Recharging the battery

Since arriving in Natal, life has slowed down a few notches (and I love it!). The crazy weekend in Sao Paulo in addition to the sum of the past month's exploring had left me dragging a bit and in need of some serious R&R. Fortunately, Natal and the northeast of Brazil is quite possibly the best place in the world to recharge for the next 3.5 months of life on the road. Yesterday I woke up early to go running on the beach at sunrise but didn't set my alarm early enough. I woke up at 5 and realized the sun was already up so then decided another few hours of sleep was the best thing to do. Got down to the beach a few hours later and brought water, cookies and a book and stayed there all day. I rented an umbrella and chair for a few dollars to help escape the wrath of the equator's mid-day sun. The beach and water were beautiful with the exception of being pestered by people selling everything ranging from coconuts to bookends to model ships. I was also surprised when a young boy plopped down on the sand next to me and started asking for money. I indicated that I had nothing on me, and he proceded to pull out a sharp nail from underneith his towel. The child was probably no older than 5 years old and I jumped from my chair more out of surprise than actual fright. I guess I made a scene because a bunch of Brazilian merchents nearby came over and told the kid to scram. I didn't see him again until I had packed up my things and was walking back to my hostel. He was throwing rocks in my general direction.

I don't know if it was the kid, my hostel along a noisy road or all the beach merchents, but I felt inclined to hop on a bus today and try my luck further south. I am now in Pipa which is about 1.5 hours by car from Natal. Pipa is a much smaller beach town and the beaches require a descent hike which the vendors seem to avoid. I'm staying in a nice room with a big bed and my own hammock! I didn't feel like sharing a large dorm room with other hostel-ers for the next few nights while I catch up on my book and rest.

Lately I've discovered a dining option that is helping me save some money on food expenditures. There are several buffets in each city that allow you to choose your food and then they weigh your plate before eating. This way a few strategic choices such as taking lots of lettuce or bread will fill you up without adding kilograms to the scale!

Tomorrow I am going to explore a beach that apparently is frequented by dolphins each morning. Off to read and then bed.