along the coast of Brazil...

hi all
We sailed out of Recife this morning having said our goodbyes to fellow yachties and our new Brazilian friends especially lovely Naide. We met Naide during one of our days at the crazy Carnival (she was dressed as a nun, an outfit I once wore!) and since then she has truly spoilt us, taking us around to see local sights, shops, pubs, her home. For Axel´s birthday Naide, her mum & friend cooked us a huge lunch spread of lots of traditional Brazilian dishes followed by my home\boatmade chocolate birthday cake! This feast was followed by Samba dancing lessons from Naide, an excellent dancer, who then gave me a pressy of her dancing shoes! (maybe she thought there was some hope for me!)

With 2 million people, Recife was much bigger than we expected but after our busy 10 days we got to see quite alot of the city and learn very little Portuguese. Olinda, a 16th century neighbouring, town was our favourite place with its many beautiful old buildings, churches, little cobble streets & lots of colour. Its been hot with lots of heavy rain showers (its their rainy season) so at least our water tanks are full. We sampled many Caipirinhas, a Brazilian drink made with Pitu crushed lemon & ice, with sugar. At less than 2 Euro a bottle, we stocked up on lots of Pitu!

Now we are sailing alone, north bound along the coast towards Sao Luis which is around the northeastern Cape of Brazil, 765 nm away then on towards the Amazon. Dream Catcher left 3 days ago heading straight for St Lucia, Caribbean. Cisnecito left Salvador last Friday and are heading in our direction so perhaps we will link up with them soon. Our 6 months sailing with Texan Ben on Gypsy Soul has ended as he has opted to stay longer in Recife.

Ciao for now!
xx

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