Salvador - colonial pearl

Brazil's northeast coast was home to large sugar plantations originally built on slave labor, which is evident in the distinct African influence that can still be seen today.

Nicknamed the “City of Happiness”, Salvador is noted for its music, food, arts, and architecture.

 

Understanding Brazilians

Brazil isn't growing - so why are Brazilians so happy ?

Brazil, really put itself on the economic map. Having grown by 2.3% a year between 1995 and 2002, it grew by 4% annually in the following eight years. The Brazilian research institute, regularly finds that two-thirds to three-quarters of families say their financial situation improved during the past year, and that they expect it to get even better in the year ahead.
In December, a global pollster, found that those optimistic about the economy outnumbered pessimists by a wider margin in Brazil than in any other large economy. (Source: The Economist)

The underlying reason is that even though the country as a whole is struggling, most families’ incomes are still rising fast. Unemployment is close to record lows and pay rises are comfortably outstripping inflation, partly because of big hikes to the minimum wage, but also because of that tight jobs market.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/05/economist-explains-why-brazilians-happy-slow-growth-brazil

Our observations

But apart from that, we have noticed some characteristics amongst Brazilian society. After spending 1 month in this beautiful country we noticed that:

• One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Brazilian people is their generosity, which they show liberally, even to strangers
• Brazilian people adhere to a much slower pace of life than what those from western nations may be accustomed to. There is basically a 'que sera sera' attitude -whatever will be, will be - and the people take things as they unfold, accepting the 'flow' of life with calm and patience. You can expect to spend a lot of time waiting, so just relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy the scenery of this beautiful country.
• they are very friendly and social. They will engage you in animated conversations and especially enjoy talking about soccer, family, and children.
• Do not worry about punctuality.
• Sunday is a hung-up day. It's a family day - as family is certainly in the center of their culture.
• Brazilians are crazy about lotteries. Otherwise, how can you get rich fast? :) Lottery sale in Pipa:

• When having a conversation with them, you may have an impression that they are impolite. They are just direct. !!! (personally I found it not bad).

•   When Brazilians play music - it must be loud. Either loud or no music. You have the impression that everything goes in samba or bossanova rhythm.

•   They are SO excited about the soccer. Especially that the World Cup is coming soon. They are ready. But what about do the stadiums? Not so sure about it...

• The food is religion. 

• English is a problem. They just don't speak English. However, they are willing to use hands and other objects to be helpful. They understand Spanish which made our conversations a great success.

• If you think you are gonna withdraw some money from ATM - think twice. Your ATM will probably not work. Many times we h ad to come back with nothing after 20km drive to the next bank. Cash is a king - as Basti says.

 Sunset in Salvador

Driving through lakes and lagoons

Jericoacoara National Park 

The word Jericoacoara comes from Tupi (an indigenous language) and means "house of turtles." It is a town and a beach of Ceará, as well as the name of the national park created in its surroundings.

 They say that Lago Paraiso and Lake Tatajuba is a must see in Jeri.
In general, the roads around are bumpy and sandy. (forget about asphalt here!). You need a good driver and a 4x4 vehicle to drive around. Many times we were surprised where can you drive with those cars.


At first, little rafting through the river - a big trust to the guys!

On our way to Tatajuba lake, we saw parts of salty mangrove forest.

Tatajuba Lake

 Some quality time in the hammock:

 Sailing through mangrove to search for seahorses and crabs.

Male seahorse:


 Female seahorse:

 

Lagoa Paraiso  - muito bom !

The name suits it well. Here, you get a clear water, silence and great seafood.

 

Our remarks:

To get those trips in a high season - you need to bargain with your driver. Brazil is not a cheap country and the prices in high season can get really crazy here.

This is still not the top tourist destination in Brazil - maybe due to difficult access. They  say - electricity was set up here only 10 years ago. Before there was no commerce here, no foreigners... and no police (our friend - Alberto was happy about it). The closest big city is 3-4 hours away (by 4x4). It's gonna be interesting to follow how they manage the world cup there next year.

Jericoacoara National Park imposes regulations on inhabitants regarding building new places. This means, there will be never big agglomeration there. However, it's relatively easy for foreigners to buy a property in state of Ceara.

Life goes slowly in Prea

Off the Gringo trail

Our beach hopping marathon has started in Province Ceara, Brazil. After flying to Fortaleza we took a 4x4 taxi which brought us 350km toward the north, to the small town of Prea, only 12 km away from famous Jericoacoara.
 The roads are pretty bad here so you need to have a 4x4 car to drive.
This can be the reason that the classic tourism has not yet arrived here.
People say that 25 years ago, there was no electricity here, no cars and not a single tourist.

Prea itself is a bit like a ghost town. Everything you have here is: sun, sand, wind and the ocean.
We stay at Kite hotel Brazil which has everything we need at the moment - bungalows, nice view and hammocks :)

 

Selling coconuts