Natal

Natal is a bigger city than we expected. Flying in at night was big, bright and comfortably warm. Our flight was rather delayed so we arrived at our hotel around 1.30am - the friendly reception chap who spoke not a word of English was waiting for us.

Although we could not see it, we could hear the ocean. It was beautiful. We set our alarm in time for the last 10 min of breakfast then made our way into town for a look around.

The town of Natal is pretty unimpressive - first impressions were not great. Months before getting to Brazil and ever since arriving we have heard amazing reviews about this place and Pipa. And when you make it down to the beach, you realise why. It really is stunning.

Just like Rio, the beach is graced with a wide, friendly pedestrian path - also used by motorcyclists, but they are quick to swerve past you. :-) They are littered with colourful market stalls run by such friendly people, that don't push sales, you want to buy from them all. I still can’t believe I did this – but today I bought a pair of those teeny Brazilian bikini sets with briefs aren’t quite a g-string but may as well be – to be clear I bought them for the top which is pretty cool and I have a pair of shorts that can be worn in the water. Unlike other bare backsides EVERYWHERE over here - mine will never see the light of day.

On our second night, it was a super balmy evening so we took ourselves down to the beach and went for a midnight swim – the sea was rough but warm and wonderful.

Looking forward to Pipa we have heard sooooo much about.