Alligator taking sun

Today ends my first week in Jericoacoara. I’ve learned that the Germans aren’t the only ones with long words that mean a lot. Jericoacoara is Potuguese for “alligator taking sun.” The town is named after a large sand dune that dominates the North side of the beach. I’m careful to use my sunscreen, to prevent me from looking like the alligator taking sun when I return. So far, so good.

After 36 hours of travel time to get here, I’m glad I’m staying for a month and very glad I came. I flew from SFO to Miami to Rio de Janeiro and then flew back up the country to Forteleza. I was met by a 4WD taxi which took me the four hour drive across little towns and then 20KM of white sandy beach to Jeri. We only got stuck once. Some kiters helped us out by standing on the back of the car to add traction. After spending a week here, I feel like I have the potential to become a character in my favorite book, 100 Years of Solitude. Jeri feels a lot like I remember Macondo-time doesn’t seem to pass.

Wind! My first day sailing in Jeri was Wednesday. The wind lived up to its reputation, pummeling me and my overpowered 4.5Meter sail and reminding me I hadn’t windsurfed much for the last year. Humbled by the Brazilian women’s national team whipping back and forth beside me in their Brazilian thongs, pink sails labeled with their names and BRA, I hoped I wasn’t in over my head. First day aside, I have learned where to sail, how to sail in these conditions and even enjoy the waves. By the second day I was back to normal, in the straps and planing at very high speeds. And the Brazilian national team left. ☺ The adrenaline rush of that first plane was all I needed…to sail more and more.

Jeri the town is charming. It’s four blocks of sand roads (no pavement) are packed with restaurants, pousadas and sailors. I am also pleased by the number of happy and healthy doggies I see-there is even one who looks a lot like DJ. I think he would like it here too.