When in Salvador…
1. Eat Moqueca
2. Drink a Caipirinha
3. Go to Itaparica
4. Try Guarana soda
5. Listen to live music and dance in the street with the locals
Do not…
1. Agree to the first price they give you in the market
2. Ride in metered taxis, they drive you in circles (get one where you negotiate a price first)
3. Bring up George W. Bush
We arrived on September 7, which just so happened to be the Brazilian Independence Day. I spent the majority of the day walking around with a big group, just getting to know our surroundings. There are two parts of Salvador – the upper city and the lower city. The upper city is a mainly pedestrian area with shops, restaurants, and markets. To get to the upper city (the safe way) you have to ride this huge elevator thing, which is pretty cool. The streets were really crowded with people, music, and parades because of the holiday.
The following day I went to a Family Planning clinic and learned about women’s reproductive rights in Brazil. It was really fascinating. A few random facts:
1. 50% of the population in Salvador is 18 or younger
2. Treatment for AIDS is provided for free
3. It is common for girls to get pregnant at age 14
4. There are an estimated 1 million abortions a year in Brazil
5. Abortion is illegal except in instances of rape (and then it’s paid for by the government)
6. About half of the world’s population (2.8 billion) survives on less than $2 a day
On Tuesday night there was this crazy awesome dance and music festival in the upper city. There was live music, including a group of drummers who paraded through the streets all night. It was so much fun trying to pick up on the local dance moves – very samba inspired. Basically it was one huge outdoor party with the entire town and it was ridiculously fun.
On Wednesday Emma and I went to a tiny little island called Itaparica. It was a 30 minute ferry ride away, but it was so different from being in Salvador. The beach was beautiful and wasn’t crowded with tourists. We spent the whole day lounging on the beach, taking walks, and throwing the frisbee (finally!!!).
Other stuff – I finally met someone from the south. Not only is she from Atlanta, but she lives in Virginia Highlands and also dances! It was so exciting to talk about home for a while and some of the places we both go. We have actually been to some of the same dance conventions.
Eight days until Namibia.
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5 comments:
Where are the pictures? We are all waiting darlin'
hey ali
Ive been trying to perfect the Caipirinha, but Ive tried so many times I just end up drunk. I bet the Cachaca has a lot to do with it, so I will try to order some online!
Okay, so I'm a dick and somehow forgot that my best friend was just wandering around somewhere out there on the face of the planet, doing god knows what... But then I was comforted when I remembered you had this blog! I'm all caught up now... ask me anything. It sounds like you are having so much fun (my semester... not so good, but I'll talk to you eventually - I'm downloading Skype as I type). Hope classes are going well. This Blog was a great idea!
Allison!! I just read every word of your blogs. It sounds like you are having an awesome time! I;m so jealous. I miss you! I love you tremendously and hope you are doing well. Tell Emma hi for me! :-)
Love, Amy
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