Forro Band

A Forro (pronounced fo-ha) band. The music is typical in the northeastern region of Brasil. Word on the streets, it's origin dates back to the 1800's when there were hired British men working on the railroads would have parties. They would put up signs advertising the parties. Some parties were either for railroad workers only, some were for all - hence the name Forra meaning "for all" originated.

The Wonderful World of Retirement

Paul having a delicious treat on the streets of Pelourinho. Thanks to retirement, he do not have to deal with the cold winter months of Chicago - no more below freezing temperatures!

Fisherman

To be honest, I don't know what kind of fish this is nor what they're used for. I do know they're tiny and many fisherman seem to have them.

Barra Shopping Mall

There's several Malls scattered around town. This Mall caters to the locals and tourist of the Barra area.

Salvador Cruise

The busy Slave Ship Trade has now been replaced by busy Cruise Ships. Carnival, Royal Carribean, Celebrity, Princess Cruise, and Holland are just a few that visit the harbor.

Lighthouse at the Harbor Entrance

The lighthouse is located at the mouth of the harbor. One side is the Todos os Santos Bay, the other side is the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest bay on the Brazilian coast, covering 1100 sq km (425 sq mi) and containing some 38 islands.

Me and the Bianas

I felt very honored and proud when these Biana Women wanted to take a picture with me!

Baiana Women

A Biana Woman is basically someone who pratice the religion of Candomble. It is an African-originated or Afro-Brazilian religion, practiced chiefly in Brazil. The religion largely originated in the city of Salavador. Candomble draws inspiration from a variety of the peoples of the African Diaspora, but it mainly features aspects of Yoruba veneration. The Bianas are the daughters/son of Saints. The "keepers "of the religion. They make offerings to the Saint "Iansa". It is recommended that the offerings should be made by her daughters.

On a Budget

If you're watching your budget, restaurants like this are the way to go. All you can eat for R$8.90 ( about 4 bucks). They have a variety of foods - beef, chicken, fish, pastas, and a nice salad bar. The trick is to get there when they open at noon because once the food is gone -it's gone! - they do not replenish.

Hooray for Speedos

Speedos and thongs are a common sight in Brazil and not just on the Beach! Afterall, I believe the Brazilians invented them!

Acai Sorbet

The acai berry (pronounced "ah-sigh-ee") is a small grape-sized berry that growes in the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil. Natives of the region have harvested this berry as part of their diet for hundred of years. although the acai berry is legendary in Brazil, only recently has its popularity spread to America. This recent surge of interest in the acai berry has been aided by bestselling auther and anti-aging expert Dr. nicholas Perricone who has touted the berry as the "Number one super food in the world" and in appearances on TV shows such as Oprah.

It is very delicious and I prefer it as sorbet, however it comes in a drink (smoothie) too. You can add various fruits and granolas. I personally prefer it with just bananas.

Guarana is added to both. Guarana is another plant also grown in the Amazon reputed to be a stimulant and increase stamina and physical endurance.

It's sort of like having a double shot of healthiness!!

Downtown Street Vendors

The downtown area of Salvador is adjacent to Pelourinho. It is where the locals go to shop, however, the street vendors in front of the major stores seem to do just as much business.

Fruit Anyone?

If you're a fruit lover - you will love Salvador! Fruit stands are everywhere and mobile fruit vendors travel all over town. Banana, mango, pineapple, papaya, passion fruit, guava, and many others!

Sunset at Yacht Club

Tasty Street Food!!

Street vendors are everywhere!
Street Vendors are everywhere! This particular vendor was fanning the smoke through the crowd in Pelourinho Square. I don't know whether she did that to control her flames, or just to get our attention - it worked for us. We had the combination stick - beef, chicken, and sausage with a slice of fresh onion and tomato. It was very tender and delicious. The cheese was basically wanned over the flame until toasted.

Beach Changing of the Guards

Praia Do Armacao

Bahia Marina - Pelourinha

Salvador Brazil - Pelourinho

Praia

Praia, do Barra Salvador Brazil

Olodum Performs in Pelourinho

Last night we went to Pelourinho. The band Olodum performed in the streets (check them out in this picture and at http://olodum.uol.com.br/ or http://myspace.com/oolodum).

The crowd was thicker and louder than the crowd in DC. We had a great time but realized it's going to be worse than Carnival. I think I might be too old to handle a crowd like that. You literally cannot move, just move with the crowd - TOO CRAZY!  It's like Jamaica on steroids!

Met a real cool guy & his mother who have a home in Camumu, across the bay (google it).  They come into Salvador & stay during high season to sell their wares to tourist (hand-made jewelry,etc). They've offered their home to us to stay during carnival week. It's a ferry boat & bus away (a couple of hours). Camumu looks great, much more relaxed, but we plan to go see prior to carnival.  It's about 13 islands where many local Salvadorians go to escape carnival.  

Will let you know more...

Jacque