18/06 BRAZIL
I could smell it long before I could see it. The scent of Brazil's earth carried on the wind joined me some 40 nm off shore.
20 nm away, while on afternoon watch, a lethargic fly settled on my knee (whether it was the heat or the marathon distance he'd travelled that rendered him so, I can't say). We were close and the feelings of anticipation were growing. When I woke from my 'after shift' nap there was a string of lights on the horizon. My knee started bopping to a rhythm I could not hear but that I knew was playing not to far from here. - Brazil baby!
20 nm away, while on afternoon watch, a lethargic fly settled on my knee (whether it was the heat or the marathon distance he'd travelled that rendered him so, I can't say). We were close and the feelings of anticipation were growing. When I woke from my 'after shift' nap there was a string of lights on the horizon. My knee started bopping to a rhythm I could not hear but that I knew was playing not to far from here. - Brazil baby!
As we got closer, I was able to distinguish between lights, make out silhouettes of buildings (bid f'off buildings) and pick out chains of traffic. I could smell tar and concrete and foliage. It was intoxicating and the most exhilarating sight I’ve ever seen! I swear my crew mates thought I had finally lost it and was bound to jump ship, the way I was carrying on, getting all excited about land. It wasn't land (although without it, I imagine, Fortaleza wouldn't be the same) but the beauty of urbanity and the man made in contrast to the serene natural I have been living.
Brazil nearly caused a major rift between Nicole and Johann... Not much to report, just that I think Nicole is really feeling a cultural divide and is finding the 2 Afrikaans men a force to be reckoned with.
Div picked sides (duh); I didn't so it ended up being a lopsided battle. Whatever, these things happen.
I toddled off on my own for the morning on Mon, taking a city tour. Figured I'm going to make it a habit. It's good to get an idea of where you are, especially since we only stop for a day or two. It afforded me 4 hours of outside stimulation, upholstered seats and aircon!
We passed some local fishermen in the shallows on our way out of Fortaleza.
After much yelling back and fort we spent our left over 20 Reils on fish. One young guy jumped into the ocean and swam the 100m over to us to deliver our 4 snappers.
Needless to say, dinner was first class.
They say your experience of a place is about timing and company. After a month at sea, the timing was smack on and the company easy. Fortaleza is a vibrant and exciting place. Where I feel comfortable as part of the picture.
Brazil nearly caused a major rift between Nicole and Johann... Not much to report, just that I think Nicole is really feeling a cultural divide and is finding the 2 Afrikaans men a force to be reckoned with.
Div picked sides (duh); I didn't so it ended up being a lopsided battle. Whatever, these things happen.
I toddled off on my own for the morning on Mon, taking a city tour. Figured I'm going to make it a habit. It's good to get an idea of where you are, especially since we only stop for a day or two. It afforded me 4 hours of outside stimulation, upholstered seats and aircon!
We passed some local fishermen in the shallows on our way out of Fortaleza.
After much yelling back and fort we spent our left over 20 Reils on fish. One young guy jumped into the ocean and swam the 100m over to us to deliver our 4 snappers.
Needless to say, dinner was first class.
They say your experience of a place is about timing and company. After a month at sea, the timing was smack on and the company easy. Fortaleza is a vibrant and exciting place. Where I feel comfortable as part of the picture.
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