Salvador, Recife, FdeN Day 6
Salvador, Recife, FdeN
Day 06 - Saturday, December 17, 2011 - Flight from Recife, Pernambuco, BR to Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, BR
There was plenty of time to get ready this morning because our alarm clock was still on Salvador Daylight Savings Time. Instead of waking up at 7:00, we were up, showered, and at the lobby at 6:45. AH, the stories we can tell about the joys of travel!
After such a great introduction to Recife and very positive experience yesterday, we were greeted this morning with the fact that breakfast was not included in our package at this Accor Hotel. Our voucher said café de manhana included, our itinerary said breakfast included, but the supervisor at the desk, Thiaga Ribeiro insisted that it was not.
She said we needed to call the travel agency which does not open until 9:00 and we were to leave the hotel at 8:45. Carine Lucia, the desk clerk that had been so helpful apologized profusely but the supervisor gave her crusty looks indicating the conversation was finished. There was nothing Carine could do.
The idea that we will not have breakfast is not a big deal, but when you see something written on your voucher, you expect it to be true. Another word to the wise for travelers, even having your itinerary in writing and copies in your hand does not guarantee satisfaction!
Today is a travel day. Silvia was at the hotel to pick us up at 8:45 for our flight to the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha. The trip to the airport took only 10 minutes.
Sylvia walked us to the TRIP (small subsidiary of TAM) ticket counter and made all the arrangements to check our bags and to get our seat assignments. We said goodbye and thanked her for all of her help. On our list of hundreds of guides, she was in the top five!
Like Easter Island and the Galapagos, according to the Travelers’ Century Club list of loosely defined countries, F. de N. is part of the state of Perumbuco, Brazil. Because of its location and isolation in the Atlantic Ocean, it is considered a separate designated country.
We had plenty of time so we looked at a few shops and then went through security to our gate. The rain was pounding on the steel roof.
I bought water and a few pao de queijo, cheese bread and two cafézinhos, a small strong coffee (think double espresso). We waited for the flight to arrive to turn right around to take us back to the islands.
A gentleman sitting near told us that the flight had been delayed leaving but was now in the air. We had no connecting flights to worry about so we just sat back and read our Kindles and watched people.
TRIP Airlines boarded the flight at noon. The aircraft was an Embaer, relatively new and completely full. We pulled away from the jet way at 12:20 for our 55 minute flight to “Fantasy Land” according to the pilot.
From Recife we flew North/Northeast over the blue Atlantic. The flight was easy and at 2:30 we landed. F. de N. is on Eastern Atlantic time.
When we arrived we wasted no time in line as we had paid our Environmental Tax online. The tax ($131/person) was similar to the one we experienced in the Galapagos and helps to preserve the islands.
The baggage room was very tiny so gathering luggage was a challenge with our large flight. After getting our bags we were met by the Martur Noronha Coastal Azul Turismo Company representative.
He loaded our bags into a small trailer and as we waited for our two other passengers I took a few photos of the area. Our ride was a small 15 passenger bus. The driver explained our scheduled tour that will be tomorrow at 7:30 am.
We arrived at our Pousada Lenda Das Aguas where we would stay for the next four nights. The quarters are small, primitive, but clean. The good news is a WiFi system so both of us can work at the same time. The bad news is that it is very slow and might be impossible for me to upload the maps, photos, and journal for GarciaTrips.
After settling into our room, we got our hats, map, cameras, and walking shoes to explore the area on foot. We always prefer to arrive while it is still light so we can get a feel for the neighborhood.
Our trek took us to the commercial and historical center where we found several restaurants, a convenience store, post office and bank. On the top of one of the volcanic peaks was the Forte de Nossa Senora dos Remedios in almost complete ruin.
We climbed the black cobblestone paths and found a beautiful view of the harbor, a cruise ship, a strong sea breeze, and the surrounding islands of the archipelago.
After about 30 minutes of taking photos we found an ocean overlook bar and watched the sun go down. We toasted Bob and Susan wishing they were with us in this island paradise.
We stopped at the little store to buy water and then walked home checking out the restaurants along the way. We worked on the journal and photos and at 7:30 we went out for a hamburger and a misto; cheese, ham, lettuce, and tomato grilled sandwich.
At 8:30 we came back to the pousada and finished our work and when Gennie went in to take a shower she was greeted by a little frog, welcome to F. de N. We are hopeful that you will hear about our first day in Fernado de Noronha.
Accommodations: Pousada Lenda das Águas --- Meal: B
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Recife from the Air
Landing in Fernando de Noronha
Pousada Lenda das Águas
Forte dos Remedios
Praia do Cachorro
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