Paradise in northern Brazil: Preá

...not just for kite surfers🏄

After about 8 hours bus ride we finally arrived in the middle of the night in the idyllic place on the north coast near the tourist town of Jericoacoara, 300km away from Fortaleza. The mostly unpaved roads in the last section were partially completely flooded and the bus driver had to show a lot of skill and dexterity to pass them. Our arrival was also delayed by more than an hour. Thankfully, Barbara picked us up with the buggy despite the late hour, as there are no taxis there and the Pousada, which she runs together with her partner Alex, is located a bit further away, directly on the beach.

...you can also relax in the hammock on the spacious terrace even when it's raining....

The two of them and Peter have known each other for 20 years. I had only seen them a few times before, but I immediately found them very likeable. 

The enthusiastic water sports enthusiasts Barbara and Alex decided to buy land and build their own Pousada during vacations in Preá. Last year, they completed their work and left Vienna together with their two lively children, Amelie and Finn. I think it's a very brave decision, and in any case, a true adventure in every respect. Barbara, a psychotherapist herself, now teaches her two children herself, as the standard at the local schools is said to be comparatively unsatisfactory. What immediately stands out about Amelie and Finn is that they are very open, cheerful, and nature-loving. Some schoolmates from home, whose only real physical activity may be limited to a few gym classes per week, would most likely be filled with envy. The two practically have fun with sports or just playing around with the three dogs around the clock, who decide for themselves when and where they go for a walk;).

...there's always time to play!

Although Barbara and Alex are really busy, they took a lot of time for us to eat together and talk about ' 'God and the world ' . This gave me the opportunity to get to know the four of them better - I have really grown fond of all of them...

Since it is currently low season due to the rainy season, we were lucky to be the only guests and practically had the beach and sea to ourselves (except for a few cows;)).

I had my first experiences with stand-up paddling and had the best instructors you could wish for: Amelie, Finn, and Barbara. I have to admit that until now I didn't know much about this sport and - honestly - didn't appreciate it. But that has definitely changed, I had a lot of fun and it is definitely more demanding than you would think.

There is a lot to discover on a walk on the beach. In addition to seashells and crabs, you can also come across strange giant snails that can grow up to 20cm long.

We received daily visits from a small owl in the garden.

We visited the neighboring town of Jericoacoara with the buggy. For me, the drive alone was pure pleasure! We drove along the white sandy beach, past beautiful sand dunes, lagoons, and wild donkeys....

Jeri, as the very touristy place is called by everyone, definitely has its charm. In addition to water sports and horse riding opportunities, many nice beach bars and restaurants as well as cute small shops with souvenirs and clothing attract visitors. Worth mentioning is definitely a very delicious ice cream parlor.

From a larger sand dune, you can observe the sunset particularly well. At the right time, all interested people gather there.

Peter immediately made himself useful with his craftsmanship. If you know him better, this is not suprising. After all, the family also includes - as already mentioned - three adorable dogs, who were already hoping for a doghouse;). A blueprint for it was already available, so the project just had to be practically implemented. Tirelessly, the measuring, sawing, and screwing continued even in the heat - interrupted by heavy rain showers. Finally, the work was completed on the last day and it can really be seen!

Alex and Peter

The week in Preá flew by way too fast. We are really glad and grateful to have also gotten to know this side of Brazil. However, without Barbara and Alex, we would not have ended up in this dreamlike place, which is otherwise mainly visited by kite surfers,.

We really enjoyed spending time with Barbara, Alex, and the children.

Now we are heading back to Fortaleza for one more night, from where we will fly to Manaus a day later.