January 20, 2007
We finally are tasting some original Portuguese influences on the Brazilian coast in Salvador De Bahia (Saviour of the Bay). The pageantry begins at the docks where bright white sail boats snuggle behind a line of rocks ending at an early fort bedecked with palm trees. To get from the lower business centers to the Pelourinho (the historical centre of Salvador-preserved as Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO)700 feet above is made possible by taking an electric elevator which wisks one up & down. The town squares are surrounded by shops, churches, restaurants, & preserved 17th & 18th century homes & mansions.The streets are narrow cobblestone winding between brightly multicolored homes. Kids are every where playing drums. Carnival colored paper figures are already displayed next to balloon festooned shop doorways. This trail led us to the San Francisco Basilica that took 28 years to complete. Its rococo golden interior required over 300 lbs. of gold.Beautiful Portuguese tiles line the courtyard walls.Our last stop was a 19th century home of wealthy nobility set in a lovely garden. The mansion has rooms displaying original furniture, silver church & court icons, porcelain, and beautiful crystal pieces including chandeliers.
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