tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14062636371650669812024-03-14T08:34:30.659+00:00Projecto Brazil05.09.2008 - 26.09.2008Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-44438644960310631562008-08-12T13:52:00.000+01:002008-08-12T13:53:15.119+01:00Edw exei sxedon oti 8eloume na kanoume!http://www.rioturismoradical.com.br/Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-8311237390067803402008-08-11T11:04:00.000+01:002008-08-11T11:05:10.195+01:00Vaccinations BrazilBrazil<br /><br />Summary of recommendations:<br />All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.<br />Malaria: Prophylaxis with Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline is recommended for the states of Acre, Amapa, Amazonas, Maranhao (western part), Mato Grosso (northern part), Para (except Belem City), Rondonia, Roraima, and Tocantins, and for urban areas within these states, including the cities of Porto Velho, Boa Vista, Macapa, Manaus, Santarem, and Maraba. <br />Vaccinations: Hepatitis A Recommended for all travelers<br />Typhoid For travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels<br />Yellow fever Recommended for the northern part of Espiritu Santo and the western part of Santa Catarina; all areas in the states of Acre, Amapa, Amazones, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sol, Minas Gerais, Para, Rondonia, Roraima, and Tocantins; parts of the states of Bahia, Parana, Piaui, Rio Grande do Sul; the Federal District of Brasilia; and Sao Paulo. Required for travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas.<br />Hepatitis B For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months<br />Rabies For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to medical care<br />Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given<br />Tetanus-diphtheria Revaccination recommended every 10 years<br /><br /><br />Medications<br />Travelers' diarrhea is the most common travel-related ailment. The cornerstone of prevention is food and water precautions, as outlined below. All travelers should bring along an antibiotic and an antidiarrheal drug to be started promptly if significant diarrhea occurs, defined as three or more loose stools in an 8-hour period or five or more loose stools in a 24-hour period, especially if associated with nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever or blood in the stool. A quinolone antibiotic is usually prescribed: either ciprofloxacin (Cipro)(PDF) 500 mg twice daily or levofloxacin (Levaquin) (PDF) 500 mg once daily for a total of three days. Quinolones are generally well-tolerated, but occasionally cause sun sensitivity and should not be given to children, pregnant women, or anyone with a history of quinolone allergy. Alternative regimens include a three day course of rifaximin (Xifaxan) 200 mg three times daily or azithromycin (Zithromax) 500 mg once daily. Rifaximin should not be used by those with fever or bloody stools and is not approved for pregnant women or those under age 12. Azithromycin should be avoided in those allergic to erythromycin or related antibiotics. An antidiarrheal drug such as loperamide (Imodium) or diphenoxylate (Lomotil) should be taken as needed to slow the frequency of stools, but not enough to stop the bowel movements completely. Diphenoxylate (Lomotil) and loperamide (Imodium) should not be given to children under age two. <br />Most cases of travelers' diarrhea are mild and do not require either antibiotics or antidiarrheal drugs. Adequate fluid intake is essential. <br />If diarrhea is severe or bloody, or if fever occurs with shaking chills, or if abdominal pain becomes marked, or if diarrhea persists for more than 72 hours, medical attention should be sought. <br />Though effective, antibiotics are not recommended prophylactically (i.e. to prevent diarrhea before it occurs) because of the risk of adverse effects, though this approach may be warranted in special situations, such as immunocompromised travelers. <br />Malaria in Brazil: prophylaxis is recommended for the states of Acre, Amapa, Amazonas, Maranhao (western part), Mato Grosso (northern part), Para (except Belem City), Rondonia, Roraima, and Tocantins, and for urban areas within these states, including the cities of Porto Velho, Boa Vista, Macapa, Manaus, Santarem, and Maraba, where transmission occurs on the periphery. Transmission is greatest in remote jungle areas where mining, lumbering and agriculture occur and which have been settled for less than five years. Malaria risk is negligible outside the states of "Legal Amazonia." For a map showing the risk of malaria in different parts of the country, go to the Pan American Health Organization. <br />Either mefloquine (Lariam), atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)(PDF), or doxycycline may be given. Mefloquine is given once weekly in a dosage of 250 mg, starting one-to-two weeks before arrival and continuing through the trip and for four weeks after departure. Side-effects, which are typically mild, may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, insomnisa, and nightmares. Rarely, severe reactions occur, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, hallucinations, and seizures. Mefloquine should not be given to anyone with a history of seizures, psychiatric illness, cardiac conduction disorders, or allergy to quinine or quinidine. Those taking mefloquine (Lariam) should read the Lariam Medication Guide (PDF). Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) is a recently approved combination pill taken once daily with food starting two days before arrival and continuing through the trip and for seven days after departure. Malarone may cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, or dizziness, though usually mild. Serious adverse reactions are rare. Doxycycline is effective, but may cause an exaggerated sunburn reaction, which limits its usefulness in the tropics. <br />Long-term travelers who will be visiting malarious areas and may not have access to medical care should bring along medications for emergency self-treatment should they develop symptoms suggestive of malaria, such as fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches, and cannot obtain medical care within 24 hours. See malaria for details. Symptoms of malaria sometimes do not occur for months or even years after exposure. <br />Insect protection measures are essential. <br />Travelers visiting only the coastal states from the horn to the Uruguay border and Iguacu Falls do not need prophylaxis.<br />For further information about malaria in Brazil, go to the World Health Organization.<br /><br /><br />Immunizations<br />The following are the recommended vaccinations for Brazil.<br />Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity. Two vaccines are currently available in the United States: VAQTA (Merck and Co., Inc.) (PDF) and Havrix (GlaxoSmithKline) (PDF). Both are well-tolerated. Side-effects, which are generally mild, may include soreness at the injection site, headache, and malaise.<br />Older adults, immunocompromised persons, and those with chronic liver disease or other chronic medical conditions who have less than two weeks before departure should receive a single intramuscular dose of immune globulin (0.02 mL/kg) at a separate anatomic injection site in addition to the initial dose of vaccine. Travelers who are less than one year of age or allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single intramuscular dose of immune globulin (see hepatitis A for dosage) in the place of vaccine.<br />Typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travelers, with the exception of short-term visitors who restrict their meals to major restaurants and hotels, such as business travelers and cruise passengers. It is generally given in an oral form (Vivotif Berna) consisting of four capsules taken on alternate days until completed. The capsules should be kept refrigerated and taken with cool liquid. Side-effects are uncommon and may include abdominal discomfort, nausea, rash or hives. The alternative is an injectable polysaccharide vaccine (Typhim Vi; Aventis Pasteur Inc.) (PDF), given as a single dose. Adverse reactions, which are uncommon, may include discomfort at the injection site, fever and headache. The oral vaccine is approved for travelers at least six years old, whereas the injectable vaccine is approved for those over age two. There are no data concerning the safety of typhoid vaccine during pregnancy. The injectable vaccine (Typhim Vi) is probably preferable to the oral vaccine in pregnant and immunocompromised travelers.<br />Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for all those greater than nine months of age traveling to areas in Brazil where yellow fever occurs, which includes the northern part of Espiritu Santo and the western part of Santa Catarina; all areas in the states of Acre, Amapa, Amazones, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sol, Minas Gerais, Para, Rondonia, Roraima, and Tocantins; parts of the states of Bahia, Parana, Piaui, Rio Grande do Sul (including the region of Target); the Federal District of Brasilia; and Sao Paulo (see the CDC map for details). A yellow fever alert was issued in January 2008 (see "Recent outbreaks" below). Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for Iguacu Falls, but is not necessary for the coastal cities, including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Salvador, Recife, and Fortaleza. <br />Yellow fever vaccine is required for travelers greater than nine months of age arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas. The vaccine is also required for travelers arriving from <br />Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Sudan. <br />Americas: Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru.