A Pleasant Surprise

We sailed into the Bahia de Todos Santos today and docked at Salvadore, Bahia in Brazil. I think most people were a little sceptical about going ashore, as we heard that it was very dangerous and lots of robbery and violence.

Much to our pleasant surprise, the city of Salvadore was a delight to walk around. First some history. It is the port city in Brazil in which the majority of slaves from Africa disembarked. The bay area is huge...one of the early visitors to Salvadore said the Baia was large enough to hold every ship in the world. Of course, that isn't true today, but it is huge.

Because of the slave trade, there are a lot of Black people living here today. They celebrate their past and there are many memorials to the Baianas. There are a number of women in the old town area that wear the traditional clothing. I had the camera in my hand and one of these women came up to me (towering over me I might add) and was vocal and challenging when I wouldn't give her any money. I hadn't taken a photo and I wasn't going to be bullied!

That was the only instance of anyone being less than polite and friendly. For the most part, we felt safe and didn't hesitate to wander the streets.

There are many artesanian shops in the old town area, and there was some surprisingly good art work and jewellery for sale. We also visited the Sao Francisco Monastary and Church that dates back to the 16^th century. The architecture and interior is of the baroque style, and it is mind-boggling. Every square inch of the walls, ceilings, alters, and niches have been intricately carved out of wood and then painted with gold. I can't imagine the cost of building something like that. Incredible.

We also saw a number of young men drumming in the streets and performing a dance that looked a lot like break dancing. There are quite a few drumming, music and dance schools in the area, including one that was supported by Michael Jackson.

We are back on board ship now and we set sail in an hour. We will be three days at sea, arriving next at the Amazon River on Sunday. I am so excited.

 ONE OF THE STREETS IN SALVADORE, BRAZIL. WE WERE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED AT HOW MUCH THIS PORT OF CALL HAD TO OFFER.

THE MONASTARY AND CHURCH OF SAO FRANCISCO IN SALVADORE IS AN AMAZING EXAMPLE OF BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE. EVERYTHING (and I DO MEAN EVERYTHING) IS CARVED FROM WOOD AND PAINTED WITH GOLD LEAF.

SOME BOYS STREET DANCING. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN A LOT AS THIS WAS THE THIRD GROUP WE SAW WITHIN THE DISTANCE OF A FEW BLOCKS.