Mar 12 Recife, Brazil

It is hot again today. Sam is getting closer to the equator each day. Today the ship is in Recife, Brazil. Sam did not sign up for a tour off the ship. He decided to try getting off the ship and finding a taxicab that would take him around to some of the sights in Recife and also Olinda, Brazil.

The shuttle bus from the ship took Sam to a nearby tourist area where he was able to find a taxi that agreed to give him a ride for several hours.

Recife is one of the largest and most important cities on the northeastern coast of Brazil. The city was originally founded by Dutch colonizers. Its name is an allusion to the coral reefs that are present by the city’s shores. The many rivers, small islands and over 50 bridges found in Recife city center characterize its geography and give it the nickname of “Brazilian Venice”.

The Franciscan Convent of St Anthony is one of the city’s biggest attractions. The convent contains chapel built in 1588 that  is called the Golden Chapel. Sam was told that it is one of the most beautiful broque churches in Brazil. The altar is covered with gold engravings, there are paintings on the ceiling and an impressive amount of Portuguese-style tiled panels throughout the building.

 

Sam enjoyed the drive around the town of Olinda and the many colorful buildings and shopping areas. The other major cite he visited was the Casa da Cultura. It is a former prison that now holds multiple souvenir shops. Sam had his picture taken in one of the remaining jail cells!