Olinda

Contrary to what might be assumed from the lack of recent entries here, we have not disappeared down a hole in the ocean, just been a bit busy.

In April shortly after our arrival in Brazil a side trip to the city of Olinda, founded in 1535 and a World Heritage site. It is just north of the more modern centre of Recifé and a two-hour taxi ride from our marina location at Jacaré.

We went with Phil and Norma (Minnie B), who were our guides and the trusted driver Benardo. There are numerous churches, convents, monasteries and ancient buildings some in a sad state of repair, which could take days to explore.

 Our initial visit was to the Church and Monastery of Sao Bento (presuambly not the inventor of Japanese bento boxes). Originally built in 1582, it was destroyed by the Dutch and rebuilt in the 18th century.
Presumably the Dutch, along with the British, took a dim view of the Pope's splitting of newly discovered lands between the Portuguese and Spanish.

The baroque interior of  the church is sumptuously ornate.
Brazilians are renowned as intricate wood carvers which in
ecclesiastical settings  are covered with gold leaf.

Around the city there is a lot of street art, some would call this graffiti, but it certainly brightens the walls up.

True fans of carnival have gravitated towards cities like Olinda which has striven to remain loyal to the values of the original pagan festival. Here the music is not the samba. Raucous street parades feature giant papier-mache puppets that caricature local or national celebrities. The leading creator of puppets, Silvio Botelho de Almeid, has his work exhibited in museums outside Brazil.

The cathedral is up a quite long steep hill. Some people find it a challenge requiring a sit down.

Or maybe it's just somewhere to admire the view over the city and across to Recifé.

Susan sometimes goes under the nickname Gertrude. We hadn't realised that one could be taught to be a Gertrude - we thought it came naturally.

The Cathedral enjoys a commanding position above the town. Unfortunately it was closed by the time we got there - unlike the stalls on the square in front of it - time for the first caparinha (drink based on crushed limes, sugar and a local spirit - very alcoholic).
Thus fortified we headed to the recommended restaurant - Oficina do Sabor for a sublime signature dish - lobster in cheese sauce served in pumpkin - simply delicious.
Taxi Bernado!