Recife

Recife is a north eastern Brazilian city with a population of about 1.5 million. It is the epicenter of African culture in Brazil. We only stayed in the city for one night but managed to have a reasonable look around.

What we did:

• We stayed in Boa Viagem, the ‘affluent’ beachside area of town;
• Went for a run along the beachfront. There are reefs just 15 metres or so from the sand that create calm pools for swimming. We were warned not to swim beyond the reefs because there are many sharks there;
• We caught a bus to the historical centre of the city in the evening. The bus travelled at 110km/h down suburbans streets - fun ride;
• We checked out the main square of the town. We wanted to have dinner at a restaurant called "The Bangue" which we had read about in a book called “A death in Brazil” by Peter Robb. We found the restaurant but that night the square was hosting a big pre-carnivale concert so there was no chance of getting a table. Instead, we pulled up some plastic chairs, ordered beers and watched crazy Brazilians dance the night away. 

Accidentally stumbled  upon a pre-carnivale party

The beach