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.