Olinda: A Colonial Gem in Recife

• HelloOlá
  [oh-LAH]
• GoodbyeTchau
  [CHOW]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fa-VOR/de NA-da]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-GAH-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-SEN-sa/dehs-KOOL-peh]
• How are you?Como vai?
  [KOH-moh vie]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [beng/eh voh-SEH]
• Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [voh-SEH FAH-lah een-GLEHZ]
• I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-oo now een-TEN-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [goh-stah-REE-ah deh veh ooh kahr-DAH-pyoh/por fa-VOR]
• I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo now KOH-moo KAR-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-OOH-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEu gostaria de pagar, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-REE-ah deh pah-GAHR/por fa-VOR]

• Help!Socorro!
  [so-KOH-roh]
• Go away!Vá embora!
  [VAH em-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-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [eh-STOH pehr-DEE-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-STOH doo-EN-chee]

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

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh OH-rahs sah-oo]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [EH OO-mah OH-rah]
• Half past (10)Meio-dia e meia
  [MAY-oo DEE-ah ee MAY-ah]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-NYAH]
• AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [NOY-chee]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-TEHM]
• TodayHoje
  [OH-zhee]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-NYAH]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doyz]
• 3Três
  [treys]
• 4Quatro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Sete
  [SET-eh]
• 8Oito
  [OY-toh]
• 9Nove
  [NOH-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ON-dee FEE-kah oh/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-SEH POH-deh meh moh-SHTRAH/noh MAH-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [KWAHN-doo eh oh proh-KSEE-moh/ohn-EE-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)
  [oom bee-YEH-teh/PAH-rah]

Olinda was founded in 1535 by the Portuguese explorer, Duarte Coelho Pereira. It quickly became an important center for sugarcane production and trade in colonial Brazil, thanks to its fertile land and strategic coastal location. The name 'Olinda' is believed to come from the Portuguese word for 'beautiful', reflecting the area's lush landscape.

During the 17th century, Olinda reached its peak as a cultural and economic hub. It was during this time that the city became the capital of the captaincy of Pernambuco. The wealth generated by sugar plantations led to the construction of stunning churches and baroque architecture, many of which still stand today, such as the Se Cathedral and the Church of São Bento.

In the 1630s, the Dutch seized Olinda and established control over the region, which led to a brief period of religious tolerance and cultural exchange. The Dutch rule introduced new architectural styles and urban planning concepts. However, their occupation was met with resistance from the Portuguese, leading to a series of conflicts that culminated in the Dutch retreat in 1654.

Following the Dutch retreat, Olinda faced a decline due to the rise of Recife as the commercial center of the region. However, in the 19th century, the city began to be rediscovered for its historical significance and architectural beauty. Efforts to restore its colonial buildings and promote tourism have transformed Olinda into a cultural heritage site, recognized by UNESCO in 1982.

Olinda is famous for its vibrant Carnaval celebrations, which are deeply rooted in the city's cultural identity. The festival features colorful parades, traditional music, and unique cultural expressions, including the iconic giant puppets known as 'bonecos'. This celebration attracts thousands of visitors each year, showcasing Olinda's rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit.

Olinda is approximately 6 kilometers from downtown Recife and is easily accessible by public transport. Buses to Olinda can be caught from various points in Recife, including the central bus station. The journey typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Alternatively, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available and offer a more direct route.

Olinda is best explored on foot, especially the historical areas with their narrow streets and colonial architecture. The town is relatively small, and many attractions are within walking distance. Local buses also connect Olinda with Recife, and bicycle rentals are available in the area, providing a fun way to navigate the scenic coastline.

Olinda is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Areas around the historic center are usually safe during the day, but tourists should avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly during festivals or in crowded places. Stay vigilant and keep your belongings secure.

In case of emergencies, dial 190 for police assistance or 192 for medical emergencies. Hospitals and clinics are available in Olinda, and it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical needs. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, comfortable clothing due to the tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing attire, especially in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting churches, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do follow local etiquette by giving up seats for elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as 'acarajé' and 'caldinho'. Don’t refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it may be seen as impolite.

To experience Olinda like a local, visit the vibrant artisan markets where you can find handcrafted goods and local delicacies. Engage with local artists and musicians, especially during cultural events. Explore the lesser-known streets to discover hidden gems, such as quaint cafes and shops. Don't miss the stunning views from the Alto da Sé, particularly at sunset.