Ola Andrew, thanks for the upload. I really enjoyed your video. Brings back good memories of Ponta Negra- Although I have my share of criticism of Natal. I was usually off the beach when the tide was that high, but its hilarious to see the beach vendors using every last second to sell things. In terms of beach vender aggressiveness, Ponta Negra ranks up there with Salvador. Lost count of how many times I said "nao obrigado." Looks like the surf was rough as always your day there. Always impressed with how many umbrellas can fit in one area. So many hotels to choose from. Where and how long did you stay? I'm in Natal every year as I have a friend who lives in Parnamirim. Other than Jeri, never seen so many buggys in my life. Safe travels my friend.
Hi Brian, thanks for your comments. The tide times was a pain in these cities, it seemed to start around 11.30 and by 1 you had no beach left until around 2ish. If you wanted a long stay, you had to get there early. Even had a vendor try and stiff us by letting us rent chairs at 11 and by 12 he wanted to close up for the day. Natal wasn't my favourite city and Ponta Negra wasn't my favourite beach. I think the beach was kinda narrow and crowded, especially over Christmas when I was there. The water was rough too, which I didn't mind, but I think many photos they use to promote the beach must be photoshopped, can't imagine it calm. I stayed not on the main strip, up the hill and across the 4 lane road, there was some hotels there. Had a few food caravans parked close by for the evening which was always good. I never did the buggy rides, kinda wish I did. Probably wouldn't go back to Natal unless there was a purpose. The final nail was the airport, think I mentioned it was out in the middle of nowhere. Maceio and Joao Pessoa were more suited to me. I felt safe. Didn't feel that safe in Natal, nothing happened, but just had some bad vibes.
@@andrewsa3195 You sound just like me. I struggle to understand why Natal seems to be such a popular destination. Clearly, its not the beach or surf and not a place to hang out after dark. I wonder if Natal is so popular based on geography. Sitting between huge cities like Fortaleza to the North and Recife and Jampa to the South. Being a quick buggy ride to Pipa doesn't hurt either. Don't get me started on the airport! NAT is a white elephant built only for the World Cup in 2014. Longest most expensive Uber ride to the airport compared to any other place I have been. The sheer number of tour bus/vans in the area is always impressive. I enjoyed Fortaleza dos Reis Magos and Midway Mall also. Praia de Genipabu was the highlight. Glad I visited, but in no hurry to get back. Thanks for your detailed and entertaining response. Take care!
@@BrianBrazil Hey Brian, could well be the geography, though I know a few Brazilians who have visited there from Sao Paulo and wouldn't do so again, whereas Maceio and Joao Pessoa they would. I would assume it probably gets lot of 1st time visitors, but perhaps not returning ones, unless they have some sort of family connection there. Yeah the airport, haha I seriously thought for a period the uber driver had kidnapped us, the surrounds were just wasteland, then out of nowhere this big terminal appears. Real dodgy location, wonder how the airport workers get there who don't have cars. The bus journey must be tiresome for them.
