Brazil

We are officially back from Brazil and we had a great time! Although we feel like another vacation is needed after spending 4 of our 9 nights at airports with Brad sick for half of those nights. Is there any flight that is not delayed? Brazil is a great country. The people are so friendly, the ocean beautiful, and the food so delicious! I could drink their fruit juices and eat their breads all day long -not to mention all the churrascarias (Rodizios). And I am officially hooked on their rice and beans. I just need to learn how the natives make them. Here are some of the highlights.

SALVADOR

We stayed at the Othon Palace Hotel in downtown Salvador, it rained on and off the first couple of days so we didn't spend much time at their fabulous pool, but the views were great. My favorite part about the hotel...the continental breakfast. Seriously the best breakfast I've had at any hotel...it was a banquet filled with fruits, meats, breads, cheeses, eggs, etc. Anyway, enough about the food. The hotel was really great and very American friendly.

View of Salvador from the hotel

Pool and ocean views at the hotel

While in Salvador we toured some of their famous spots. The elevator (provides good ocean views), the Barra Lighthouse, and the Pelourinho -the historic district. Salvador was one of the first settlements in Brazil in the 1500's and also served as the first capitol of Brazil. The Mercado Modelo (located just below the elevator) was the spot where all the slaves were brought to and sold. Which accounts for the large majority of African-Brazilians in the region now- most were descended from the slaves.

The Elevator

The Pelourinho

Barra Lighthouse & Beach -every touristy place we went to we were literally followed around by people selling necklaces and little boys begging for money. I finally bought some necklaces just so they would leave us alone. This man gave us a sob story of how he used to be a thief but was trying to lead a good life and needs us to buy necklaces so he doesn't have to resort to stealing. Nice....we helped keep a thief off the streets, well maybe not...we confirmed later that we paid way too much...we just wanted to help him out.

We spent a lot of time driving around Salvador and visiting many of the neighborhoods Brad served in. Although the driving part was a bit scary (people making up their own lanes, buses running you off the road) the sights were amazing. We visited two parks within walking distance of the ocean that actually have fresh water lakes and white sand beaches and the free Salvador Zoo. We also visited the favelas (ghettos) where the majority of poor Brazilians live. The houses are built right on top of each other out of really weak bricks and mud and other cheap materials. Thousands of people live in the favelas and Brad spent most of his mission walking through them and teaching the people.

The Parks

The Zoo

The Favelas -you can't see it real well in the picture, but the whole side of the hill is covered with the shanty houses.

But some do have ocean views.

Another highlight was Brad reuniting with ward members, friends, and baptisms. They were all so excited to see Brad and gave him the update on several of his baptisms. Unfortunately, some are not still active, but others are... like Alessandra. She is the only member in her family and is still a strong member in the church.

PRAIA DO FORTE
The second half of our trip was spent in the picturesque town of Praia do Forte, about 55 kilometers north of Salvador. The town is very small with just a few streets lined with brightly colored tourists shops and cafes. We spent most of our time at the beach and walking through all the shops. In Praia they have the Tamar Project -Sea Turtle Preservation that we toured. It was pretty cool to see the giant creatures close up.

Our Bed & Breakfast


The Town

All in all, my first trip out of the country was amazing. Although it does feel good to be back in America!