Taking a break before completing my Atlantic crossing
Ask a sailor that has been to Fernando de Noronha what it was like and he is sure to shake his head and grumble about it being ridiculously expensive!
With the excuse that it is mostly national park, there are all sorts of environmental taxes to pay and while imported goods are understandably dear, I still can’t understand how a pizza can cost more than 25 Euro.
I’d done my research so it didn’t come as a surprise to hand over more than 50 Euro a day for the privilege of anchoring half a mile from the harbour (reserved for local craft only), but as I’ve not spent a cent over the last 18 days, why not splurge a little now?
I stayed two nights and have the following collection of photographs to share with you:
My Atlantic crossing is almost over so why not take a break, relax a little and enjoy the view?
Yes, I think it might be possible to unwind a little here...
I think it is relatively safe to leave Eileen at anchor given the nature of my immediate neighbours, and
Anchorage security Brazilian style!
it’s not so bad sitting miles away from the harbour jetty if you can convince friends to offer the occasional tow.
Frederica and Daniel making life easier for me.
Once on land, it’s easy enough to get around town. Either hire a buggy (very popular with the locals),
I thought the VW based dune buggy was extinct!
or hitch a free ride on anything that happens to be going your way.
A Massey Ferguson all they way out here!
While parts of the island are obviously very touristic,
Get your Fernando de Noronha plastic back-scratcher here!
the authentic and apparently colourful life of the locals is also in plain view,
Little houses... on the hillside... little houses made of ticky tacky...
even if they don’t always appear very willing to converse… 😉
Young local girl trying to ignore me and the camera. 🙂
This island is billed as a surfers paradise, but it appears the best breaks are not to be found on the sandy beaches.
Surf but no sand...
Not that I mind missing out on the surf if I can amuse myself otherwise!
Ouch!
But Fernando de Noronha is not all just surf and sand.
It was hit by lightning!
There are shady parks to visit,
Fancy a walk in the park?
and several local bars to frequent.
Having coffee and a chat...
Though perhaps a glimpse of the islands past is more to your liking,
Ruins with a view.
or something more spiritual…
Going to the chapel...
Either way, this island will not disappoint. Living here a while would certainly be interesting,
If only I could take a peek inside...
and I’m sure those lucky enough to have been born on the island feel they have it made…
Living green
But for the moment, I’m just an observer passing through.
I wonder where they are now?
With a little more time at my disposal I hope to change that or I’ll never hear the end of it from my sailing friends upon reaching Trinidad.