Recife Island – by Gary

The city of Recife was first established on two islands straddling the mouth of the Rio Capibaribe and the Beberibe rivers.  The traditional financial functions of the CBD and the port area were located on Recife Island while shopping located on the adjacent Joana Bezerra Island. The many bridges linking these islands to each other and the mainland sometimes result in the city being referred to as the Venice of Brazil.

Recife Island includes a remarkable assemblage of fine old public and private buildings, many of which after many years of decline, have or are in the process of being renovated.  There is an excellent craft market at Marco Zero (the centre of town) that is more like an art gallery, with a very high quality of presentation and featuring talented local artists.  On Sunday afternoons and evenings the old town has a large outdoor craft market, food stalls, alfresco bars and dining areas, music and special events.

One Sunday evening we went to town with the Emily Graces and enjoyed a splendid meal together.  We Mojombos shared four traditional Brazilian dishes – our favourite one featured beef jerky, a Brazilians staple.

One of the city’s finest oldies!

Much of the old building stock has been lovingly renovated.

It is so European!

I love the little wrought iron balconies.

Many buildings still await renovation.

I thought the indoor craft market was sensationally presented...

.... and some pieces were stunning.

Live music on a Sunday arvo.

A street-food vendor.

Beer o’clock.  The Emily Graces are (left to right) Emily Grace, Kim and Tom.

Marco Zero as the sun goes down...

... and after dark.  Many of the buildings are splendidly illuminated.

Vicki and Kim, all grins between gnawing on some beef jerky.  Evenings are about the only time the temperature is really pleasant, but unfortunately much of the city is unsafe for tourists once night falls.

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