Glacier (WAGB 4) - Naval Cruise Book

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RIO JANEIRO DE V;

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Situated on and between nu- merous mountains overlooking the Atlantic and the Baia de Gua- nabara, Rio de Janeiro was one of the most picturesque ports we visited. Arriving in the middle of Carnival made it one of the most exciting, too. There was something for everyone in Rio, from sightsee- ing (in the mountains and on the beaches) to shopping - from swimming to partying. Rio was settled by the Por- tuguese in the 1500 ' s and was Brazil ' s capital for many years. Brazil began booming when it was declared a republic in 1889. Coffee, rubber, and sugarcane were the principle products then, and Rio grew wealthy serving as the commercial and administrative center of the country. The city is still growing and has more than ten million residents in its greater metropolitan area. The cariocas (residents of Rio) exhibit an easy-going lifestyle. Many pursue the good life in one of Rio ' s eight beach communities, including Copacabana and Ipen- ema. During Carnival, Rio ' s Mardi Gras celebration, the city lets its hair down and goes wild for four days. Some said our stay was too short, others, anxious to be home, said it was too long. However, no matter what they felt, no one will forget Rio.

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Our arrival in Fortaleza, Brazil, coincided with the opening of the Latin American bubble-gum rocl group Menudo. At times this made naviga- tion along the beach w ithout fear of imminent collision with a gaggle of euphoric 1 2 year-olds a near impossibili- ty. The rest of the times, the beaches and hotels provided a very tranquil escape from the rigors of 6 months ' work aboard ship. If you had had your fill of sedentary relaxation you could search for bargains in the maze of stalls in the frenetic Mercado Central This port of about 1 million people on the northeast corner of Brazil grew as a center for the export of sugar, carnuba wax, cotton, and salt. Today, lobsters and cashews are marketed world-wide, and are the most important sources of income. Still primarily a port facilities city - it is not a major tourist stop, though many fine hotels exist. With the right PR man, Fortaleza could easily become the Acapuico of South America. 78