We awakened our first day in Salvador quite late. We lost 2 hours again somewhere over the skies of Brazil. As a result, we got to bed very late.The hotel where we are staying was built in the 17th century. The colonial nature of this building and surrounding ones is surreal and feels like we stepped back in time..
After the most incredible breakfast ever here, our guide showed up to take us around. We have had for the most part fantastic guides but this one....not so much. He drove us to the water for a short time, we got out to look at the "Lighthouse" at the coast of the bay. This is the separation between the Atlantic ocean and the bay "Todos Os Santos"Salvador sits on.
Stunning views from the Lighthouse..
Then we drove around and the guide pointed out historical landmarks amidst the city traffic. The way he presented this was not very cohesive. Also he picked up his mobile phone probably 20 times during our tour. Even right in the middle of answering our questions! Very annoying..At least he spoke English..
Our guide did however, take us to a few churches which I can't even describe in words. The ornate decor in these Catholic Churches was an artists dream..I will try and pick out the best pics:
We then walked around the square very near our hotel..I was overwhelmed and on ornate overload by now:
The best way to describe this part Salvador is:
"it is a perfectly preserved urban gem from the 17th and 17th century, the capital of one of the grandest and richest colonial dominions in the Americas. "Pelourinho" , the historic district, has a wealth of richly decorated baroque churches, tiny squares and fine old colonial mansions."
The Portugese founded Salvador in the 16th century. By the 19th century, nearly 5 million African slaves were brought to Brazil to work in the newly discovered sugar fields. Slavery was legally abolished in 1888. Salvador is still steeped in African culture and the city is 80% black Africans. Many of the residents are stunningly beautiful with perfect skin. They are friendly and I notice alot of smiles. Folks here look very happy!
By day one can wander the cobblestone streets, by night African drums and music can be heard emanating from every narrow street you pass through. We saw people dancing and drumming in the streets as night fell. The energy of the drumming is palpable..As I listened, it gave me chills! Tourists latching onto the rear of about 40 women drumming made it look like a parade of sorts...
Stopping at a local little boutique was somewhat challenging but I managed to walk away with some traditional local garb consisting of a skirt and blouse. Very cool! Hopefully pics to follow assuming I do not eat my way out of the size I got!
We ate dinner on the terrace of our hotel. We ate the special Brazilian dish, "mocqueca"-seafood stew with coconut milk, lime juice, cilantro, onion and tomato sauce, ie; a myriad of fish drowning in fish stock. Along with rice and "mantioc", it was one of the best meals I have had our whole trip! And I am not usually a fan of fish..
The music and drumming went on until we went to bed. After fighting jet lag, I finally went to sleep at 1:00AM. We got up early and took our first run in 10 days! We made it almost to the water. We had to stay on specific streets as one wrong turn and we may end up being mugged or worse..a little tricky! The weather is gorgeous-temp in the 80's, very high humidity.
What we woke up to see out our window this AM
We found a laundry place where we had our clothes washed for probably the last time on our trip. Wow, it seems more real that we actually will be heading home in 11 days!
January 27th marks the day my "baby" Allison turned 30!! Wow I suddenly feel older indeed..:) I distinctly remember the moment she was born, I was one happy mom..She has grown into an amazing woman..I am so proud of her!
Tonite we are off to witness a " Candomble" Religious ceremony. I can't wait to see this amazing "terreiros"", which is the area of worship..more adventures await us!
No comments:
Post a Comment