Around the Horn

Day 14: Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

After our long stretch, which oddly enough seemed to fly by, we arrived at our first South American port of call, Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. A city divided into  'upper' and 'lower' districts and connected by steep streets and the famous Elevator, Salvador is a contrast in rich luxurious hotels and old historic buildings. Our handsome tour guide Luis narrated a sightseeing tour around the city with stops for photos at panoramic sites.

We then disembarked our air-conditioned motor coach to take to the cobblestone streets in bright sunshine for a walking tour of the historic district. Luis continued his narrative of the cultural history of Salvador, whose population maintains close ties to its African roots. We visited  the Basilica, where we were allowed to photograph without flash, and sat in the sanctuary while Luis described the architectural and historical features of this beautiful building. Then it was on to the
 St. Francis of Assisi ,where photography was not allowed while we again sat to listen to a narrative of the history and to marvel at the magnificent golden interior of the church.

After the tour Carol and I were dropped off at the Mercado (market) for some shopping, and for me to sample a cold can of Skol beer before the walk back to the Mariner.