It feels like every single person in Fortaleza welcomed me with a cheerful “bem-vinda” at one point or another—and half of them probably actually meant it.

“Seja bem-vinda!” I heard every time it was clear I wasn’t from “around here,” an area that seemed to stretch from the beach to the mysterious interior of the state of Ceará.

And then, after the welcome, came the tips. Had I been to this beach? Tried that food? Was I enjoying myself? Did I like the city?

I never made it to the endless faraway, hard-to-reach beaches people mentioned, even though I was often invited to join day trips out with random strangers—“We’ll pick you up in the morning, don’t worry!”

And I probably didn’t eat everything people recommended, although bolo de milho was a clear highlight, along with goiabada and fish—and no, really, I didn’t even attempt the pineapple cut open and stuffed with ice cream.

I loved the people of Fortaleza. It was easy to chat with anyone, anywhere, anytime.

From another building resident who spent half an hour getting the facial recognition working with me on the first night to the bakery employees who kept slipping me extra food, the people of Fortaleza made my nine-day stay feel effortless and welcoming.

I mean, it’s fun to feel like you’re among friends.

To the people of Fortaleza, thank you—I truly felt welcome.