RECIFE, BRAZIL (Port No. 4, 1/16/12)

• GEOGRAPHY 101
          • Land Mass/Continent: South America
          • About Recife: Recife (re-cee-fey) is the capital of the State of Pernambuco in the Northeast region of Brazil
          • Estimated Population: The 4th largest metropolitan area in Brazil, with 4.1 million inhabitants; a major port on the Atlantic Ocean
          • Distance From Home (San Diego, CA): 6,069 miles
          • The Water That'll Get Us There: Atlantic Ocean

• ITS PLACE IN HISTORY/INTERESTING FACTS

THE "BRAZILIAN VENICE"

          • Local time: 
          • Recife is known as the “Brazilian Venice” due to the numerous islands and scenic rivers, canals and bridges that crisscross the city
          • It’s the 2nd most violent capital city in Brazil due to a large urban concentration of unemployed, impoverished people; surveillance cameras have reduced violent crime by 30%

          • They still have a problem with foreign tourists (mostly Europeans) coming here looking for sex, often with young girls who are desperate to escape poverty 
          • A swarm of 47 shark attacks across a 12.5-mile stretch of the beach resulted in Recife outlawing surfing in 1995 – if the land sharks don’t get you, the aquatic variety will!
          • Travel video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNMLsHJs2X0

• CLIMATE
          • Recife has warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year, but also has pleasant trade winds blowing from the ocean; it is located amidst a tropical forest, meaning high rainfall levels -- we are told "the sun is strong and unforgiving"
          • Average low for January: 77
          • Average high for January: 88

PORTO DE GALINHAS

• HIGHLIGHTS/THINGS TO SEE
          • Nearby Olinda (a colonial city founded by the Portuguese in 1537, and once home to wealthy Portuguese) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
          • The beach of Porto de Galinhas, 37 miles south of the city, has repeatedly been awarded the title of best beach in Brazil
          • Attractions also include Boa Viagem (beach), the Waterfalls of Prima Vera, Instituto Richardo Brennand and Casa da Cultura (music and dance shows are performed outside this cultural arts center)