Maceio Brazil March 30, 2010

We actually were also here 2 years ago. essentially a beach town with gorgeous turquoise water, white sand and really brightly colored sailboats on the shore .this time we have come into town on a shuttle bus to beat the heat- it is in the 90s. We have an outbreak of norovirus onboard starting yesterday so passengers and staff are starting to become quarintined. They are presing different staff into serving the food as even the waiters are affected. Essentially you are confined to your cabin for 4-5 days. they take away your key so you cannot get out. If it gets too bad they will not allow the ship into the ports. In addition we found out last night that many people were robbed even with a knife to their throats in Salvador. We saw nothing of this but we are now doubly aware of our surroundings, not that it will curtail us. Thank you for your comments. I love to read them. The keyboards in these internet cafes leave a bit to be desired so thats why it may be hard to read.

Salvador Bahia Brazil

Palm sunday in Salvador. A giant mass on the old city plaza with thousands of the faithful. Carrying umbrellas from the alternating heat and showers. We toured the St Francis Church, interior totally coverd in real gold. The most gaudy, ornate church I,ve ever seen. It was built by the African slaves who were not alllowed to worship there. To retaliate they made the cherubs faces somewhat grotesque, with giant phalluses for the boys and the girls pregnant looking. Last century they started to cover them up but still fun to look for them. A colorful old crumbling city. Second time here. We are natives! Sea day tomorrow . Loved the drum boys. A man also made a flower for me from palms. An appropriate souvenir for today.

Ilheus, Brazil

Finally a day late we reached Rio. too late to see anything but, wonder of wonders, our bags also made it! I could have kissed them. It was so obvious the airline peoplewere not going out of their way to find them. All in all though we found American Air to be great.
We got on board the Veendam to find our room, 219, located on the aft with a large balcony with 2 chairs and 2 large loungers. As close to heaven as you can get!
Our departure from Rio was a little late so it was dark. One of the 10 most beautiful ports in the world. Still great even in the dark. Onnnnn the 26th we had a sea day. I attended lectures on digital photography.
Today we are in Ilheus. a city next to the most beautiful beaches with 222,000 people. Quite lovely. the home of the famous author/Jorge Amado author of Dona Flores and her 2 husbands among others. At his house we were happy to run into a great older man who was a storyteller. He acted out the story of the city.From its begininngs as a cacao plantation site with its colonels and their slaves. A women from the ship happened to be there and she animatedly translated. It was the highlight of the day. Very funny.
The temp is at least 90 with similar humidity with relief from some breezes. The people seem quite affable. the internet is cheap at about a dollar an hour. We are just wandering around enjoying ourselves and taking it all in. This is just what I would want in a Brazillian city. Tomorrow Salvador. It will be Palm Sunday so maybe interesting. Outside here on the plaza the young men demonstrate capoeira which is a form of fighting and dancing. Almost looks like martial arts.

Brazil

Well we are off for 5 weeks to Brazil and a long cruise on the HAL Veendam which will wind its way from Rio , up the coast of Brazil, up and down the Amazon, onto the Caribbean and then up the US coast to NYC after 31 days. Off to an inauspicious start. The Boston bound train was late, then the first plane to Miami was delayed, we were transferred to a NYC plane which also was aborted,and finally back to the original Miami flight. Today instead of Rio, we are in Miami having arrived during the wee hours without luggage. Our main concern now is to find it before we board the ship tomorrow in Rio. In all these travels this is the first lost luggage. American Air has done their best, but it may be a long time before it works its way to us. Fingers are crossed and they have put us in a lovely hotel near the airport. We try again tonight. Glad we saw so much of Rio 2 years ago as we will only see the rather seedy port area tomorrow. Hope I remember where the wine store is. I may need it. Oh well, the very best trips only get better. Meanwhile Miami is warmer than Rhode Island.