Fortaleza is a city of some 2 million inhabitants, and is Brazils 4th largest metropolis. The sea front looks more like somewhere in America, being lined by tower blocks. However, behind them is not so salubrious.
It was hot when we arrived there, at some 30 degrees C, with high humidity. Not very comfortable. We had decided not to do a tour, but to take the shuttle bus into the centre. Its terminus was at the central market. If one imagines an old fashioned outdoor market in England, and then transposed into a three story building, then that is the place. Food stalls on the first floor, then two floors of textiles. All arranged around the outside of the building, with walkways. It is definitely aimed at the Brazilian tourists, as this is Fortalezas raison d'etre. It is principally a holiday city for Brazilians who live inland in this vast country. We bought four tins of local lemonade(big spenders!) to miz with the Pimms we brought on board with us. (and very good it was too.
After we had strolled around the market (which is not airconditioned), but because of its construction was not unpleasantly hot, we moved on to walk up to the cathedral. That move was unpleasant. The cathedral is large and airy,and unlike a roman catholic cathyedral we have seen anywhere else. It was built some 80 years ago, and the outside is reminiscent of such structures in FRance and elsewhere, built in the heyday of cathedral building. It is builtof concrete though. Inside is very different, being very plain and painted white. the most remarkable part is the wonderful stain glass, which really glowed with the sun coming through. There was a service going on, but even the participants were coming and going. The music was almost pop like and very enjoyable, as the accoustics were excellent.
We wanted to go to the beach, but unless we took a taxi, the police would not let us. They were turning people who tried to walk there back. Apparently, the route lay through a very poor and possibly dangerous part of the town.
By now, though, the heat and humidity was beginning to take its toll, and we decided to take the shuttle bus back to the ship(in time for lunch!). Fortunately, we did get to see some of the seaside, as the route back was different to the route in, and we drove along the coast back to the ship.
Fortaleza was certainly a better port of call than Mindelo. Arriving on a Sunday meant that many places were closed, such as shops and museums, but the heat and humidity was oppressive.
Since leaving Fortaleza, the sea has gone calm. Today no white caps at all. It is though, very hot outside, with the temperature at 9am being 29degrees C (the sea temperature apparently is 32C)
Salvador is the next stop, in two days time