<br />In March 2002, an unvaccinated Texas man died from yellow fever after a 6-day fishing trip on the Rio Negro west of Manaus in the state of Amazonas. In 1996, a Tennessee resident died from yellow fever contracted during a nine-day trip along the Rio Negro and Amazon rivers. Yellow fever has also been reported from the states of Amapa, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Para, Roraima, Sao Paulo, and Tocantins. For further details on yellow fever in Brazil, go to the Pan-American Health Organization (PDF). <br />Yellow fever vaccine (YF-VAX; Aventis Pasteur Inc.) (PDF) must be administered at an approved yellow fever vaccination center , which will give each vaccinee a fully validated International Certificate of Vaccination. Reactions to the vaccine, which are generally mild, include headaches, muscle aches, and low-grade fevers. Serious allergic reactions, such as hives or asthma, are rare and generally occur in those with a history of egg allergy. The vaccine should not in general be given to those who are younger than nine months of age, pregnant, immunocompromised, or allergic to eggs. <br />Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travelers who will have intimate contact with local residents or potentially need blood transfusions or injections while abroad, especially if visiting for more than six months. It is also recommended for all health care personnel. Two vaccines are currently licensed in the United States: Recombivax HB (Merck and Co., Inc.) (PDF) and Engerix-B (GlaxoSmithKline) (PDF). A full series consists of three intramuscular doses given at 0, 1 and 6 months. Engerix-B is also approved for administration at 0, 1, 2, and 12 months, which may be appropriate for travelers departing in less than 6 months. Side-effects are generally mild and may include discomfort at the injection site and low-grade fever. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) occur rarely.<br />Rabies vaccine is recommended only for those at high risk for animal bites, such as veterinarians and animal handlers, and for long-term travelers who may have contact with animals and may not have access to medical care. Rabies vaccine should also be considered for those making extended trips to remote areas in the northeastern and northern regions of the country, where most cases occur. In the past, most cases of rabies in Brazil were related to dog bites in urban areas. However, since 2004, most have been transmitted by bats in rural parts of the states of Pará and Maranhão (see "Recent outbreaks" below). A complete preexposure series consists of three doses of vaccine injected into the deltoid muscle on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28. Side-effects may include pain at the injection site, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, dizziness, or allergic reactions. <br />Any animal bite or scratch should be thoroughly cleaned with large amounts of soap and water and local health authorities should be contacted immediately for possible post-exposure treatment, whether or not the person has been immunized against rabies.<br />Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine is recommended for all travelers who have not received a tetanus-diphtheria immunization within the last 10 years.<br />Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine: two doses are recommended (if not previously given) for all travelers born after 1956, unless blood tests show immunity. Many adults born after 1956 and before 1970 received only one vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella as children and should be given a second dose before travel. MMR vaccine should not be given to pregnant or severely immunocompromised individuals.<br />Cholera vaccine is not generally recommended. Only seven cases were reported for the year 2001 and none in 2002. Most travelers are at extremely low risk for infection. Two oral vaccines have recently been developed: Orochol (Mutacol), licensed in Canada and Australia, and Dukoral, licensed in Canada, Australia, and the European Union. These vaccines, where available, are recommended only for high-risk individuals, such as relief workers, health professionals, and those traveling to remote areas where cholera epidemics are occurring and there is limited access to medical care. The only cholera vaccine approved for use in the United States is no longer manufactured or sold, due to low efficacy and frequent side-effects.<br />In November 1998, a cholera outbreak was reported from Cortez municipality in the region of Mata-Sul, Pernambuco State, in the northeastern part of the country. The source of infection was thought to be the Rio Sirinhaem, which supplies 80% of the water used by the population. Another outbreak occurred in the municipality of Paranagua, Parana State, in March 1999.<br />Polio vaccine is not recommended for any adult traveler who completed the recommended childhood immunizations. Polio has been eradicated from the Americas, except for a small outbreak of vaccine-related poliomyelitis in the Dominican Republic and Haiti in late 2000.Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-57540961264350337742008-08-11T11:03:00.000+01:002008-08-11T11:04:39.752+01:00Vaccinations Rio De JaneiroSummary of recommendations:<br />The following recommendations are for short-term trips originating in North America or Europe and limited to Rio. For all other trips, please see Brazil (complete). All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.<br /><br />Vaccinations: Hepatitis A Recommended for all travelers<br />Typhoid For travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels<br />Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given<br />Tetanus-diphtheria Revaccination recommended every 10 years<br /><br /><br />Medications <br />Travelers' diarrhea is the most common travel-related ailment. The cornerstone of prevention is food and water precautions, as outlined below. All travelers should bring along an antibiotic and an antidiarrheal drug to be started promptly if significant diarrhea occurs, defined as three or more loose stools in an 8-hour period or five or more loose stools in a 24-hour period, especially if associated with nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever or blood in the stool. A quinolone antibiotic is usually prescribed: either ciprofloxacin (Cipro)(PDF) 500 mg twice daily or levofloxacin (Levaquin) (PDF) 500 mg once daily for a total of three days. Quinolones are generally well-tolerated, but occasionally cause sun sensitivity and should not be given to children, pregnant women, or anyone with a history of quinolone allergy. Alternative regimens include a three day course of rifaximin (Xifaxan) 200 mg three times daily or azithromycin (Zithromax) 500 mg once daily. Rifaximin should not be used by those with fever or bloody stools and is not approved for pregnant women or those under age 12. Azithromycin should be avoided in those allergic to erythromycin or related antibiotics. An antidiarrheal drug such as loperamide (Imodium) or diphenoxylate (Lomotil) should be taken as needed to slow the frequency of stools, but not enough to stop the bowel movements completely. Diphenoxylate (Lomotil) and loperamide (Imodium) should not be given to children under age two. <br />Most cases of travelers' diarrhea are mild and do not require either antibiotics or antidiarrheal drugs. Adequate fluid intake is essential. <br />If diarrhea is severe or bloody, or if fever occurs with shaking chills, or if abdominal pain becomes marked, or if diarrhea persists for more than 72 hours, medical attention should be sought. <br />Though effective, antibiotics are not recommended prophylactically (i.e. to prevent diarrhea before it occurs) because of the risk of adverse effects, though this approach may be warranted in special situations, such as immunocompromised travelers. <br /><br /><br />Immunizations <br />The following are the recommended vaccinations for Rio.<br />Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers over one year of age. It should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity. Two vaccines are currently available in the United States: VAQTA (Merck and Co., Inc.) (PDF) and Havrix (GlaxoSmithKline) (PDF). Both are well-tolerated. Side-effects, which are generally mild, may include soreness at the injection site, headache, and malaise.<br />Older adults, immunocompromised persons, and those with chronic liver disease or other chronic medical conditions who have less than two weeks before departure should receive a single intramuscular dose of immune globulin (0.02 mL/kg) at a separate anatomic injection site in addition to the initial dose of vaccine. Travelers who are less than one year of age or allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single intramuscular dose of immune globulin (see hepatitis A for dosage) in the place of vaccine.<br />Typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travelers, with the exception of short-term visitors who restrict their meals to major restaurants and hotels, such as business travelers and cruise passengers. It is generally given in an oral form (Vivotif Berna) consisting of four capsules taken on alternate days until completed. The capsules should be kept refrigerated and taken with cool liquid. Side-effects are uncommon and may include abdominal discomfort, nausea, rash or hives. The alternative is an injectable polysaccharide vaccine (Typhim Vi; Aventis Pasteur Inc.) (PDF), given as a single dose. Adverse reactions, which are uncommon, may include discomfort at the injection site, fever and headache. The oral vaccine is approved for travelers at least six years old, whereas the injectable vaccine is approved for those over age two. There are no data concerning the safety of typhoid vaccine during pregnancy. The injectable vaccine (Typhim Vi) is probably preferable to the oral vaccine in pregnant and immunocompromised travelers.<br />Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine is recommended for all travelers who have not received a tetanus-diphtheria immunization within the last 10 years.<br />Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine: two doses are recommended (if not previously given) for all travelers born after 1956, unless blood tests show immunity. Many adults born after 1956 and before 1970 received only one vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella as children and should be given a second dose before travel. MMR vaccine should not be given to pregnant or severely immunocompromised individuals.