Natal Days

Even in Natal, Karol and Roberto acted like host parents and took me around everywhere they went, from shopping and restaurants, to sightseeing and beaches.

Yes, Natal too has beaches. Slightly crowded and developed - meaning that you can rent parasols and chairs along the beach. Very cheap at 5BRL.

We did that a couple of days at Ponte Negra, here with its famous Morro do Cacera in the background:

I think they use to have something like sand skiing or boarding over there, but didn't see it happening during my stay. Maybe it's been discontinued.

Such beach days would pass like: a dip in the water, dry out under the parasol, read some pages, drink a coconut (can't be caught without one!), gaze at other beach goers (especially the ultra hot Brazilian men in tightly tight Speedos and the women in their "dental floss" bikinis), have some snacks (my favorite being the chewy baked cheese), nap, and repeat the process over in any way desired. There were activities offered, like surfing lesson that Roberto tried out, but I was content with my beach chair. Just as long as the parasol provided a good, shady covering. Not that it seemed to help much…

As for non beach related sightseeing, the Forte dos Reis Magos was it. Entrance 3BRL. I'm not really keen on forts, but it was something different to do and see.

We took the bus there, which dropped us off at a strip of beach packed with locals and some souvenir stalls. From there, we had to walk at least an hour to get to the damn fort. It was extremely hot, with the sun blaring down, and I was getting very very grumpy : ( The passing taxis seemed so nice…

By the time we got there, I was exhausted, thirsty, and in no mood to check out the fort. Sat around in the shade for a while and had an ice cold drink. Satisfied, I got off my butt and checked that place out. Which took no more than 15 minutes…as I said, I'm not into forts that much.

You can't tell from being there, but one noteworthy point is that the fort is star-shaped. Trust the aerial photographs.

A tip - if you're ever going there, take the taxi and/or a swimsuit. The fort area is surrounded by beaches and in the low tide (or maybe even the whole day), you can actually take the "water route" to shore rather than walk the long way around to the entrance. And there are some pretty tropical fish swimming by too.

Other than that, we went to a couple of shopping centers as Karol felt that the selection and prices here were better than in their home city of Manaus. While they went in search of watches and sneakers, I went bikini hunting! I'm in Brazil; I need to buy one!!!!!! (Not the "dental floss" types of course). But because of my indecisiveness in purchasing things and felt pressed for time, I usually left empty handed.

Until I went alone. Rather than spend another day at the beach with them, I headed to one of the nearest shopping center to dig for bikinis. Success. They didn't have any of the brands I wanted (probably need to be in Rio or Sao Paolo for that), but I did manage to find a cute, wearable one : ) Which made me want to go to the beach even more. But my plan was to leave for Recife the following day. Arrrrghhhh!!! Bad timing. I hope I have a chance to wear it before I leave Brazil…

I also got a pedicure that day, too. A French pedicure for only 18BRL. Efficient and hygienic - an individual, packaged kit for each customer. I think this must have been the best pedicure I've had during the entire trip. Although that doesn't say much since I've only had at most 5.

My great, fun-and-sun-filled week in Natal is finally coming to a close. I still can't believe that I spent a whole week at the beach! Never would've imagined that happening. I guess you could say that my feelings and animosity towards the beach has changed significantly.

But I think most of it had to do with Karol and Roberto. It was such a random meeting at the bus terminal, but they made my experience here so rewarding and exciting. Honestly, I wouldn't have lasted more than 2 days in this place had I been on my own. I'm going to miss being in their company. SAD.

I need to keep heading south.