I had heard so much about Salvador from other travellers and through travel books and websites - but nothing really prepared me for the intensity that permeates through this place and through the people. There is real soul in this place that is quite far removed from the dilapidated buildings and sleepy beaches that encircle this city.
Click on the link below to read on....
The day before yesterday was so surreal. We awoke after a hectic few days travelling by bus on brazilian roads (with brazilian drivers) and found ourselves in a samba class with a teacher who looked like he was the lead in Fame and other students who were just as good. Samba involves shaking your boombom continously and unrelentingly! It was SO tiring but SO much fun! We couldnt wipe the smile from our faces for so long!
After that Haley decided to get her hair braided (she looks gorgeous- and we cant work out whether she looks more like a tourist or less like one!). SO there we sat in a make-shift hair salon on a street corner on the edge of the town square (right next to a live samba band playing all afternoon) getting her hair braided by 4 African-Brazilian drag queens. Mona Lisa (the head hairdresser) spoke to us extensively in portugese and gave us style tips all afternoon. It was such a weird experience - but one I will never forget. And yes, I got a few braids done as well (but only a few!).
Its the people wo really make this place and we have been lucky to meet such great ppl in our hostel as well as out on the colourful streets. A lot of ppl think I am a local because of my dark skin. Men are very forward here and so we have learnied that it pays not to be polite all the time. Some of them really never give up.
We have been given lots of warning ab0out Carnival - dont take anything valuable with you, wear pants, drink lots of berocca in the morning etc! I cant visualise the madness until I[m there!
Anyway, its completely safe here and I feel very comfortable! We have been blessed in our travels everyday. God has put the right people in front of us at the right times to help us out and kept us out of trouble!
So much more has happened - but not enough time or space!
xox
Posted by Tanya at January 30, 2005 02:19 PM