<br /><br />Recent outbreaks <br />An outbreak of dengue fever, a flu-like illness sometimes complicated by hemorrhage or shock, began in January 2002, chiefly affecting the state of Rio de Janeiro. More than 780,000 cases of dengue fever were reported for the year, including 2607 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever and 145 deaths. See the World Health Organization and ProMED-mail (February 8 and March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 31, 2002) for details. The number of cases declined sharply by April 2002. However, more than 250,000 cases of dengue were reported during the first seven months of 2003. Dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite primarily in the daytime and favor densely populated areas, though they also inhabit rural environments. No vaccine is available at this time. Insect protection measures are strongly advised, as below.<br />The largest previous dengue outbreak occurred in 1998, when more then 500,000 people were affected and all urban areas and all but four states/territories were involved. The southeast region was most affected, especially the States of Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo. The number of cases fell in 1999, but has been climbing sharply ever since. In 2000, Brazil reported 210,289 cases of dengue fever, including 40 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever. In 2001, the number of cases of dengue fever rose to 390,701, and the number of cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever climbed to 675.<br /><br />Other infections <br />HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection is reported, but travelers are not at risk unless they have unprotected sexual contacts or receive injections or blood transfusions.<br />Other infections include <br />• Leptospirosis (mainly urban areas; chief animal hosts are rodents, dogs, pigs, and mice) <br />• Cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (occurring in suburban areas in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo) <br />• Visceral leishmaniasis (chiefly in the Northeast) (see Jorge Arias et al., The Reemergence of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil (Emerging Infectious Diseases Vol. 2/No. 2 | April-June 1996) <br />• Brucellosis (the most common animal source is infected cattle) <br />For an overview, see Emerging Infectious Diseases--Brazil by Dr. Hooman Momen (Emerging Infectious Diseases Vol. 4./No. 1 January-March 1998). <br /><br />Food and water precautions <br />Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected. Do not drink unbottled beverages or drinks with ice. Do not eat fruits or vegetables unless they have been peeled or cooked. Avoid cooked foods that are no longer piping hot. Cooked foods that have been left at room temperature are particularly hazardous. Avoid unpasteurized milk and any products that might have been made from unpasteurized milk, such as ice cream. Avoid food and beverages obtained from street vendors. Do not eat raw or undercooked meat or fish, including ceviche. Some types of fish may contain poisonous biotoxins even when cooked. Barracuda in particular should never be eaten. Other fish that may contain toxins include red snapper, grouper, amberjack, and sea bass.<br />All travelers should bring along an antibiotic and an antidiarrheal drug to be started promptly if significant diarrhea occurs, defined as three or more loose stools in an 8-hour period or five or more loose stools in a 24-hour period, especially if accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever or blood in the stool. Antibiotics which have been shown to be effective include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), rifaximin (Xifaxan), or azithromycin (Zithromax). Either loperamide (Imodium) or diphenoxylate (Lomotil) should be taken in addition to the antibiotic to reduce diarrhea and prevent dehydration. <br />If diarrhea is severe or bloody, or if fever occurs with shaking chills, or if abdominal pain becomes marked, or if diarrhea persists for more than 72 hours, medical attention should be sought. <br /><br />Insect and tick protection <br />Wear long sleeves, long pants, hats and shoes (rather than sandals). Apply insect repellents containing 25-50% DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) or 20% picaridin (Bayrepel) to exposed skin (but not to the eyes, mouth, or open wounds). DEET may also be applied to clothing. Products with a lower concentration of either repellent need to be repplied more frequently. Products with a higher concentration of DEET carry an increased risk of neurologic toxicity, especially in children, without any additional benefit. Do not use either DEET or picaridin on children less than two years of age. For additional protection, apply permethrin-containing compounds to clothing, shoes, and bed nets. Permethrin-treated clothing appears to have little toxicity. Don't sleep with the window open unless there is a screen. If sleeping outdoors or in an accomodation that allows entry of mosquitoes, use a bed net, preferably impregnated with insect repellent, with edges tucked in under the mattress. The mesh size should be less than 1.5 mm. If the sleeping area is not otherwise protected, use a mosquito coil, which fills the room with insecticide through the night. <br /><br />Swimming and bathing precautions <br />Avoid swimming, wading, or rafting in bodies of fresh water, such as lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers. Do not use fresh water for bathing or showering unless it has been heated to 150 degrees F for at least five minutes or held in a storage tank for at least three days. Toweling oneself dry after unavoidable or accidental exposure to contaminated water may reduce the likelihood of schistosomiasis, but does not reliably prevent the disease and is no substitute for the precautions above. Chlorinated swimming pools are considered safe.<br /><br /><br />General advice <br />Bring adequate supplies of all medications in their original containers, clearly labeled. Carry a signed, dated letter from the primary physician describing all medical conditions and listing all medications, including generic names. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to carry a physician's letter documenting their medical necessity.Pack all medications in hand luggage. Carry a duplicate supply in the checked luggage. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring an extra pair. If you have significant allergies or chronic medical problems, wear a medical alert bracelet. <br />Make sure your health insurance covers you for medical expenses abroad. If not, supplemental insurance for overseas coverage, including possible evacuation, should be seriously considered. If illness occurs while abroad, medical expenses including evacuation may run to tens of thousands of dollars. For a list of travel insurance and air ambulance companies, go to Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad on the U.S. State Department website. Bring your insurance card, claim forms, and any other relevant insurance documents. Before departure, determine whether your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. The Medicare and Medicaid programs do not pay for medical services outside the United States.<br />Pack a personal medical kit, customized for your trip (see description). Take appropriate measures to prevent motion sickness and jet lag, discussed elsewhere. On long flights, be sure to walk around the cabin, contract your leg muscles periodically, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent blood clots in the legs. For those at high risk for blood clots, consider wearing compression stockings.<br />Avoid contact with stray dogs and other animals. If an animal bites or scratches you, clean the wound with large amounts of soap and water and contact local health authorities immediately. Wear sun block regularly when needed. Use condoms for all sexual encounters. Ride only in motor vehicles with seat belts. Do not ride on motorcycles. <br /><br />Ambulance services <br />For an ambulance in Brazil, call 193.<br /><br />Physicians and hospitals <br />For an on-line list of physicians and hospitals, go to the U.S. Embassy website (click on U.S. Citizen Services from the menu at the top). The costs of medical treatment are considerably higher in Brazil than in most parts of the United States for similar care or treatment. Most physicians and hospitals expect payment at time of service.<br /><br />Medical facilities (reproduced from the U.S. State Dept. Consular Information Sheet)<br />Medical care is generally good, but it varies in quality, particularly in remote areas, and it may not meet U.S. standards outside the major cities. The Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo is regularly used by U.S. Government personnel and other expatriates from throughout Brazil. The hospital phone is (55-11) 3747-1301.<br /><br />Traveling with children<br />Make sure you have the names and contact information for qualified medical personnel in Brazil before you go abroad (see the U.S. Embassy website). <br />In general, the recommendations for infants and young children are the same as those for adults, except that certain vaccines and medications should not be administered to this age group. Most importantly, yellow fever vaccine is not approved for use in those under age nine months. Unless there is an extraordinary need to do so, children less than nine months of age should not be brought to areas where yellow fever occurs.<br />Food and water precautions, which are recommended for all travelers, must be strictly followed at all times, because diarrhea is especially dangerous in this age group and because the vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid fever are not approved for children less than two years of age.<br />All children should be up-to-date on routine childhood immunizations, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children who are 12 months or older should receive a total of 2 doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, separated by at least 28 days, before international travel. