Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Before I write about the ship and this really cool city I want to write about the man we met on the Metro in Rio. He was sitting next to me, older, dressed well and with the deepest voice. He turned to me and said," Do you have concerns?" I answered that I always have concerns but just needed direction re our next stop. We talked a little and then he started to sing a Sinatra song to me. The most beautiful voice! Then he told me that Francis Albert is his god. He had met him in 1980 . Then he launched into a short medley. Unfortunately our stop came but we were tempted to stay on and spend more time with him.
We joined the ship on the 4th. The Rotterdam is quite beautiful and we have met the most interesting passengers. All of them are far better travelled than we and so fascinating. All over the world is represented. Food is wonderful,of course, and even the entertainment. After a day at sea we are now in the port city of Salvador de Bahia. The old part of the city is called the Pelinho and contains literally hundreds of churches. It is still cobbled and all the buildings date from the 17th century and look it. It is pouring alternating with sun. We were greeted by a brilliant rainbow on our arrival. I am writing this entry sitting in an ancient building in the old slave section. The store owners have taken pity on us during the downpours. The streets are narrow and either head up at a 45 degree angle or down at the same. The cobbles are a bit slippery from the rain . Each building is a different color from every pastel imaginable. Overall it gives a very funky appeal. Lots of artists and craftsmen and cafes. No one else here but those of us from the ship and even most of those seemed to have abandoned the area due to the weather. It is about 80 with a similar humidity. At one of the shops we were stranded in, the young shopkeeper insisted on teaching Bert to play the tambourine to a Samba beat while he played another instrument. It was hysterical but a lot of fun. They really seem to be good hearted people. Yes, Doug, we are being cautious but things are going very well. The last thing to mention is that we went into the Franciscan Church. Nearly every single surface was covered in gold. Over 100 kg were used. Was the gaudiest thing you could imagine but.... I thought the franciscans took a vow of poverty. So tomorrow we are off to Maceio and hopefully a day at the beach. I love this internet place. Some guy is out in the street playing Samba instruments and the sun is out! Yeah!