The forecast called for thunderstorms but the only rain we encountered was at sail-in which granted us a full rainbow as we pulled into the city.

Many of the Fortaleza tours centered around the beaches and it was tempting. But since this was a new port, we decided to get on the shuttle bus for the 30-minute ride from the port to the Central Market and wander. For me, the most interesting thing about the market was the architecture, mainly the maze of stairs and ramps between the different levels of stalls selling things. Also, the buskers, Bosco, in his lectures told us to listen for hints of Medieval modes and the middle east in the music. Many of the settlers in this area were “new Christians,” Jews forced to convert to Christianity. They were not really accepted in Portugal, the inquisition was always suspicious of them, so they moved to Brazil and, as the inquisition followed, from there to the Northeast part of the country.

Across the street from the market is the Sao Jose Cathedral. It is fairly recent as cathedrals go, dedicated in 1978. It is designed in the “Neo Eclectic” style with decorative surface elements like moldings and cornices. My Architecture professor at St. Olaf College, Dr. Flaten, called it a “eclectic clutter” and on the outside I would agree. It was built massively, designed to impress and not reflect the 20th century. Inside, however, the lines are clean. White walls show off the beautiful stained glass. There is only a touch of eclecticism that enhances the effect. I’m glad I was not put off by the exterior, although, the promise of a cooler interior would have drawn me anyway. It was hot outside.

From there we took a cab to the Jose de Alencar theater. It has a neo classical façade, you go through it and end up in a courtyard and across the courtyard is an Art Nouveau theater with a Victorian era iron frame and sained glass. The seats are wicker, not upholstered, as a concession to the tropical climate. Unfortunately, all the tours were booked but it was a delight to wander.

From there we decided to walk the mile back to the Central Market through a shady square, visiting a small, but very active, church,

and past street market stalls. It was midday and people were taking outdoor lunches of grilled meat as we walked through the haze of woodsmoke and the smell of barbeque.

One of the things that struck me on the walk back and from the shuttle bus was the unintentional art of the electric system.

We got back soaking from the 90-degree heat and high humidity. I jumped into the shower and the pool, which, because of the sun, is bath temperature. I needed a cold shower afterwards.

At Sail out the sky was forming thunderheads that delivered a beautiful sunset.