Festival in Bahia

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Dear friends,

After our trip to Pantanal, we flew to Salvador, Bahia through Brasilia, the capital.  Unfortunately, I left my lonely planet guide at the dining table at the airport in my haste to my flight...I was quite annoyed because Joe brought Frommers which is not as good.  When we arrived in Salvador, my bag appeared open, with a buckle unfastened but I didn´t think anything of it.  Two days later, I surmised that a baggage handler must have stolen my board shorts (yes, Keith this was one you gave me).  I suppose I need to work on my detachment to material objects as I was quite annoyed, but that´s not why you are reading my entries.

People so determined to have a good time...

When we arrived in Salvador it was pouring cats and dogs, and our cab driver attempted to speed through the puddles in attempt to hydroplane.  We simply buckled up and sat back.  When we arrived in town at midnight, people were out partying even though they were soaked.  Joe and I have never seen people so determined to have a good time.  The next night we joyed in their reveries, as they celebrated a local holiday.  I quickly picked up samba and even asked women to dance in a place that we referred to as the sweatshop.  Thousands of people were out listening to bands all over the historical part of the city, pelhurino.  This is the heart of the Afro-Brazilian culture of the country.   Quite amazing... We haven´t run into Americans and we have been glued to world cup...Also my camera is on the fritz, so I may not have many pictures to show afterwards,  but fortunately, I have a small point and shoot camera with me.