Rio Grande - our last day in Brazil

Rio Grande, founded in 1737, is one of the oldest cities in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. It's our last stop in Brazil and then we're on to Uruguay.

We were within minutes of docking when I woke this morning. The Vista was greeted with music and gaucho dancers on the pier when we docked. 

photo from our balcony as we arrive in Rio Grande harbor

 

The dancers were dressed in the traditional dress of the gaucho culture while being accompanied by 2 singers playing an accordion and a guitar.

 

 traditional gaucho couple dances - view from our 10th floor balcony

younger dancers in orange dresses

 

stopping for a photo op before boarding the shuttle

Being here for not even a full day, we chose once again not to take an excursion but rather take the complimentary shuttle to the historic Hidroviaria da Cidade (City Waterway Terminal) at Rua Riachuelo which was perhaps 15 minutes away. We rode past blocks and blocks of dilapidated and abandoned buildings as we traveled into the central part of the city. But when we reached the drop off point, things were generally much better preserved. 

We were also greeted by other dancers and musicians, and of course there was ample opportunity to purchase handmade crafts, jewelry and other souvenir-type items. The temperature is beginning to cool finally (high of 75 today) so it was not totally unpleasant as it has been in all the other Brazilian cities we've visited.

We walked through what they called a “market” which contained a few stores to shop (fishing supplies, gaucho gear, shoes and such) and a small food court. Then we walked along the water’s edge to an open air pavilion where fishermen were cleaning their catch and sea birds were waiting to sneak scraps. 

 

what's left after fish are fileted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

wishin' and hopin' to snatch a scrap

From there we walked a few blocks to the downtown area. Though still very old, the central part of the city was generally much better maintained. A few shopping streets were no-cars only and the ones that did allow cars stopped for us to cross at intersections even without stop signs or lights. 

 pedestrian street

friendly policia

  

 

We wandered in to a large Catholic church, the Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo. A historical landmark, it's known for its distinct Neo-Gothic architecture. No one was there except a few visitors like ourselves. I regret that I couldn’t get a decent photo of the outside but I was at the base and its spires were very tall.

 

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo

 

vertical view of altar

photo op I "heart" Rio Grande

3 boats rest in harbor

large fountain in Praca Tamandare (central square) 

 

Ronnie beside banyan tree

We've had a busy evening, first with an Oceania Club party and then dinner in Jacques, one of the 4 specialty restaurants on board. We sat with a couple from New Orleans. Just this interesting tidbit before I sign off for the night. They came from Russia to the US without knowing a word of English. She shared that both of her grandparents were doctors, her parents were doctors, she and her husband are doctors, their son and daughter are doctors and their granddaughter has applied for medical school. Whew! By the way, their son and daughter are both oncologists in The Woodlands. I guess the whole family could raise their hand if someone asked "is there a doctor in the house?" lol

Thanks for following along!