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 months should be given a single dose of measles vaccine. MMR vaccine may be given if measles vaccine is not available, though immunization against mumps and rubella is not necessary before age one unless visiting a country where an outbreak is in progress. Children less than one year of age may also need to receive other immunizations ahead of schedule (see the accelerated immunization schedule). <br /><br /><br />Travel and pregnancy<br />International travel should be avoided by pregnant women with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or a history of complications during previous pregnancies, such as miscarriage or premature labor. For pregnant women in good health, the second trimester (18–24 weeks) is probably the safest time to go abroad and the third trimester the least safe, since it's far better not to have to deliver in a foreign country.<br />Before departure, make sure you have the names and contact information for physicians, clinics, and hospitals where you can obtain emergency obstetric care if necessary (see the U.S. Embassy website). In general, pregnant women should avoid traveling to countries which do not have modern facilities for the management of premature labor and other complications of pregnancy. <br />Yellow fever vaccine, which consists of live virus, should not in general be given to pregnant women. Unless absolutely necessary, pregnant women should not travel to areas where yellow fever occurs.<br />Strict attention to food and water precautions is especially important for the pregnant traveler because some infections, such as listeriosis, have grave consequences for the developing fetus. Additionally, many of the medications used to treat travelers' diarrhea may not be given during pregnancy. Quinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin), should not be given because of concern they might interfere with fetal joint development. Data are limited concerning trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, but the drug should probably be avoided during pregnancy, especially the first trimester. Options for treating travelers' diarrhea in pregnant women include azithromycin and third-generation cephalosporins. For symptomatic relief, the combination of kaolin and pectin (Kaopectate; Donnagel) appears to be safe, but loperamide (Imodium) should be used only when necessary. Adequate fluid intake is essential. <br /><br />Maps<br />Helpful maps are available in the University of Texas Perry-Castaneda Map Collection and the United Nations map library. If you have the name of the town or city you'll be visiting and need to know which state or province it's in, you might find your answer in the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names.Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-50614126306556613862008-07-31T11:49:00.001+01:002008-07-31T11:49:16.759+01:00Salvador da Bahia Sports TravelDiving in and around Salvador<br /><br />For those of you who enjoy diving or snorkelling here are some diving operators in Salvador:<br /><br />Dive Bahia<br />Av. Sete de Setembro, 3809 Porto da Barra-Salvador<br />Fone: (071) 264-3820 - E Mail: divebahia@uol.com.br<br />http://www.divebahia.hpg.ig.com.br<br /><br />Bahia Scuba<br />Av. Contorno, 1010, loja 12, Bahia Marina<br />http://www.bahiascuba.com.br/<br /> E Mail: bahiascuba@bahiascuba.com.br<Br /> Tel.:(71)321-0156 <br />Fax:(71)322-0044 / 9975-3839<br /><br />AQUATECH<br />Av. Otávio Mangabeira, 815, loja 15, Shopping Pituba Sol, Pituba Tel: (071)<br />1345-1933<br /><br />SALVADOR DIVE<br />Av.Garibaldi, 92, Garibaldi <br />Tels: (071) 245-6872 / 99836935<br /><br />SEA VIEW <br />R. Prof. Lemos Brito, 28, 2.o andar, Barra <br />Tel: (071) 264-3111<br /><br />SUBMARINER DIVE CENTER <br />R. da Paciência, 223,1.o andar, Rio Vermelho <br />Tel: (071) 264-3111<br />E Mail: submariner@submariner.com.br <br />http://www.submariner.com.br/<br /> <br /><br />UNDERWATER<br />Av. Conceição da Praia, 26, Comércio <br />Tel: (071) 264-3111<br /><br />kite surf<br /><br />On the beach of Piatà near a little bridge there is a Barraca that is the bahianos kite surfers meeting point.....there is a littel river near here so it's not to much crowded and they can do his sport in the perfect way...betwwen the 4 and 6 pm the termic wind is perfect!<br /><br />Beach Soccer<br /><br />If you like soccer at all you really should join in on a pick up game at the beach. You'll encounter all levels of play. You can either join a game or just juggle in a circle with others. Soccer at the beach can be a sticky issue for some, so try not to play too close to sun bathers. If you don't feel confident enough to play then you should at least watch a game.<br /><br />This is where I played a lot since it was near where I lived. This is Praia da Amaralina. The sand was dry and soft here, "areia fofa". You get winded real fast. On Sundays you'll find games down this entire beach.<br /><br />CHELITO-Fishing, diving, and boating.<br /><br />Did you ever experience the colour of the DEEP BLUE SEA? Unbelievable!<br />Go linefishing with a local fisherman, he knows how to find the best spots, he will show you how to fish on a longline, he will let you pull his line if you like, and he will do what he can to make sure you dont feel uncomfortable during the trip. He knows what bait to use, and provides ofcourse whatever is needed.<br />Snacks and drinks can be arranged, or bring your own.<br />The captain is familiar with the sea, the bay, and all the islands around here, and will gladly take you to the best locations for a daytyrip. He is an experienced diver too, and the boat is equipped with air compression equipment.<br />If you go during the months of august and september, you will have opportunity to see humpback whales!!!!<br />Price goes from 300R$ to go to the nearest islands for up to 6 people. <br />Fishingtrips are around 300R$ for 1 prs, and 600R$ for up to4 prs. <br />Divingtrips have to be arranged individually. <br /><br />For fishing, you are welcome to bring your own gear, or you can use the "original stuff" that is long nylonlines with hooks and lead attatched, pulled by hand. <br />Bring sunprotection, a hat and some clothes in case of sun and/or rain.<br />• Theme: Fishing Trips <br />• Address: Porto Da Barra <br />• Phone: +55-71-91055317 Den/engl/portug <br />• Directions: In front of Forte Santa Maria Call me, or (Send me a mail,after mid march until september) ask for Ronaldinho directly on the ramp in Porto Da BarraProjecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-35013695697417429492008-07-31T11:48:00.003+01:002008-07-31T11:48:54.811+01:00Salvador da Bahia Warnings or Dangersno jewelery, less money<br /><br />Salvador is a big city, with a lot of mininos da rua and poor people that can do robbery only to eat, so dress in simply way, without jewelery, wothes or precious thing, not a lot of money, but you can take cradit cards cause are not true money!<br />In the beaches don't leave your bags alone, a pair of shorts or snikers are expensive for a lot of people. <br />You have to respect the difference, you can travel, but the most of the people have only the money to eat!!!<br /><br />Pelourinho Pickpockets & Street Thieves<br /><br />If you can avoid Pelo altogether, it's a much more authentic trip. However, there are fine reasons to go there (Dada's restaurant, great shops hidden away, beautiful colonial architecture), so if you must go, then do so. It's not unsafe, its just a hassle. Schoolchildren will incessantly approach you asking for 1R (often with just a finger raised if they dont speak your language) and women will offer their newborn babies as evidence that they havent enough to eat, while you try to enjoy your lunch at an outside table at the cafe. Dont look to the restaurant for assistance, often, they will expect you to give to the needy. Simply be firm in your refusal, should you choose that route (If you vacation on a budget like I do, you will give a bit, but your hard earned reais are valuable to you!!) and walk away. Often you can be charmed by people claiming to work for AXE BAHIA who will offer you fitas (ribbons) as gifts, at no cost. before you know it, you'll have on a necklace that costs $10R. Not that much, indeed, but when you hadnt planned to spend ANYTHING on a necklace you neither want or need, it can become an annoyance. Be firm in your refusal and dont make any conversation with people in an effort to try to explain why you cant help everyone.<br /><br />Don't Rely on the Policia Militar<br /><br />I set out on foot for a restaurant about an hour after sunset on Monday, 14 July 2003. I soon got lost. I should have turned around and gone back the way I'd come. Instead I walked on, finding myself on Ave Contorno, the main street leading from Campo Grande in the Upper City to the center of the Lower City.<br />Halfway down I decided to take a ladeira, a small lane, directly back to the Upper City. I was reassured by the presence of a policeman, a member of the Policia Militar, at the head of the ladeira.<br />The cop's response to my request for directions was to signal two thugs who knocked and held me down, rifled my pockets, and ripped off my watch and pouchete (money belt).<br />A friendly passerby then took me by the arm and led me to a police car at Praca Castro Alves; those cops drove me to the Policia Militar station in the Pelourinho, where I gave a statement which was entered into a computer. Had they taken me to the Policia Turismo instead, something more might have been done.<br />Lesson: Warnings about avoiding the ladeiras connecting the Upper and Lower Cities are to be taken seriously. Otherwise, Salvador is still one of my favorite places.<br /><br />Tourist Hunters<br /><br />If you are walking around Pelourinho, be carefull, 'cause even being an amazing place, its colours hiddes many dangers, and the most popular are the Hunters !!! These guys are there everyday, like caracters from a comic book story, almost all the time just watching people, or better, their "victms". They first come to you friendly, then try to get your confidence, and once you trust them you're trapped, specially if you're a girl or woman. Men are not out of risk, they have no problem in making you pay them everything they ask you ! They also take you to areas out from Pelourinho, where you'll be an easy target, you'll get robbed, they steal cameras, money, tennis shoes, watches and so on, you're lucky if you come back home with your clothe, so whatch out ! They're so damn crazy that they fight in between to see who will go to the next girl or guy ! The Touristic Police Station in Pelourinho has a book with many snaps showing these troublemakers' faces, so if you have the unpleasant experience of being robbed or hurt by a hunter, go directily there and luckly you will find your agressor. The best you can do if you go to Pelourinho is: to walk prefferencially in groups, not carrying a lot of money, NEVER show your money in a wide open place, not carrying whatches or expansive tennis shoes, and be always wide oppened eyes whereever you go for a drink. You shall also don't give the guys any kind of attention, just say " não, obrigado", and follow your way up. I'm a local, and be sure that following these advices yo will have a good experience at Pelourinho !