More from Beautiful Brazil

From my veranda somewhere off the coast of Brazil.

On the beach in Buzios, March 13, 2020.

Our first stop after Rio was Cabo Frio, known for its beautiful beaches, cool white sand and crystal clear blue water. As the three excursions were for activities in which I do not participate namely sunbathing and snorkeling, or a return trip to Buzios, I chose to stay aboard ship this 51st day of our trip. Shopping in any of these locales was not possible because it was Sunday. We were in Buzios in 2020 on a Friday so was able to take in the shopping, refreshments under the shade of stately palms and snap a pic sharing a bench with Bridgette. Very fond memories of Buzios.

I was listing, the Church was not. Note the thousands of ribbons attached to the railing.

View of Salvador from the hilltop at the Church

Days 52 and 53 were spent in Salvador, Brazil, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some 3 million people. It was founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese Empire. As we were entering the port we passed a fort that dates back to the early 17th century still in use today in some capacity other than as a fort. To me the beauty of Salvador was the blending of the architecture from the Portuguese, Dutch and Spanish. Our shipboard enrichment series included safety tips aimed to prevent any unpleasant experiences on shore. Some of it just good common sense, but still appreciated and helpful. At our first stop I noticed two motorcycle policemen in the parking lot near our bus. As we moved on throughout the city, so did these two officers, all day all the way back to the ship. Very much appreciated. On to the highlights of Salvador. First stop Bonfim Church another survivor from at the latest the 18th Century. Our guide explained that the tradition or belief here was to attach a ribbon to the wrought iron fencing by tying it with three knots and making a wish as each knot was tied. Done properly, your wish would come true. He also requested that our third wish be that he would become Mayor of Salvador. Inside the Church I spotted some of the Dutch influence - their famous blue and white tiles. Then it was off to the lighthouse via a drive along the beach.

After the lighthouse and beach. we drove along very well maintained parks and avenues through the area that was home to the Portuguese Royalty after their banishment by Napoléon. That was news to me, never knew that there had been royalty on our side of the Atlantic. Although one can find some remnants of the Dutch here and there, they don't seem to have been particularly appreciated then or now. Along the way we came upon a neat park with a water feature which was home to their Goddesses who according to the African beliefs protect them from all sorts of evil and generally watch over them. Five of the I believe nine Goddesses are pi9ctured below. Taken thru the bus window. Heavy traffic prevented us from stopping for a better perspective.

A better view of three of the Goddesses in one of the many parks in Salvador.

Salvador is a blend of new, old and very old; Portuguese, African (55%). Spanish and Dutch; flat land recaptured from the sea, peaks and valleys: wealth, middleclass, poverty and homeless. The economy is somewhat dependent on tourism, perhaps explaining the crime rate and homelessness. Throughout the tour whenever we encountered anything less than perfection our guide said that this or that would be resolved whenever he became Mayor. It was such a running joke that at the end of the trip as I was handing him his tip, I said, "A little something for your mayoral campaign." It took him aback at first until he realized I was playing along with his joke. Wonderfully informative excursion!

Sunset on the Atlantic

This Is Someday! Enjoy!