A few quick tidbits on Salvador
I'm having so much fun, it's hard to find computer time. Here are a few quick highlights:
Spent the day yesterday looking at museums, churches and art galleries - good fun. At breakfast we met Tony, an artist from London staying in our hotel. There is a pic of Tony proudly displaying the painting of Obama (with a daisy in his mouth) that he bought in the square here in Salvador.
We stopped by the Mercado Modelo.Located near the dock, it used to be used to import sugar and slaves. It is now a market with tourist trinkets for sale.There is a bottom floor where thousands of slaves would be shackled together. In high tides many slaves were drowned. Apparently Brazil brought over 4 million slaves. Oddly enough there does not appear (at least on the surface) to be any prejudice here.
We also visited Barra and Rio Vermhillio, two beach side communities. The beaches were pretty and also very populated (as you can see). On the beach in Barra I saw an old woman (maybe 70) in a string bikini and sooo tan. I think this is the model for the latest D&G ads. I was so horrified by the leathery appearance of her skin that I did not notice that she may in fact be a dwarf. I don't know - it was an alarming 30 seconds for me and I simply had to get photographic evidence for my sisters.
Last night we missed one concert we heard was going to be phenomenal. Discouraged, we skulked into Pelhourinho to see if we could find any music. Our luck turned around when we happened upon a concert by
Olo Dum a cultural organization focused on african drumming/dance. They were amazing. Kind of like seeing the Brazilian Extra Action Marching band. Loved it. And check this out - another Paul Simon connection. Olo Dum is featured in one of Paul Simon's albums. How do you like that BWardius?!
Tonight we are off to see a Candomblé ceremony then to check out some free concerts in the square.
