Compared to the cities we have been in so far, Rio & Fortaleza, Natal is a relatively small city. Tourism is it's raison d'être. It is also the capital of Rio Grande do Norte and in that respect there's some resemblance to Sacramento. Lots of low rise government buildings, some shops and not a whole lot else. Except for the beach. Just south of town there is a world class beach Ponte Negra.
Along Ponte Negra you will find one high-rise after another, some stretching maybe 25 stories into the air. In high season, Ponte Negra is crawling with people. High season is what you would expect Carnivàle, winter break and European summer vacation. Oh, and the World Cup. Ponte Negra is crawling with people this week. The beach is full as are the bars and restaurants across the street and the tourist shops. Finally we have found tourist shops. I was getting worried. You can't go on a trip like this and come back empty-handed. I was surprised in Rio and Fortaleza at how little there was geared to the tourist market. There was lots of stuff, but frankly it was all junk. Natal merchants seem much more sophisticated. But Ponte Negral is kind of a tourist trap. I am glad we found the spot we did.
We are in Buzios, a small beach community about 20 km south of Ponte Negra. Getting here was something of a challenge. The first time we tried it was dark and figuring out the turns was a trick. But even after you have mastered this you still travel slowly through villages where people park wherever they want and travel mostly on foot. Once you arrive at our place you have reached a small idyll.
Our pousada is steps from the beach and very quiet and peaceful. Run by Noelle, a retired Belgian, ex-pat, social science professor who has been in Brazil for 30 years now, it is calm in the eye of the storm. We wake up to excellent Brazilian coffee, fruits, cake, eggs, cheese and juice for breakfast accompanied by very pleasant conversation. After the hustle and bustle of the big cities it is a welcome change to get the taste of the way most Brazilians experience life. Perfect for today as it is raining buckets. Our plans for a beach day are getting washed out. Reading and relaxing until gametime maybe the order of the day. Tonight Japan v Greece.
Along Ponte Negra you will find one high-rise after another, some stretching maybe 25 stories into the air. In high season, Ponte Negra is crawling with people. High season is what you would expect Carnivàle, winter break and European summer vacation. Oh, and the World Cup. Ponte Negra is crawling with people this week. The beach is full as are the bars and restaurants across the street and the tourist shops. Finally we have found tourist shops. I was getting worried. You can't go on a trip like this and come back empty-handed. I was surprised in Rio and Fortaleza at how little there was geared to the tourist market. There was lots of stuff, but frankly it was all junk. Natal merchants seem much more sophisticated. But Ponte Negral is kind of a tourist trap. I am glad we found the spot we did.
Our pousada is steps from the beach and very quiet and peaceful. Run by Noelle, a retired Belgian, ex-pat, social science professor who has been in Brazil for 30 years now, it is calm in the eye of the storm. We wake up to excellent Brazilian coffee, fruits, cake, eggs, cheese and juice for breakfast accompanied by very pleasant conversation. After the hustle and bustle of the big cities it is a welcome change to get the taste of the way most Brazilians experience life. Perfect for today as it is raining buckets. Our plans for a beach day are getting washed out. Reading and relaxing until gametime maybe the order of the day. Tonight Japan v Greece.
looks beautiful...hows the Samba coming ?
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