Recife: The Venice of Brazil

• HelloOlá
  [oh-LAH]
• GoodbyeTchau
  [CHOW]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [NA-oh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-VOHR/deh NAH-dah]
• Thank youObrigado/a
  [oh-bree-GAH-doo/ah]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-SEN-sah/dehs-KOOL-peh]
• How are you?Como você está?
  [KOH-moh vo-SAY es-TAH]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [bane/eh vo-SAY]
• Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [voh-say FAH-lah een-GLEZ]
• I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-oo now en-TEN-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEu gostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [eh-oo go-stah-REE-ah deh veh ooh kar-DAH-pee-oh, poor fah-VOHR]
• I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo now KOH-moh KAHR-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-OO-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEu gostaria de pagar, por favor
  [eh-oo go-stah-REE-ah deh pah-GAHR, poor fah-VOHR]

• Help!Socorro!
  [so-KOH-roh]
• Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah ehm-BOH-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a Polícia!
  [SHAH-meh ah poh-LEE-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [SHAH-meh oom MEH-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstou perdido/a
  [eh-STOH pehr-DEE-doo/ah]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-STOH doo-EN-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Eu gostaria de comprar...
  [eh-oo go-stah-REE-ah deh kohm-PRAR]
• I'm just lookingEu só estou olhando
  [eh-oo soh eh-STOH oh-LYAHN-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [KWAN-toh KOOS-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [EE-so eh MWEEN-too KAH-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Você pode baixar o preço?
  [voh-say POH-deh BAHY-shahr ooh PREH-so]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [key OH-rahz sah-oh?]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh OO-mah OH-rah]
• Half past (10)Dez e meia
  [dehz ee MAY-ah]
• MorningManhã
  [mahn-YAH]
• AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [NOY-chee]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-TEHNG]
• TodayHoje
  [OH-zhee]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-MAHN-yah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [DOYSS]
• 3Três
  [trayss]
• 4Quatro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sayss]
• 7Sete
  [SEH-tay]
• 8Oito
  [OY-toh]
• 9Nove
  [NOH-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/um/a...?
  [OHN-deh FEE-kah ooh/oom/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl EH oh en-DEH-reh-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Você pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [voh-say POH-deh meh moh-SHTRAHR (noo MAH-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [KWAHN-doo eh oh PROH-ksee-moh (OH-nee-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom bee-LEH-chee (PAH-rah)]

Before the arrival of European settlers, the area now known as Recife was inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Caetés. These indigenous peoples thrived in the region, relying on fishing, hunting, and farming for sustenance.

Recife was officially founded in 1537 by Portuguese settlers who were attracted to its strategic location and natural harbor. The town quickly became a vital port for the sugarcane industry, which was the cornerstone of the local economy. The Portuguese constructed a series of forts to protect the area from pirate attacks and rival European powers.

In 1630, the Dutch West India Company captured Recife and Olinda, initiating a period of Dutch control in the region. Under the leadership of John Maurice of Nassau, the city saw significant urban development, including the construction of bridges, canals, and public buildings. This period, which lasted until 1654, left a lasting architectural and cultural legacy in Recife.

In 1654, the Portuguese managed to expel the Dutch and regain control of Recife. The city continued to grow as a major center for sugar production and trade. The Portuguese fortified the city's defenses to prevent future incursions and expanded its infrastructure to support its booming economy.

In 1817, Recife was the epicenter of the Pernambucan Revolt, a significant uprising against Portuguese colonial rule. Although the revolt was ultimately suppressed, it was a precursor to the larger movements for independence that would sweep across Brazil in the following decades.

After Brazil declared its independence from Portugal in 1822, Recife played a crucial role in the Confederation of the Equator in 1824. This was a separatist movement in the northeastern provinces, including Pernambuco, which sought greater autonomy from the central government. The movement was eventually quashed, but it highlighted the region's strong desire for self-governance.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw rapid industrialization and urbanization in Recife. The city expanded its infrastructure, including the development of railways, ports, and public services. This period also saw a significant influx of immigrants from Europe and the Middle East, contributing to the city's diverse cultural fabric.

In recent decades, Recife has experienced a cultural renaissance, with a renewed focus on preserving its rich historical heritage while embracing modernity. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, including music, dance, and visual arts. Festivals such as Carnival and São João are celebrated with great fervor, attracting visitors from around the world.

Recife is accessible via the Recife/Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC), which is well-connected to major cities in Brazil and international destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use ride-sharing services to reach the city center. There are also various bus routes that connect the airport to different parts of Recife.

Recife offers a variety of transportation options, including buses, metro, taxis, and ride-sharing services. The metro system is efficient and connects key areas of the city. Buses are the most extensive form of public transport, but they can be crowded during peak hours. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available and convenient for getting around the city. Renting a car is also an option, though traffic can be heavy.

The official currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Recife. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are plentiful, but be cautious when withdrawing money, particularly at night.

While Recife is generally safe, there are areas with higher crime rates, particularly for crimes targeting tourists. Avoid neighborhoods such as Santo Amaro, Coque, and some parts of Boa Viagem at night. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items.

In case of an emergency, dial 190 for police assistance, 192 for medical emergencies, and 193 for the fire department. Recife has several hospitals and clinics, including private facilities that cater to international visitors. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Many pharmacies are available, and some are open 24/7.

Fashion: Do dress casually but modestly. Beachwear is acceptable at the beach but not in the city. Religion: Do respect religious customs. When visiting churches, dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Bom dia' (Good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (Good afternoon) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like tapioca and bolo de rolo. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Recife like a local, visit the Mercado de São José for fresh produce and traditional crafts. Explore the historic neighborhood of Recife Antigo, especially during the weekly Sunday market. Enjoy a boat tour along the Capibaribe River for unique views of the city. Don't miss the vibrant nightlife in the Boa Viagem and Pina neighborhoods.