One of the most striking contrasts in Fortaleza are the various skin colors one can see there.

They range from the VERY white of recently arrived tourists (also the lobster red of those who either have never heard of sunscreen or just refuse to wear it!), through light skinned Brazilians, who perhaps came originally from the southern part of the country, where people have a much more European look about them, to the morena or darker skinned natives.  Then, there are the REALLY dark Brazilians, many of whom originated in Bahia.  They comprise the smallest group in Fortaleza in terms of skin color

In pure geography, there are Meireles and Iracema the beach areas of the city, as compared to Vila Uniao, and some of the other neighborhoods where favellas are a big part of life.

If you have never seen one of the houses in a favella, you have an experience in store that will bring you back to Earth in a hurry.  You will pause to say a silent "thank you".

The remarkable thing about Brazilians is that, despite the high unemployment rate, particularly here in the Northeast, they manage to bring up their families, have fun, celebrate weekends, eat reasonably and educate their children.

One unifying factor seems to be graffiti, which is pretty well everywhere.  And it’s not the kind we are familiar with from North America, where a great deal of what I have seen tends to be artistic and colorful

Here in Fortaleza, it seems to be almost entirely in black spray paint...just there to prove someone could do it! Lately, though, I Have spotted some really colorful and creative "wall art"!

In the beach area, frequently you’ll see new Mercedes or other very expensive cars passing pull carts with wobbly wheels filled with items to be either sold or delivered to one of the recycle companies.

And finally, on the beaches, the vacationing Europeans on North Americans sitting at their tables at the various barracas (pronounced baa-ha-ka) enjoying a cerveza (beer) and crab or shrimp, and the Brazilian vendors selling everything from cashews to bikinis.

As I mentioned earlier, the main thing that draws me to the Brazilian people is their joy in living, no matter what their circumstances.

Do many wish to be better off?  Of course, but it sure doesn’t keep them from making the most of what they have.

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