Early morning after four days at sea
Miles of high buildings we see.

Behind a bay that is emerald green
And from far away can be seen.

A city that from the distance appears asleep
As this early we hear no sound or beep.

We had not expected…
To hear from the Captain that the Noro virus was detected!

People try not to be shaken
And participate in precautions that need to be taken.

We hope not too many people are ill…
To prevent entering Brazil.

They say 1.2 million people live here
But almost as many high rises appear!

Internet access is near….
But Crown Princess network does not appear.

We were at ease when the cruising flock
Started getting into busses waiting on the dock.

Brazilian health officials could have been mean
And keep us in Quarantine,

But they must have said…
That we were no threat.

The city tour was revealing
And showed areas that were less then appealing

To our dismay…
We saw a lot of decay

From a distance the buildings looked new
But many are inhabitable and covered with mildew.

Colonial buildings are crumbling
And Olinda’s historical churches appear to be tumbling.

But the locals do not seem to notice this at all…
They are busy preparing for carnival!

The phrase “Brazil is up and coming” we lately hear
Will take awhile I fear.