On a roll now re blogs, and unfortunately at our last stop in Brazil, which we’ve been pleased to get back to again, although sadly almost marks the closing stages of the Oyster World Rally, and also has now been a time since we’ve been with the majority of the other Oysters, many of which decided (and unfortunately in our opinion) to give most of Brazil a miss and shot for the Caribbean.

Anyway, being the party animals we are none of that for us, and timing just so works out that the Brazilian carnival is on whilst we are in Fortaleza, so definitely a required stop for us! It also happens that Crazy Daisy are also here, so even more fun.

Although we did have an offer of 2 tickets to the Rio carnival form one of the other Oyster’s (thank you) but for some reason that escapes me we decided not to go, obviously not thinking clearly anymore as it had something to do with timing – isn’t that why we came on this trip to get away from timing and all its constraints & stuff.

No matter we still had a great time in Fortaleza with the exception of the pontoon – won’t be missing that any time soon.

Well the reports of the condition of marina from Woa-Woa-Wolfhound and Satika, who were here a few weeks ago weren’t too good, and turned out to be accurate and even though the marina is part of a 5-star hotel (umm, maybe not) it’s not been designed that well comprising floating rectangular steel tanks coupled together with chain and secured to piles on one side, hence most of it twists and oscillates, slopes and with between 1 -2 feet gaps, and a ramp that when the tide goes out it slops at about an 60 degree angle with one half being like a slide, you trying doing that sober let alone after a few drinks. whilst the stern-to mooring ain’t the best, meaning we had to use the tender on a pulley system to get between the yacht and the pontoon – Trish seriously not happy and looking like she’e completed trashed as she staggers along the pontoon – should have taken a video! I wasn’t the only one, Paul who was on the pontoon wanted his IPad, I passed it to Nelius who was passed it to Paul who by this time was in the tender and as usual not really being that careful, a couple of oh shits later and a dash and scramble hanging over the side of the tender  waving arms frantically in the revolting water his IPad along with its pink case swayed to the bottom, not to be beaten in he goes, thankfully it was relatively low tide, down he went, up he popped, half a dozen times – whooooo up he pops with IPad and pink case in hand, shower for both later, IPad safe and dry covered in rice in a sealed box, Paul ok except for the ear ache from the disgusting water he went playing in.  Hopefully the IPad will play ball and be working when it gets released.

Never the less, Marina guy, Amando, is extremely friendly and helpful and the pool at the side of the hotel where the marina pontoon end is very nice with beautiful ‘bikini up there bum’ Brazilian babe’s and good Wi-Fi, the first good Wi-Fi we’ve had in ages, and a live band who for most part are really good.

So after arriving late Saturday had a chilled out evening (meal in the hotel posh restaurant, which wasn’t that bad, although we must have had about 5 waiters all buzzing around and waiting on us – amusing), On the Sunday went to the bank and got a little shopping and had Crazy’s round for canapé’s on Babe prior to hitting the carnival scene. Taxi dropped us just near the main procession area, buzzing with people, stalls, including one that I just randomly went to to ask about getting into one of the stands to be given half a dozen condoms for the night! (clearly aware of my virility, however being the modest chap I am didn’t ask for more) – naa instead shared them out between the 6 of us, just in case!!

Now it may have been said that I’m strange, however decided to buy a bright green wig, which I kindly loaned to Ed……after a while we decided it was time to eat so had a walk down the road and by luck found a taxi rank. Following a bit of argy-bargy about if we could get a single taxi or needed two taxi’s a 6 seater turned-up and we piled-in, noticing across the road there’d been some agro and an injury with a guy being carted off in an ambulance….so as we were going along the roads Ed decided that the green wig was in fact a shaggy dog and started barking it to other cars and passers-by, very funny and quite normal?

Back to the Carnival after some snap, although this time in 2 x Taxi’s so a hunt for each party when we got there, but, and have you noticed how people with Go-Pro’s appear to like to hold them up in the air? There must be a comedy sketch in there somewhere, or even a name for these unfortunate people with this affliction (Ostrich’s maybe?), anyway Nelius happens to be one of ‘those’, hence was fairly easy to spot in a crowd, so we soon caught-up and then watch a bit of the carnival before Crazy’s went back and we managed to get into a stand a watch a few more processions. To be fair we weren’t expecting much, having been spoilt at the Sambadrome in Rio some years back, however Surprisingly it was quite good, with well organised floats and exuberant costumes etc and a great atmosphere!

So back in the real world the following day was mainly spent at the various authorities trying to check-in and check-out (wasn’t going to do that twice and sure there’d be flexibility if we slightly outstayed our allowed leaving time) – 3.5 hours later and we were processed for a 24 hour departure allowance. Afternoon then spend trying to sort emails and more emails and all such stuff, a small proportion of which we managed. Crazy decide to also leave, but we thought we’d hang around for a bit longer as, with the exception of the pontoon, were quite enjoying it!

Another night out at a flash restaurant down the beach strip and more work round the pool the next day eventually set sail at 11am on the Wednesday (5^th), racing to get out whlst the tide was falling (and noting that Babe actually rested on the bottom at low tide, so didn’t want to get stuck and have to wait until the evening high tide.

OK that’s it for Brazil, now on our way to the Caribbean, although may stop-off at Devils Island off Guyana (Pappion), lets see how it goes….

Luv & hugs,

Paul & Trish

Photo’s:

a)      The pontoon & marina hotel

b)      Ed the dog

c)       No tongues

d)      Carnival dancing

e)      Carnival procession

f)       Go-Pro Boy

g)      Brazilian Bikini girl – you too could look like this after a world rally

h)      Or alternatively like a carnival queen