<br /><br />PS: Take care also with the capoeira players, many of them are hunters as well ! If they ask you for money for snaps of their public showtimes, DO NOT PAY, 'cause Pelourinho is a free place, and all that you don't buy shall not be payed, if they threat you, just call the police ! <br />• Phone: 71-32414120<br /><br />Most bahian (salty) dishes are...<br /><br />Most bahian (salty) dishes are prepared with dende oil. Dende is a special kind of palm tree (Elaeis guineensis, Jacq., Monocotiledonae, Palmae) and its oil is very thick and strong. Moqueca, Acaraje, Vatapa, Abara, all of those are fried in dende oil or have it in its composition. The thing is, it takes time to get your tummy used to this oil. So when you eat any of those dishes, be sure everything in your intestins is in order and eat nothing else that's strong the same day. Make sure the food was not re-heated, if you eat acaraje look at the pan where the lady is frying them - the oil must be black with an orange-brownish aureole. There should be an onion in the pan too, frying. The onion will help the flavour and your intestins as well. Don't eat acaraje on the beach or somewhere you can see the dow's been standing for the whole day. You have to eat the acaraje when it's still hot.<br /><br />Be careful<br /><br />Salvador, like many places in Brazil unfortunately, can be dangerous. While we were there I remember seeing police on almost every street corner where there were tourists. In a way this is good, but the fact that it is necessary is sad. Stay clear of the downtown area in Ciudade Alta at night -- as well as the elevator. Taxis at night from point to point is a great idea. We had no problems outside of downtown -- Pelourinho, Barra, Ondina felt good to be at night.<br /><br />The infamous Rua 28 de Dezembro.<br /><br />As for Pelourinho, heavy policing keeps the area generally very safe, there is, however, an area which should be off-limits to anybody who doesn't know what they could be getting into by entering it, and that is the area to the right of Praça da Sé as one enters the praça, and to right of Terreiro de Jesus as one enters from Praça da Sé. The first street parallel to Praça da Sé is okay during the day, it's the electronics shop district, but by night this street and certainly those deeper into this area should definitely be avoided. It's beyond me what runs through the minds of those hare-brained tourists who consider wandering these unwelcoming-looking streets at all! The far side of this area (called vinte-e-oito -- twenty-eight -- by the locals, after one of the principal streets running through it -- Rua 28 de Dezembro -- also known as Rua dos Tijolos) is defined by the Ladeira de São Francisco. This is the street that descends from the Igreja de São Francisco to the right as one faces the church, heading straight down to the infamous Rua 28 de Dezembro. <br /><br /><br />Don't walk home alone!<br /><br />What ever you do, dont' walk home alone in Salvador Bahia, especially at night/early hours of the morning. Small gangs of thieves hang around waiting for easy (drunk) tourists to punch and rob. Take a taxi or walk with others. Even if they are strangers. They are very blatent. You have to remember there are no security cameras in places like this. All you have to depend on is the fat policeman who is not particulary interested in your passport and wallet getting stolen.<br /><br />acaraje. danger or maybe pleasure of mouth?<br /><br />If you walk out to the street, you will see those ladies in traditinal looking dress making tasty looking sandwiches. hmm I was there very hungry, so I went to them, and asked what that was. of course, I ended up feeling the language barrier once again. and decided just to try it.<br />yes I did try it. but.. hmmmmmmmmmmmm gotta say.. it wasn't my cup of tea. =)<br />the girl I met in Bahia said she can't stop eating it cause it's just too delicious for her. the sandwich itself has more than 1000 kcal, which is pretty fattening, still she can't stop eating it cause it's too nice. I didn't think I would ever like it like her does, cause.. it has got really weird, strong smell. I heard that even in brazil, some don't ever eat it. <br /><br />but again.. eating aracaje gave me good taste of difference of two cultures. maybe thoe weird differences are somethings that my travel was for.. =)<br /><br />Dangerous to walk around in Salvador<br /><br />Salvador is picturesque, with very interesting afrobrazilian culture and the best souvenirs’ shopping in Brazil but it is dangerous. We were told by a policeman not to walk in the midday on a distance of 0.5km on the central street on the harbor, as an attack by thieves was possible. We were also told not to go to less touristic areas of the small old town and not to wonder around after 5 o’clock in the afternoon. All these made are stay to Salvador rather tiring…<br /><br />Poverty and Crime<br /><br />The one negative thing about Salvador is the enormous poverty of many of its inhabitants. In Pelhouirino be prepared to be followed everywhere you go by hordes of begging street children– you will often have children come up to your table if you are eating outside to ask for food. This can be very difficult emotionally as it is impossible to give money and/or food to all of them. There are also areas that are strictly off limits to foreigners because they are considered dangerous. Pelhourino has many policemen patrolling the area (basically just to protect the tourists) who will come after you if you wander down certain streets to warn you that it is not safe. Although we truly loved Salvador and made some wonderful friends there, these aspects of the city became very wearing and we were glad to leave for our quiet island part of the trip after three days.Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-90251205624810439472008-07-31T11:48:00.001+01:002008-07-31T11:48:32.373+01:00Salvador da Bahia Tourist TrapsPelhourinho in general!<br /><br />Most of Pelhourinho is one big tourist trap... Seems like people from all over the city flock to try and get a piece of the pie. It can be quite overwhelming... so make sure you don't spen your whole trip there or you will become jaded! <br />People who come and beg for moeny generally are doing it every day... If you are going to give just give and keep it moving... like wise if you are not going to.... Hmmming and Haaaing just gets you deeper in and more people will want to come and see who the suckers is so they can try and get a piece of the pie! <br />I suggest getting a map and just going to a new location every day.... tht is what I did and it was alot of fun!<br /><br />Candomble is a religion. You...<br /><br />Candomble is a religion. You have to respect it as you want yours to be respected. Sometimes though travel agencies or tourist guides set up 'candomble fests' that are not true at all, that are just theatre and apply a lot of tricks to make you shocked and impressed. If you want to see a show representing candomble theatrically, go to Ballet Folclorico da Bahia, from mondays to sundays except tuesdays, at Pelourinho (Teatro Miguel Santana). If you want to attend a serious cerimony, get informed not at the Tourist Bureau, but at CEAO (Centre of Afro-oriental studies of the Federal University of Bahia - it's in Pelourinho). <br />Here's a good hint to find out if it's a serious fest you'll attend or just a fake one: most serious candomble temples wont allow you to take pictures or videotape the cerimony, or record the music. Also nothing is charged from you to watch those festivities. You can never go wearing black clothes and the main room is divided by gender.<br /><br />Watch out for the Bahians!!<br /><br />You'll be pegged as a tourist from the word go. You'll also be desended upon almost immediately by big ladies dressed as Bahian's who will almost force you to take a picture with them. THEN, they will ask for money for the privilage. They will ask for alot. In dollars. They only need a few reais...not a few dollars. <br />Pay them. At least something small. Or they will continue to hassle you.<br /><br />taking photos of capoeira<br /><br />if you take photos of people dancing capoeira, you are very likely to have guys asking you to donate money to capoeira schools.<br />these guys are usually drug addicts who have nothing to do with the capoeira guys but are looking for easy money and they can be quite agressive.<br />ask the dancers before you take a photo to make sure any possible money goes in their pockets and not in some criminal guys pocket. for the rest of brazil don't worry.<br />brazilians love having their photo taken. <br />ask the guys before taking a photo. <br />let a girl take the photo.<br /><br />Internet joint<br /><br />At the bottom of the hill that runs from Largo do Pelourinho, you'll find this place by hanging a left at Rua do Paco. It's one of the first doors on the right and you'll see the signs for "internet". Just don't get trapped on VT too long!<br /><br />Mercado Modelo - It´s not cheap !!<br /><br />Get off the Mercado Modelo, they give the price as your face ! <br />Prefer to by handcrafts at the airport. <br />Only the T-shirts are cheap, but the quality...<br /><br />Street food<br /><br />Do not eat food that is sold on the street. It is not prepared in good (clean enough) conditions. I was trapped in the toilet for half a day after eating a tipical bahiense snack on the street! <br />If you really want to try, take only a bite, and throw away the rest.