Joao Pessoa

Oi! Tudo bem? Tonight is our last night in Joao Pessoa.. It has been a crazy couple of days. We arrived on Wednesday and went to all the historic (and massive) churches in the older part of town. Our host, Wilson, then took us to the easternmost part of the Americas (only 2200KM from Africa, however far that is..). After a delicious subway sandwich (brazilians don't eat any veggies.. britt and I have been going crazy!!), we went out for the night at a cachacaria. Cachaca is to Brazil as tequila is to Mexico. This restaurant boasted over 1000 different types of it! After eating and drinking a bit there, we headed out to a reggae concert.

The next morning, we headed out to cokueirinho beach. To get to the beach, we had to drive down a long palm tree lined road that opened up to a restaurant which Wilson's friend owned. It was absolutely incredible and the beach was picturesque.

Side note: Northeastern Brazilians DO NOT like hot food. Whenever we ask for pimenta (hot sauce), they look at us crazy and then gawk at us when we put it on our food. As for when we eat it? We get stared at as they wait for us to die from the heat. It's pretty funny. Britt and I have been ordering the hottest food on the menu and it doesn't even compare to mexi food.

Anyhoo, we then went to Praia de Tambaba.. the only recognized nudist beach in the northeast. No worries.. we stayed on the clothing side. :)

The next day, Wilson took us jet skiing out to an island that only exists at low tide.. There were dozens of boats everywhere along with bars, tables, restaurants on boats and SO MANY PEOPLE. As the tide rose, people starting packing up for the day but we hung out in the water until the whole island disappeared. Wilson let the two of us take his jet ski out. Besides a bloody lip (thanks Britch), we had a great time and thought everything was chill.. Until we got back and realized that not only were we jet skiing in an illegal zone, but we were doing it in front of the coast guard. Apparently, you are supposed to have a permit to jet ski? As soon as we got back where our friends were, Wilson frantically ripped us off the jet ski and told us to take off our life vests and lay low. Hahahahaha stupid american girls. After leaving, we watched the sunset over their river. They have a traditional where everyday at sunset, a man plays the saxophone in a boat on the river. It was pretty cool but definitely a lot of tourists so it was kinda hard to see.

That night, Wilson took us out to a club on the beach. It was fun and we brought up the sun (it rises at about 4:30AM) and went out to breakfast. Brazilians definitely don't appreciate sleep like we do in the states.. But we're enjoying it for now. :)