Been There Done That Too…

Fortaleza

// April 21st, 2008 // Brazil, Transatlantic Nov'07

After several days at sea we arrived in Fortaleza, Brazil. The main attractions in Fortaleza are the beaches. So, if you’re into sand and sun make that your main destination. This is also the best place to buy your Brazilian souveniers.

The Mercado Central is one stop shopping, eating, ATM, Bureau de Change, and (if it’s open) internet cafe. If you’re arriving on a cruise ship they usually have a shuttle (for a fee) to the Mercado. If you want to see a little something more than the Mercado and the Beach, the Cathedral is just across the street.

As for shopping – Stock up here, it’s more expensive the further south you travel in Brazil. Ladies – you will find wonderful, easy care easy wear casual dresses in the main market. They’re twisted and then tied in a knot (look for baskets full of them) and run about $5 each – they’re 2 to 3 times that elsewhere in Brazil. You’ll also find all types of emroidery, weaving, and your usual tourist t-shirts and such. If you want there are several little restaurants and coffee bars throughout the Mercado you can get a quick bite at. My advice, have coffee but save lunch for the beach.

When you’re done shopping, head to the beach. About a $5 taxi ride from the Mercado. You want to head toward Praia de Iracema and/or Meireles. Have the taxi driver drive along the beach road, called both Avenida Presidente Kennedy and Avenida Beira Mar and have him stop when you see a beach restaurant that looks good. The beach restaurant you choose will take care of you for the rest of your day at the beach. You get beach chairs, and food and beverage service during your stay at the beach (a completely alien concept to American Beach goers – we really need to adopt this idea, it’s wonderful. Although, the Thais have truely perfected it.). Sometimes there’s a small fee for using the chairs, and sometimes they’re free if you drink and eat. The food’s usually really good, and both the food and drinks are cheap So, relax and enjoy.

The water off Fortaleza is warm, and fairly clean – however, you will find some liter swimming with you. I wouldn’t recommend swimming here after a heavy rain storm. There is one golden rule to follow at almost any beach anywhere in the world: If the locals aren’t getting in the water, there’s a reason… and you shouldn’t get in it either. Our day at the beach, the locals were in the water and so were we.

Toward late afternoon we flagged a taxi down along the beach road and headed back to the ship. The fare was around $10. The sail out of Fortaleza is remarkable. The coast appears as a never ending stretch of highrises backing long strands of golden sand. The view only gets better as the sun set.

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