Mundo, which means, “Little World Hotel.” What a magical experience it was to be back in Campo Verde to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and calm weather.
I had first visited Campo Verde in 2013. And when I returned in 2022, very little had changed. But this article is not focused on how Campo Verde changed from 2013 to 2020. That’s another story. This article is about how the city changed from 2020 to 2022 – the two years that I’ve lived here.
I stayed at Hotel Pequena Mundo for about 7 days. On the second night, I asked the hotel staff where I could purchase dinner. They pointed me to the nearby park where roast meat was sold. I went over there and had dinner. And for the next 1 year and 11 months, I visited this food shop frequently, whenever I felt like eating roast meat and sipping a few beers maybe. In fact, I became well known to the owners of the roast shop. They were always nice and friendly, and said that they appreciated me for being a loyal customer.
But if I had landed in Campo Verde in June 2022, I would have never met these lovely people. In early 2022, they moved their business to another location through a street. It was an upgrade they said. There, they had more space and lots more seating. I visited the new location a few times too. But subsequently, they sold the business. At present, a new group of people are setting up a roast business at the said park, and it is expected to open tomorrow, 10th of August, 2022.
Aside from this, there has been a few minor changes to the city, but no major infrastructural changes.
This supermarket and business complex was not here when I landed in June 2022. There was only an empty lot.
The Bradesco bank moved from another street to this location. It also upgraded the ATM machine. Now, it has instant deposit facility. That means, you can deposit money at any hour of the day or night and the machine would update your account instantly. You don’t have to wait until the next business day.
The Wizard Language School upgraded to a bigger building in the city’s main road. It was formerly located at a smaller building through a street.
This roundabout had no trees or plants on it in 2020.
This business complex at the other side of the road was not there, just an empty lot.
The Sicoob Bank was much smaller and was located a few buildings away. It has upgraded to bigger and better.
A new car sales company has opened here.
This building was not here in 2020.
This building was not here.
Two years after coming to Campo Verde in 2020, the city is still pretty much the same, but it has changed in a few positive ways. It is still just as safe. When I landed in 2020, I boasted to my friends about how safe the city was. I could walk at any hour in the night in the city and not worry that someone would come snatch my cellphone. I could visit the ATM at midnight, withdraw cash, walk home and not worry that anyone would rob me. Don’t worry, I would still watch over my shoulders.
Two years after arriving in Campo Verde, it’s time to say goodbye. I’m leaving with many beautiful memories, and I’ve met many beautiful people. I’ve grown a lot too, and I’ve managed to accomplish quite a few things. Who knows when I’ll be back, and what will be the changes then?