We had a good time in Fortalaza, but let's just say it wasn't a highlight. It's a new metropolis that sprung up quickly, with little charm or beauty. We made it a short hop between Pipa and Jericoacoara, a nice break after a 12 hour bus ride.
The pousada we stayed at, Datamar, had a French owner who just recently acquired the place. He gave us an interesting incite into Brazilian life by bringing us shopping in the city centre. Nearly all prices are advertised in monthly payments. People here purchase nearly all goods on credit. Most products sold are cheap Chinese goods, not seen for decades ago in stores back home. Brazilians are frantic shoppers, their consumption mannerisms remind us of Western consumption patterns of a few decades ago, when opulence and excess was exhibited by a new booming middle class in the 50's. Store clerks are plentiful, with nearly a dozen people waiting to serve customers in every store or restaurant.
The cultural centre, Drago do mar, was where we spent most of our time, eating outdoors and listening to live music. Temperatures are so warm during the day that most people seem only to come out at night. The further we travel north the warmer it gets. It's currently winter here and we can only imagine how hot it gets during the summer!
In the city square we met someone from Rio who works temporarily near Fortaleza. After helping us with our Portuguese as we ordered our meal, he ended up joining us for drinks until midnight as he had to catch his plane back to Rio. He shared much insight about Rio and invited us to a local Samba party if he's in the city when we visit. The warmth and friendliness of people in Brazil has been exceptional.
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