<br /><br />Solar Do Unhão<br /><br />Solar Do Unhão is a cool place. There is jazz in the evenings out front, there's a modern art gallery and the dance presentation in the restaurant is highly recognized, but the food is overpriced and not that good. I'd recommend going there for all the things I mentioned above, but I wouldn't recommend sitting down for a meal, unless you want a good seat for the show. You can usually wander in the restaurant close enough to see it and they won't kick you out if you don't sit down for lunch or dinner. If you do go take a cab. Busing or walking is not a good idea for safety reasons.<br /><br />Taxi drivers know who is local...<br /><br />Taxi drivers know who is local and who isn't. If you're coming from another country there isn't really much you can do about this. Brazilians from other cities sometimes try to talk with a baiano accent. One thing you might try if you have to take a cab for safety reasons or just don't want to bus it is get an idea of what the fare should be from a local like the hotel front desk, shopkeeper or waitress and negotiate the fare with the cab driver before you take off. The driver may or may not agree to a price ahead of time, but this way at least he'll know that you know the fair price and will be less likely to rip you off.<br /><br />If you Are Alone Girls will approach you<br />.<br />If you are travelling by your self and if you are specially a boy alone, girls will approach you offering themselves to accompany you.<br />When it happend to me it was quite annoying because she didnýt let me get throug and I was scared about others trying to take my pack or the things I Had on my pockets out, but hopfully she just wanted to offer me herself, Just say you donýt need anyone and they will go away.<br /><br />Not oNly Girls Will Approach You<br /><br />Not only girls will approach you, All kind of people will approach you offering local stuff or aking you for money or to buy them some food, from kids to adults men and women, all the people around Pelourinho are looking for walking dollars (tourists) to take their money out. It is a bit tiring and makes the visit a bit difficult to enjoy.<br /><br />Pousadas - Know where to stay !<br /><br />Some of the Pousadas in the northern section of Salvador are in some run down areas. Know what area you will be in before you book your hotel / pousada.Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-84343160831355884652008-07-31T11:47:00.002+01:002008-07-31T11:48:06.728+01:00Salvador da Bahia NightlifeOFF Club: Wild and Raunchy<br /><br />Staying in Pelorinho, there is not any thing really going on past 1am. Used to going to clubs at around this time, we got into a taxi and asked the driver to take us to any nightclub that was open. He took us to OFF club. IT is not immediately evident that it is a gay club as there were a few heterosexual couples. The downstairs area gave the impression that nothing was going on. It was sparsely populated with people scattered on sofas looking quite bored.<br />Aftert about an hour we went upstairs and the party was in full swing. The bartenders/dancers were on the tables. The men in just yellow pants and the women in yellow pants and bikin top. Alcohol was being poured into peoples mouths straight from the bottle, after which they were blindfolded and given a head spin. They were also blowing whistles.<br />It was alot of fun... made me almost forget that I couldnt pull most of the men in there!!! <br /><br />Looks like anything goes... the less clothes the better<br /><br />• Theme: Nightclub <br />• Address: Street D'Avila Days, 33 Barra <br />• Phone: (71) 2656215. <br />• Website: www.offclub.com.br<br /><br />Live shows<br />All the night there is a show in Pelourino, if you have enough time to search are good, but a little bit ‘touristic’. Every mondey and thusday drums band play here.<br />Olodum and Timbalada blocos have special drums and dancing school for ‘minhos de rua’ (children that live alone inthe street), to give them a job, so you can find show of this school...try in the newspaper ‘A Tarde’. In the same newspaper you can find show of ‘samba de roda’ (ancient samba session), pagode music, or brega music in different part of Bhaia. Don’t stop to search.....Bahia is music! <br />Some place ask for long tousersn no bermuda.<br /><br />Samba De Pagode, Live Music Bar: Samba<br /><br />She is working here every evening, and has been doing that for more than 30 years! <br />Espetinho de churrasco, com salada e farofa ; 1 R$!<br />Beers are cheap too.<br />The place is packed with locals every evening, they come for dancing and showing off their fantastic abilities into the sexy samba De Pagode! Dont miss this fabulous spot!!! <br /><br />There is no doubt, that the locals coming here, are wearing their best clothes!, Dress modest for a dancing night.<br />• Theme: Dancing <br />• Address: Pelourinho <br />• Directions: Pelourinho. I forgot the name of the bar, but you will easily find it in a X-road just behind the "Cantinha La Lua area" on the way down to the Pelourinho. Desciption: Near the "restaurant with the basket elevator", A Bahiana is on the corner,<br /><br />Rio Vermelho: Best Hopping Areas in Salvador da Bahia<br /><br />The best hopping area in Salvador da Bahia is Rio Vermelho. Ask for "Mercado do pesce" and then walk around to find out the square you like more. Not far from the street action there are several pubs and clubs to explore. On Thursday-Saturday, from 10pm till late. <br />Every Tuesday in Pelourinho there is the "Terza da Bencao" (Tuesday’s Blessing). The historic centre turns into a big live music shows. Don’t miss Olodum drum troupe. www.olodum.com.br for information on concerts and Carnival rehearsals and be ready to get wild.<br />Pelourinho is the classic place for tourists therefore after 11pm, most of the "normal" people go home to caught the last bus and you turn just into a ball of dollars rolling down the street for hookers and street vendors...<br /><br />Itapoan offers two spots. One is a square full of people drinking "cerveza" and the other one is by the Lagoa de Abate just few minutes walking from the most famous acaraje of Salvador: Cira's. Friday-Sunday, from 8pm till late. <br /><br />Dress casual. <br />• Theme: Eating and Drinking <br />• Address: Rio Vermelho, Mercado do pesce. <br />• Phone: 0055 71 91859179 <br />• Directions: If you go to Rio Vermelho hopping area ask for "Mercado do pesce" and then walk around to find out the square you like more. <br />• Website: http://www.travelnostress.com/nightlifespot.htm<br />Portal: Get the light side of the ghetto!<br /><br />Only few minutes by car from Pelourinho operates this warehouse show house. Starting off around 8pm until 1.00pm depending on the night. Very basic but that is Bahia! Better to go with some local guide. Anyway there is security at the door and inside. Make an agreement with some taxi driver in order to collect you at the door when you are ready to leave. <br />Most of the music is pagode (the real heart of the ghetto), sometimes reggae, hip hop and very seldom electronic. <br />Age 16-20. Dress a bit down. <br />• Theme: Live Music <br />• Phone: 0055 71 91859179 <br />• Directions: Only few minutes by car from Pelourinho, next the ferryboat in Comercio. Ask to a taxi driver. <br />• Website: http://www.travelnostress.com/nightlifespot.htm<br /><br />Bahia Cafe: Upscale partying<br /><br />I cannot remember what night I went here, but if you get the book "Salvador for Partiers" it tells you what is on on what nights. It is a restaurant and bar as well as a club, so when we got there people were eating and listening to music at the same time.<br />The entrance was 25 Reais which ensures a certain amount of alcohol, maybe 20 Reais or so. so you get a card of some sort, which they mark off how many drinks you have had. If you go over the amount you paid on the door, you pay the excess at the end.<br />This was the only club that we wnet to that played Pop/R&B/Rap. They only played about half an hour of it and the rest of the music was Brazillian pop music and other random stuff. <br />Classy and sophisticated<br />• Theme: Nightclub <br />• Website: http://www.bahiacafe.com.br/<br /><br />Beco da Gal: Live music in Salvador da Bahia<br /><br />Very popular on Wednesday is the kind of place you go if you feel like street party all night although it takes place in a alley and you pay for it (5 Real). Live pagode and samba. Get there at 10pm. <br /><br />Dress down. Age 25-40. <br />• Theme: Live Music <br />• Phone: 0055 71 91859179 <br />• Directions: Next to the "Perini" supermarket in Rio Vermelho. <br />• Website: http://www.travelnostress.com/nightlifespot.htm<br /><br /><br />Fashion Club: Clubbing in Salvador de Bahia<br /><br />The club scene in Salvador is limited to the small Salvador’s elite. Almost all the clubs offer live music too and only few of them leave djs take over completely of the dance floor. Fashion Club is the classic club in Salvador with a bit of everything. Two floors, big dance floor for a college crowd. Djs stage and live music. Age 18-25. Get there 10pm or queue. <br /><br />Dress up <br />• Theme: Nightclub <br />• Address: Av. Otavio Mangabeira 2471, Jardim do Namorados <br />• Website: http://salvador.fashionclub.com.br<br /><br />Aeroclube: RockinRio<br /><br />They have a few different things going on at Aeroclube... Its basically a nightclub... mostly very young folk... On Moday Nights they have Rock in Rio... which is the night I went on... unfortunately I got the in the early hours of the monring to it was winding down... I also went on another day where the people were slightly older and Samba music was playing... <br />No dresscode I remember<br />• Theme: Nightclub <br />• Address: av. Otávio Mangabeira, 6000 • Boca do Rio <br />• Website: http://www.aeroclubeplazashow.com.br/<br /><br />Atellier Maria Adair: Atellier Maria Adair<br /><br />My favourite bar. This is simply a wonderful place to spend the night. It's in a house in Pelourinho, under the atellier of the artist Maria Adair. The pub is her son's and is just about one of the cutest places in town - the crafts made and painted by the artist are everywhere (inside the glass tables, hanging from the ceiling, the menu...). Service is EXCELLENT - extra compliments for Barreto, the chief waiter. You can buy the crafts if you want to, and I tell you, they are not expensive. They have the best drinks in town, the best food (with greek, french and italian items). Amongst the drinks I recommend my favourite Suco do Orgasmo (Juice of Orgasm). It's coffee licqueur, with coffee icecream, vanilla icecream, ginger, gin and a tiny bit of triple sec.