2nd day of CARNAVAL

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 – Recife, Brazil

2nd day in Recife and it started out much more humid and uncomfortable. We were just about out the door when we decided to get something to eat. And it poured rain!! Glad we were inside and we watched many from the ship wander back soaking wet. Just rain. Just water. But, for the moment, we were glad we were dry and inside. We had a nice lunch with friends and then took the ship’s shuttle to the Mauricio Nassau Bridge, which was probably a 15 minute walk from the ship but a 25 minute bus ride as we had to go around the city to get to there. We walked over the bridge, saw many people in costumes and vendors setting up for the afternoon and evening events. Back to the ship to get ready for a ship’s tour on the canals so you could see CARNVAL from the water. It was a wonderful clear night with a nice warm wind and for people with walking difficulties, it was a great way to experience Carnaval.

Back to the ship by 8PM, which was just in time for the 8:15PM local folklorico performance of Bale Cultural de Pernambuco. It was very colorful show but very hard to understand as the host spoke in Portuguese; sign language, music and laughter are a wonderful way to communicate.

Ate the tidbits we had in the room for dinner (apple, bread, peanut butter, cereal, orange, juice – we will survive!!) as it was late and we were tired. Basketball game on – MO vs. KS State – so I’m working while Gene is watching the game and then off to bed. We are now back to two hour time difference between us and Delaware/East coast.

There are 26 states in Brazil and 23 letters in their alphabet.

“Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.” – Anatole France