Brazil, the destination for this year’s world cup, was where we had our vacations.
The last two weeks were spent by the beaches of Natal and Pipa, the former a large city and the latter a small but bustling beach town spilling with tourists and foreigners who are now residents after being enchanted by its beauty.
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While both places are situated in the North of Brazil, it was Pipa, whose winding cobbled streets and pretty beaches really allowed me to feel like I was really removed from the realities of work and normal life.
I’d brought with me a notebook to scribble my thoughts into, thinking that vast expanses of waters and white sandy beaches would spark off countless pages of inspired writing – but I was wrong.
I’d relaxed so much that I’d literally disconnected from everything (with special thanks to the lack of public wifi in Pipa), and writing also took a back seat. I did pen down a couple of thoughts though, in one brief instant, and I’d wanted to share them with you.
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Pipa, Brazil (February 2014)
We finally left the city behind and fell into the rhythm of a simple life – one which involved views of endless coconut trees swaying in the wind; salty sea breeze blowing straight in your face; and turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean framed by a clear blue sky, interrupted only by dots of small white clouds.
Being in the northeast of Brazil, land of the Amazon forests, it’s easy to understand why the locals live as relaxed as they do – there’s something incredibly calming and peaceful about being by the beachfront, walking barefoot on the sandy shore, as the waves crash against the breakwater and dissolve into white foamy bubbles.
The ocean is never far away, and even if you don’t see it, the music of the waves somehow still reaches your ears, the melody of heaven.
In Pipa, where the small town is built on hills rolling up and down, where cobbled streets require you to look where you walk, the air is humid and the sun blazing hot.
Because the sea breeze picks up humidity from the ocean as it blows inland, your skin is almost always sticky and salty, just as everyone else’s.
Everyone has some degree of tan, the locals with their dark chocolate skin, and the foreigners, usually burnt and red like just cooked lobsters. Others have a beautiful golden brown, to the envy of everyone else.
Time passes slowly here in Paradise, and drinking coconut water has fast become a favorite pastime of mine – refreshingly delicious coconut water straight out of a green, round coconut.
Oh, of course, and reading my Kindle with the view of the ocean. I need no playlist of songs; the rhythmic sound of the waves is enough for me.
I stay mostly in the shade; because unlike most foreigners who lie under the sweltering hot sun looking for a tan, I turn dark too easily, too quickly.
When it eventually gets too hot, the heat an unbearable torture, I leave my shade and frolic in the ocean, grateful for the coolness of the water.
I’m hoping time passes as slowly as possible; this is a much needed break from work and city life; a necessary getaway to be disconnected from the stress and impatience synonymous with city dwellers.
The wifi doesn’t reach the apartment we rented; still it doesn’t really matter. I’ve realized i don’t really need Facebook or Whatsapp or email to survive; in fact, I enjoy nature so much more.
For now, I’m content with swaying coconut trees in the distance, drinking an endless supply of fresh coconut water, and the playlist of the ocean.
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says
omg I am so jealous!! it’s in the single digits here in NJ and I cannot wait for spring and sunshine. Looks like you had a lovely time though. 😀 <3
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Jess, trust me, Spring and sunshine will be there in NJ before you know it! I’m already seeing signs of autumn here in BA, and I’m like NOOOOO!!! I want summer to stay a little while more!!
melissa placzek says
Love your blog 🙂 This post was so fun to read. You’re adorable.
XOXO,
~Melissa
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Mel!! Thanks so much for stopping by, so good to have you here! And thanks for your vote of confidence!! Have a great weekend! xoxo Felicia
Bella says
Felicia, you look beautiful! I am so happy to have clicked on your blog tonight. Seeing these photos has allowed me to escape from the dismal cold and gray winter present in my neck of the woods and venture into a sunny paradise! Ah, the beaches remind me of the Caribbean! How I miss them! Thank you for making my day a little brighter, chica! By the way, do you have Instagram? Hugs from Roxy and me! 🙂
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Hey Bella! I love getting your comments, they always make me smile! And I’m glad the pictures of the beach brought you momentarily away from the cold and gray!! Unfortunately, I’m not a big user of Instagram, although my personal instagram is “felicialimhz”. Add me!! 🙂 Hugs back to you and Roxy!! Keep warm!!
cheri says
Amazing pics! Looks like a great time.
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Cheri, you’re sweet. Thanks! It was a wonderful time, thought 2 weeks passed by too fast! I want holidays, again!!
Grace Lim says
Wow Felicia – such lovely sceneries captured into your pictures.
Looking at the blue skies and waters in the ocean helps me to momentarily forget the sweltering heat you talked about in your post. The “coolness” brought about by the blue colour contrasted starkly against the brown earth which invoked “heat” – what extremities!
Thank God for the good breakaway for at leat two weeks from your city life and being closer to natural beauty of God’s wonderful creation!
It is great to be able to love and live life to the fullest regardless of where you are because every place has its unique beauty from creation. 🙂
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Mummy, i know, the views are breathtaking – of course the pictures also show the prettiest views (since I chose only certain photos), but still, the clear blue skies and turquoise waters are just….amazing!