Observer Viewfinder 14.8.11

[chokkie]

Can't get this at all - is it somewhere in south America? Brazil?

"Ever since ancient times, this port city has been a gateway for traders and explorers, including a famous Portugeezer who stayed a while longer than he bargained for. This rich blend of nationalities and religions - it is the home of the country's oldest synagogue and oldest church - made for a spicy mix. Name the city".

the four pictures are: (a) some rather unusual fishing nets lined up on a beach (b) a painted face with lurid carnivally make-up (c) two footballers - white shirt with a black diagonal stripe on the front, the bade says "Ace", and a birds eye view of bags of spices & nuts.

Thanks in advance, Chox.

[boxtops]

Rio de Janeiro (thinking of the Carnival)? what does the face look like underneath, can you guess if south american, indian, etc?

[scotman]

I would go with Rio de Janeiro

The football strip seems to resemble that of Vasco da Gama away kit. They are in Rio.

[boxtops]

We think it could be Goa - here are the pictures http://www.guardian.c...ure=377826449&index=0

[boxtops]

Vasco da Gama stayed a long while in Goa, too http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goa

[scotman]

Intersting

Oldest Brazilian Synagogue is in Recife; oldest Indian one in Kochi

[scotman]

Anyway, OP is looking for city-port. Goa is a state.

[chokkie]

could also be Cape town (South africa) they also have a team called Vasco Da Gama with a very similar strip - any thoughts?

[boxtops]

True - but it has port facilities, I have Googled and many sites include Goa in lists of ports in India.

[boxtops]

My reason for thinking it was Goa/India or one of the Indonesian countries is the fishing net picture.

[chokkie]

Yep, boxtops, I think you're right, it does seem to point to Goa, and the City is Vasco da Gama. Thanks to you and everyone, though, for helping me sort this one.

Cheers, Chox.

[boxtops]

Ah, Vasco da Gama city - good thought!

[chokkie]

never heard of it before - but you live and learn! Thanks everyone for your help today. Chox.

[sir.prize]

http://www.leelau.net...dia/fishing_nets3.jpg

[boxtops]

That's the ones, sir.prize!

[sir.prize]

^^^^^My link seems to point at Goa, india

[noodles]

Kochi (formerly Cochin), India.

[scotman]

Still doesn't resolve the info from internet that oldest synagogue is in Kochi.

[sir.prize]

scotman - this is interesting

http://en.wikipedia.o...ki/Paradesi_Synagogue

[noodles]

I think it is definitely Kochi. The oldest synagogue in India is the Paradesi in Kochi built in 1568. The oldest european church is St Francis Church, Kochi built in 1503. The Portugeezer who stayed longer than he expected was Vasco da Gama who died and was buried there in 1524, although he was subsequently dug up and brought back to Portugal in 1539. The fishing nets are so called Chinese nets which are local to Kerala, and Kochi in particular. The guy with the green face is a Kathakali performer, a sort of dance-drama particular to the area. The picture of the spices relates to the fact that Kochi has been a hub for the the spice trade down the centuries,

[redanvil]

Vasco da Gama died and buried in Kochi- India, later his remains were moved back to Portugal. Oldest Synagogue is also here. Spices,mask and fish net are from this area.