Welcome to Salvador!!!
Oi (hello)! From Brazil!
Well, it’s about 0800 local time (2 hours ahead of EST) and here we are anchored off the shore Salvador, Brazil. Right now, we are awaiting our health inspection and customs approval. When I woke this morning around 0630 and made my way on deck I was stunned and surprised at what I’m calling “The Unexpected Skyline.” I never anticipated it to look like this. It is a beautiful, different looking skyline with tall, skinny buildings and a bright lower landscape clearly of the Spanish-Portuguese influence.
At around 0700 there was a rainbow over the ocean that touched both sides and you could see it clearly. I even saw some Brazilian Leprechauns swimming around the pot of gold on both sides… As soon as we get off the ship (it might not be till noon or later because there are 4 or 5 ships in front of us) I’ll be doing my best to begin to explore the city of Salvador, also known as Bahia. In this northwestern State of Brazil there is an eclectic blend of inhabitants. Two million thick with people, this city was the former capital until the middle of the 20th century when the government decided to move the Capital city to the South-Central region of the country, now known as Brasilia, to allow for population growth and promote the interior of the country. As a popular northern-coastal port, Salvador, I was told this morning, is like Tampa to Florida’s Miami. An initial stop on many South American cruise lines, the city has a unique layout.
There is an Upper and Lower city connected by a massive elevator (kind of like a NYC Subway, only it goes up and down). It costs 5Relis (about two cents) to ride this massive machine. These next facts will alarm some of you…but not to worry; it’s like any other place you go in the world…THERE IS RISK. Brazil is incredibly crime ridden and you can see someone kissing on the corner while the person walking by them is getting robbed. It happens; just as it does in NYC. With common sense and sharp eyes, most travelers have nothing to worry about. People on the ship have bothered me to no end. Yesterday someone asked whether or not it is OK to take you digital camera off the ship?!?!?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I felt bad for the inter-port lectures we had answering these ridiculous questions (Dr. Lillian Duarte – Brazilian Delegate in Moscow, Russia and Narra, a student at a University and resident of Salvador). Lillian and Narra reassured the crowd that even most Brazilians have digital cameras, and again, it is like ANYWHERE you go (including the US), there is risk in what you do.
Tonight I’ll be going to the Welcome Reception hosted by a Brazilian University (not sure which one). We were also informed last night that they found a SOCCER GAME!!! Sunday is the Bahia State Championship and it is the two best teams that are playing…should be quite the site (Don’t worry Mr. Richmond…I’ll talk LOTS of pictures!).
Well, I’ve got to get ready for all this! Much to do before disembarking!
P.S. There is an internet café that I’ll be visiting and once there will be uploading at least 50 pictures or so for all of your eyes to see! I’ll let you know as soon as it is up!
posted by Jeffrey Cole LeFrancois @ 6:32 AM
6 comments
6 Comments:
jeff,
i can't wait to see the picture of your bald head !!!did you get to see the pres speach?
love dad
Hi jeff,
loved your comment about "Brazilian leprechauns" ! very funny. I was a tad jealous about the visual (rainbow), however.
Looking fwd to your photos.
Also, great news about the soccer match.
Are you prepared to stand the entire game and dance to the beat of the drums ??? Go ahead and paint your face up, bring flares,etc.etc.etc.And JUMP, like your going for a header. Most people don't remember your famous BLAST of a goal at Preston, which deflated their team's hope of a shutout ... But i know you and i remember. And no one was more surprised or celebrated harder than YOU !
Hi to ALL.
DR
so tell me, what does a brazilian leprechaun look like? hope you're golden in brazil. sounds like a pretty awesome ride to go up on a
machine in the city. i can't really get a visual of this. hold onto everything tight, (haha).
can't wait to see all the pictures,
have fun. miss ya!! xoxo
Hey there you little shithead-
sorry that I have not wrote to you as of yet. I jus began reading all of your blogs and use your time to look at the beautiful brazilian women instead of typing for 2 hours, just kidding. Im very happy to hear you followed thru and now you look like a true LeFrancois-NO HAIR!!! I hope that all is well, it sure is here. Lauren and I had a wonderful time in NY city, the show was hilarious and our hotel was great. We spent sunday walking around and shopping all day, but did not have much luck. I hope your enjoying Brazil and if ur about to get robbed, chase that bastard until you catch him and put an American ASS beaten on him!!!!(just kidding) While visiting all of these countries be sure to taste, sample or simply consume as many differnt kinds of "exotic" alcohol drinks as possible. I truly believe that is the best way to see and learn about the country. (once again just a joke mom) Wee i hope all is well, and there are 18 days until the Red Sox begin their march to another world title, oh yeah be sure to enjoy that soccer match and if you can grab some sort of a souvenier from the game for me please do so, but if not whatever. Peace down south muchacha
your brother Joel
aww nyc subways. i wish they were 2 cents!!! remember the big picnic tables that used to be by the 6? man i miss you. can't wait to see pictures!
Jeff- I just heard your voice mail message about the Brazil game. I made sure that I saved it for Don to listen to; he'll get a kick out of it. I could tell you had no voice. I saw your mom yesterday at TJ Maxx and she related your ATM story to me. I hope all goes well with that. Emjoy. Take care. Can't wait for your next installment.
Love, Ei
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