The Brazilian Northeast is well known for its thousands of miles of a seashore that could be compared to paradise.

One little piece of it is Natal, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Its latitude is worth knowing: -05°47’42’’. That’s why its known as the city of the sun. You can also notice that by the number of shops which sell sunglasses. They’re an essencial asset to be with you all over the trip. Don’t forget them, along with your sun lotion!

In the summer, the sun comes out at about 4:30 p.m and, at 5 p.m, it’s almost gone. So, you should be a morning person if you’d like to enjoy this amazing town.

The main attraction are the moving dunes, over which you can take a jeep tour alongside the northern portion of Natal’s seashore. As soon as you hop on it, the driver will ask whether you want your tour with or without emotion (com emoção ou sem emoção, in Portuguese). In accordance wih your personality, choose the way you wanna get your ride. It can last a day, during which you’ll get to know the following beaches: Genipabu, Barra do Rio, Graçandu, Porto Mirim e Muriú.

On any of these beaches, you'll certainly see some houses buried in the sand, giving a notion of how moving they are.

In this tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to practice the famous “ski bunda”. It’s like a sand board you sit on in order to descend the dune. It’s kinda fun! The variation for “skibunda” is the “aerobunda”, which works as follows: very well tied and hanging on a cable, go down, until splashing in the water. It’s pure adrenaline and refreshing.

In addition, you must go to the city of Tibau do Sul, where you can get to know the Pipa Beach. Formed by high cliffs, that offer an amazing view, it’s a peserved area, with still virgin Atlantic Forest. Enjoy as well Cacimbinhas Beach and the Pipa Village, a good place to do some shopping.

If you are interested in Historical facts, go to the Reis Magos (Magi Kings) Fortress, built in 1598. It took a important role in the defence of the Brazilian seaside, since, at that time, there were a lot of invasion attempts, mainly by the Dutch.

Around the fortress, the city began to flourish. At first, it was called City of The Kings and, then, nominated as City of Christmas (Natal is the Portuguese word for Christmas).

Actually, the Dutch succeeded in one of their invasions, taking over Natal and calling it "New Amsterdam" from 1633 to 1654.

After this brief demonstration of historical, but not less important facts, the next attraction is the South portion of Natal’s seashore. Pirangi Beach is a must-stop, and don’t miss the biggest cashew tree in the world. You’ll be impressed!

Most hotels are at the Ponta Negra Beach, a great place to rest from all the tours under a tent and sipping a "caipirinha", drink made of lemon and "cachaça", an alcoholic beverage extracted from sugar cane. If you enjoy a little booze, you can't visit Brazil and not have one.

As far as food is concerned, seafood is the main course, but you can find a little of everything, like pizza and Mc Donald's, for example. If you love shrimp, try them with a Brazilian Cream Chesse called "Catupiry". For desert, the “coalho” cheese with “melado de cana” (dark coloured honey extracted from sugarcane) is absolutely unmissable.

And don’t forget to take some cashew nuts with you.

Written and contributed by Felixcatus
www.escritonaweb.blogspot.com