<br /><br />• Theme: Eating and Drinking <br />• Directions: Rua J. Castro Rabêlo, 2, - Pelourinho, phone 321-3363. In the same street as Quincas Berro D'Água Square. <br />• Other Contact: If you're homofobic, your nights<br /><br /><br />Bar do Goethe: Bar do Goethe<br /><br />Very good atmosphere, nice serving, good prices, good food, always a good cultural alternative. The chief waiter, Miguel, will do his best to serv you. I strongly recommend the fried aipim (yukka). They are masters in it, although it's a german bar...<br /><br />Indoors and outdoors ambiences. <br />as long as you're not naked, anything goes...<br />• Theme: Concert <br />• Directions: AV. SETE DE SETEMBRO, 1809 - CORREDOR DA VITÓRIA Inside the Goethe Institut (can't miss it - red and yellow house just before Campo Grande) SALVADOR/BAHIA/BRASIL - TEL.: (0xx71) 336-1580 <br />• Other Contact: http://www.bardogoethe.hpg.com.br<br /><br /><br />Roda de Choro: Roda de Choro<br /><br />THere is a big sensation among the scholars of music about what appeared first - Jazz or Choro. Choro (means 'weep' in portuguese) is a brazilian jazz-like music, with some special spicy touches and very peculiar beat and groove. Every thursday of the year you can check what's all about in this traditional Roda de Choro. In the group Janela Brasileira ('BRazilian Window') play some of the best musicians in Salvador, including the master Cacá do Pandeiro. Other unique qualities:<br />It's free<br />It's wonderful<br />It's in a very pleasant cabaret of a very pleasant theatre<br />This theatre is in a very pleasant square <br />As long as you don't show up naked...<br />• Theme: Concert <br />• Directions: Av. Sete de Setembro - Passeio Publico Cabare dos Novos Teatro Vila Velha Campo Grande <br />• Other Contact: www.teatrovilavelha.com.br (port<br /><br />BOTECO DO FRANÇA: BOTECO DO FRANÇA<br /><br />If you'd like to go to a nice pub with indoor and outdoor possibilities, good serving, good price, excellent food, full but not crowded, then Boteco do França (Franc,a) is your call. Just across the street from the Sesi Theatre in Rio Vermelho, getting the local breeze and having a good time all night long. You won't be bothered by beggers there, since it's traditionally not a touristy place. Franca is the name of the owner, an experienced waiter that after working for years in excellent restaurant-pubs like Extudo and Postudo made his dream come true: now he is the boss, the waiters are the best and never in a bad mood, meals are quick and delicious, price is accessible and he doesn't have a time to close - they will remain open until the last clients decides to go home, and will not make frowny faces to scare you away. <br />Whatever you want. I'd recommend a pullover, though, since the sea breeze can get pretty cold sometimes...<br />• Theme: Eating and Drinking <br />• Directions: Rio Vermelho, just across the street from Teatro Sesi (100 m after Cheiro de Pizza) <br />• Other Contact: Now open for mondays and for lun<br /><br />French Quartier: French Quartier<br /><br />If you like good quality jazz and a nice view to the ocean and don't mind paying a bit more money for a pleasant night, this is your place. It gets very crowded from thursday to sunday, so I recommend you get there before 22h. <br />Check their site or call to see what's the musical attraction of the night. There is always a good thing going on... <br />I recommend you dress yourself up a bit better before going there. Nothing fancy, but sober. And take a coat with you, the air conditioning is severe.<br />• Theme: Live Music <br />• Directions: Jardim dos Namorados Av. Otávio Mangabeira, s/n, Lote 1, Quadra 2, Pituba - Salvador - Bahia CEP: 41.715-900 TelFax: (71) 240-1491 <br />• Other Contact: www.frenchquartier.com.br<br /><br />"Tereza Batista" square: "Terca de Bencao" in Pelourinho<br /><br />Live music in Salvador da Bahia on Tuesday means Pelourinho. Mainly Teresa Batista square, where Olodum use to perform. Small but powerful place with the right mixture between tourists and locals. Get there at 9pm. <br />Dress casual <br />• Theme: Live Music <br />• Address: Praca Tereza Batista <br />• Directions: Pelourinho <br />• Website: http://www.olodum.com.br<br /><br />Centro Cultural Do Bispo: Live music in Salvador da Bahia<br /><br />Centro Cultural Do Bispo is far more than a "casa de show." It is a social and cutural center open to experiments in music, dance and the visual arts. During the day, it offers workshops in several artistic mediums, as diverse as experimental theatre to dj studio. Insofar as its nightlife goes, one finds a surprisingly seemless mix between foreigners of all nationalities and the local bahianos. Check out the schedules in order to be sure of what is going on each week. Although Pelourinho has countless spots that can't be missed, Bispo is definitely unique among them on Friday and Saturday nights. The cultural group Circo Maluko performs live music: samba, afro, maracatu, flamenco and more, always closing the night with a DJ spinning electronic music. Get there at 10pm. Age 18-30. <br />Dress alternative casual. <br />• Theme: Live Music <br />• Address: The address is Rua do Bispo 11, Pelourinho <br />• Directions: Near Praca da Se', Salvador da Bahia. <br />• Website: http://www.travelnostress.com/nightlifespot.htm<br /><br />Pimentinha: hang out on Monday<br /><br />Hanging around outside this bizarre bar before clubbing is the hedonistic ritual on Monday in Salvador da Bahia. Age 20-30. Get there at 9pm. <br />Dress casual. <br />• Theme: Eating and Drinking <br />• Address: Rua Dom Eugenio Sales 11 <br />• Directions: Boca do RioProjecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-9016166912833653852008-07-31T11:47:00.001+01:002008-07-31T11:47:39.584+01:00Salvador da Bahia RestaurantsPoint do Guarana da Amazonia: A Taste of the Amazon<br /><br />You find this little place on the main street of Barra that leads to Pelourinho. It only has a couple of tables and people from the beach or passersby usually come for the bowl of tasty dish from the Amazon region. <br /><br />As far as I know, this is the only place in Salvador where you can taste the culinary delights from the northern state of Para, which I found the most delicious (and unusual) in the whole country. They get the ingredients for the dishes from Ilha de Marajo. Since I was just coming from this beautiful island, I was happy to talk to the friendly owner about her native land. <br /><br />It's the most famous acai spot of Salvador. You can get it in a bowl of different size. They also have guarana and juice, ice cream made from variety of fruits of the Amazon, like acai, cupuacu (certainly my favourite!), bacuri and muruci. If you are lucky, you can also get cupuacu cake and this is very yummy too! From the main dishes they offer tacaca (the absolute winner!!) and manicoba.<br /><br />I don't need to mention that I took every opportunity to visit this place:) <br />• Theme: Local <br />• Price: less than US$10 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: less expensive than average <br />• Address: Avenida Sete de Setembro <br />• Directions: Barra, across the street from Porto da Barra beach<br /><br />SENAC: "All you can eat "restaurant near J Amado Museum<br /><br />SEnac is a school of cuisine, weiters and barman and this is a school restauranti in the center of Pelourinho, in a a colonial building. U can find comida bahiana, like plates from other part of Brasil.<br />There are two types of buffet:<br />Comida Típica - 40 plates and 12 desserts, from mon to sat 11h30 to 15h30,and 18h30 to 23h.<br /><br />Comida a Peso - u pay the weight of the food u have in the plate from mon to friday, from11h30 to 15 pm <br /><br />Endereço<br /><br />Cep: 40.025-140 Email<br />restaurantepelourinho@ba.senac.br <br />Telefone (71) 3324-4550 Fax (71) 3324-4551 <br />• Theme: Buffet <br />• Price: US$11-20 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: about average <br />• Address: Praça José de Alencar, 13 <br />• Phone: (71) 3324-4550 <br />• Directions: Pelourino district - In the square of Jorge Amado museum, if you are in front of the museum the restaurant it's on the left square side near a beautifull curch, it's inside a Foundation, at the first floor. <br />• Other Contact: restaurantepelourinho@ba.senac.b<br /><br />Sorriso da Dadá: Dadá's Smile, must be inspired by the moqueca! :-)<br /><br />Cool, colorful and funky atmosphere, Sorriso da Dada exists in an old house in the heart of Pelourinho...<br />There are individual little rooms that create a cozy/warm atmosphere... Tim and I decided that we were sat in the "Gringo" room- back in the very back... Cool room though, with a big mural of Dada herself with that famous smile! <br />The service was good enough... The menu featured traditional Bahian offerings. <br />Let's see, Tim had chicken in a banana cream sauce... was quite nice and tasty!<br />And yes, I had moqueca... see my general tip for the recipe!<br />The portions were pretty huge, we couldn't finish them.<br />We drank caipirinhas of course... they were strong as heck here. <br />• Theme: Local <br />• Price: US$21-30 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: more expensive than average <br />• Address: Rua Frei Vicente, 5 <br />• Phone: (71) 3321-9642<br /><br />Sorveteria da Ribeira: The Best Ice Cream in the City<br /><br />It has been considered the best ice cream in the city for more than 70 years. People come even from Itapoa to another point of the city to taste a great variety of flavours, from nuts and chocolate to all imaginable fruits from the Amazon region. They have a reputation for the ice cream being made from natural fruit. <br />A beautiful view of the sea of Ribeira and the low price bring the visitors back. About 800 people come daily on weekends.