A little harbour in Salvador de Bahia…..

First we thought we were in the wrong place. Only a door in what looked like a dubious neighborhood. Just the stairs going up… It was alright though. On the first floor was a good hotel with a fantastic breakfast room. And then the surprise was complete. When we came onto the general balcony of our hotel… the view was stunning: Blue waters with an old fortress, a little harbour, a marina, stylish barracks for mariners, the old lower town, the statue - Monument for the city of Salvador (1970) - by Mario Cravo Neto. We could have spend our time there, but there were no parasols and the sun was uncompromising.

The “Elevador Lacerda” takes you down to the lower town. There is the Mercado Modelo; a large covered market. It has everything a tourist could want. From mini birimbau’s to hand bags and beautiful white linen. Outside are even more stalls. The restaurants are on the first floor. 

The balcony of the restauant offers a view of the small old harbour. The food is good, everybody is friendly, the toilets are terrible. But just sit there and look at what happens beneath you. It is the perfect place to spend the morning.

People, most young men, hang around there waiting for the odd job. The poverty is obvious.

The old man sitting on the stairs just washed himself, top till toe.

Next to the “Elevador Lacerda” is the former palace of the governor of Bahia. Another world. Extremes that will never meet.

Nice Trip to Boa Viagem….

Another sunny day in the north east of Brazil. The long beach of Recife is named Boa Viagem (Nice Trip). On a day like this the beach is full of people. 

Choose a chair and sit down. The man who owns the chairs will serve you all day with cold drinks. 

Looking from Olinda – Where Mauritius of Nassau resided in the 17^th century – you see the coast of Boa Viagem in the distance.

All day “Vendedores” (sellers) walk along the water edge trying to sell their goods. All kinds of food and drinks, but also hats, suntan lotion, CD’s….  

Two “Repentistas” come to sing for us. Say a word and they will improvise for you.

At some places the beach dives steep into the sea…. The “vendedores” struggle to keep their carts out of the water.

The evening comes early. Even earlier because large apartment blocs cast their shadows over the beach. They are reflected in the retreating water on the beach. 

A large dead sea turtle is washed ashore. The men of the city cleaning take it away.

The sun bathers call it a day. The sellers get their things together to leave for their homes.

Some people stay to enjoy the fading light. Around 6 the sun sets and everything will be dark. 

See also: Brazilian beaches on Flickr