<br />It's open daily from 10am to 10:30pm. <br />They offer 52 sorts of ice creams and a lot of them launched themselves. Some of their specialities are the flavours of mangaba, jaca, carambola and tapioca. <br /><br />My favourites were tapioca and cupuacu. Ah, yummy!!! <br />• Theme: Ice Cream <br />• Price: less than US$10 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: less expensive than average <br />• Address: Largo da Ribeira, 87, Ribeira <br />• Phone: 71 3316 5451 <br />• Directions: the end of Ribeira bus line<br /><br /><br />Maria Mata Mouro: Lovely atmosphere, delicious food, great service<br /><br />Named after literature written by the Brazilian Hilda Histh, about a character, Maria Mata Mouro felt pleasure in what she ate. (I think I've got this right, correct me if I'm wrong!) This place is a darling little gem in the heart of Pelourinho... the atmosphere is charming and quaint, the back garden seating area is lush and romantic, the service is attentive but not overbearing... we had a lovely dinner here! <br /><br />The menu is heavily influenced by Italian cuisine but not entirely... Ask for the table by the trickling fountain in the back. We had prosecco here... several bottles! The couvert was deeeelicious.... great breads, flat breads & dips. We had the matarmouro salad & Carpaccio to start- both were presented well and tasted great. I had Penne ao Pesto for dinner (the ONLY night I didn't have a moqueca of some sort!!!) and Tim had the Burgundy Filet with risotto. We were impressed with both<br />Why is it we NEVER have room for dessert when the offerings sound soo incredibly good!??!?!<br />• Theme: Eclectic/International <br />• Price: US$21-30 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: more expensive than average <br />• Address: Rua Inacio Acioly #8 <br />• Phone: 321-4244 <br />• Directions: Pelourinho <br />• Website: www.mariamatamouro.com<br /><br />Dishes of the street<br /><br />This is a list of bahia dishes that you can eat from vendor on the strret or on the beaches.<br />Quejo fundido: rectangular chunks of cheese served on a stick after been tosted over coal, slyghtly salty and with oregano.(1 or 2 Reais)<br />Acarajè and Abarà: acarajè is deep fried bread of mashed bkackeyed beans flour, in dendè oil (strong palm oil) filled with sundried shrimps, pimenta (hot pepper souce), vatapà (special paste with shrimp, peanuts, coconut milk) cururù and sald. Abarà is similar to acarajè, but boiled in palm leafs. This product are cooked and selled from ‘Baianas de Acarajè’, women dressed with tipical crinolin white dress ( white is the color of Iansa, orisha of the wind in condomblè).(1-3 reais)<br />Churrasco: it’s like a kebab, chunk of meat, served with farofa ( made with tapioca flour) ( 1-2 reais)<br /><br />Boi Preto: Churrasco: a world of meat<br /><br />One time in your trip have to try a churrasco: the meat are cooked on the grill on a big ‘churrasco’ (spit), the waiter arrive at the table with the churrasco and explain the type of meat, so you can choose to take a piece or not, afert arrive another weiter so.....you can eat all you want since you put a red button on your plate. <br />The best Churrasco in Salvador is Boi Preto.<br />• Theme: Steakhouse <br />• Price: US$21-30 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: about average <br />• Directions: on Orla Maritima road north side<br /><br /><br />Yemanja: Tasty & traditional acarajé, moqueca & caipirinhas<br /><br />Famous for its traditional and delicious Bahian cuisine... Charming decor (A lovely mural of the sea decorates the back wall; the side wall features broken china pieces set in stone for unique effect), servers in typical Bahian dress of white dresses and headresses and a lively and bustling atmosphere, located along the beach. <br /><br />Be sure to peruse the dessert cart overflowing with delectable Bahian desserts of coconut and such. <br />We began with Acarajé... fried cakes of beands, onions, dende oil and shrimp with a typical pureed yuca-type sauce.<br />Tim and I shared scrumptuous moqueca de pitu, a sweet-tasting freshwater prawn in the traditional coconut, garlic, onion, parsley, pepper and tomato stew.<br /><br />Then, for dessert Ninon convinced me to try this dessert of sweet curtled milk, not as bad as it sounds! :-)<br />• Theme: Local <br />• Price: US$21-30 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: more expensive than average <br />• Address: Av. Otavio Mangabeira 4655 <br />• Directions: Boca do Rio, The Beaches <br />• Website: http://www.restauranteyemanja.com.br/<br /><br />Il Forno: Great pizza selection<br /><br />This pizza joint in Barra near the lighthouse is located in a nice old house that has been transformed into a pizzeria. The menu had at least 40 different kinds of pizza and the service was prompt and attentive. I ate downstairs, but there is also an upstairs with a patio. The kitchen is open so you can watch them putting your pizza into one of the ovens and smell the cheese melting while you wait starving. <br /><br />I ordered a Broccoli and Garlic pie and drank an Antarctica chopp. The pizza was better than I expected and the mere fact that they have so many great choices on the menu, makes this place worth a try.<br />• Theme: Pizza <br />• Price: less than US$10 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: about average <br />• Address: Rua Almirante Marques de Leao 77 <br />• Phone: 071 264 7287 <br />• Directions: Near the lighthouse in Barra<br /><br />Sorriso da Dada: A gap-toothed wonder<br /><br />Don't let the exterior appearance deter you from eating at Dada. Once inside, you'll find a cozy room with paintings of the proprietor herself, Dada. She is a warm looking Afro-Brazilian woman usually depicted in traditional clothing and with a bright smile accented by a charming gap between her two front teeth. Too bad I didn't meet her while I was at her restaurant. Based on the photos of famous celebrities (Hillary Clinton, for example) on the walls with her, she looks like a very friendly lady. <br /><br />I started with a caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil that's made with sugar, lime, ice and a sugarcane liquor called cachaca. Then, I ate a couple appetizers which filled me up just fine. The casquinha de siri (crabmeat) was really good. I also had vatapa. Yum.<br />• Theme: Local <br />• Price: US$11-20 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: more expensive than average <br />• Address: Rua Frei Vicente, 5 <br />• Phone: 071 321 9642 <br />• Directions: Pelourinho <br />• Website: www.dadabahia.com.br<br /><br />Lambreta Grill: Fresh Seafood Simply Prepared<br /><br />Spectacularly well-hidden, this gem boasts freshly caught & grilled seafood on lambretas (think fajita grills). There arent many frills in the decor, but the caiprinhas here will make your remember that you are INDEED in Brasil. Very popular with the locals, this place is often crowded and lively. Ask to sit upstairs if downstairs if flooded with families for a quieter experience. <br />Shrimp with garlic & oil, little mollusks (cant remember the local name) with the pureed sauces draped over them. Order two plates of these delicacies per couple (i.e.,2 platters for 4 people). Mistakenly we didn't, and were politely yearning for more even after the meal was done.<br />**this is one place in Brasil (Bahia particularly) where you can find broccoli in winter** The vegetables in this restaurant are absolute perfection!<br />• Theme: Local <br />• Price: US$11-20 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: less expensive than average <br />• Address: Rua Alexandre Gusmão, 70 <br />• Phone: 335-0107 <br />• Directions: Rio Vermelho<br /><br />Sucos: Excellent Selection of Tropical Fruit Blends<br /><br />Brazil is one of those countries where tropical fruit is in abundance. Local markets are usually the place where you find the greatest selection of fruit from the area which may vary as to the region. Mango, papaya, pineapple, bananas, coconut, passion fruit, guava, cashew, melon and watermelon you can get nearly everywhere. Still the most exotic fruit comes from the Amazon region. Ah, I just never had enough of acai, cupuacu, bacuri, murici and graviola. <br />To get your daily dose of vitamins you can instead go to the near juice bar. You can find them in all bigger Brazilian cities.<br />It was a Saturday towards noon and I was strolling the streets of Barra with Lidija. After the long Friday night we were just in need of some vitamins. She liked Sucos and used to go there quite often. So she suggested we could have a breakfast there. <br /><br />What a difficult decision among so many different fruit and mixtures, the choice was really endless. After a long consideration we took one cupuacu and one selected tropical fruit blend, both of them with the addition of guarana and crunchy cereals. They were absolutely delicious!!! and besides, an excellent energy supply :))<br /><br />The good thing about Sucos is that they even offer home delivery 24 hours a day. <br />• Theme: Local <br />• Price: less than US$10 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: about average <br />• Address: Rua Marques de Ceravelas <br />• Phone: +55 71 3331 0693 <br />• Directions: Barra<br /><br />Sorriso da Dada: Dessert to die for<br /><br />You didn't think I'd skip dessert, did you? I can't remember what this was called, but it was an amazing, rich chocolate cake of some kind. The cake was moist, almost wet, so it's possible that it was made without flour. The sauce on it was a warm, creamy, sugary coconut wonder. Wow. It was great!<br /><br />CASA DA GAMBOA: Bahian Elegance<br /><br />One of the most elegant restaurants in Pelourinho, Casa da Gamboá serves up a Bahian "nouvelle cuisine." The classic Bahian dishes such as bobó de camarão are still on the menu, but the kitchen has gone beyond to create some fabulous modern fare. The camarão ao molho de manga is a tropical explosion of flavor; big juicy prawns are flamed in cognac and served with large pieces of mango in a creamy mango sauce. The elegant peixe tropical, or catch of the day, is grilled in a clove, cinnamon, and fruit sauce. Open from 12:00hrs to 23:00hrs<br />• Theme: Local <br />• Price: US$11-20 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: about average <br />• Address: Rua João de Deus 31, Pelourinho <br />• Phone: +55 71 3321 3393<br />Village Novo: Dish of today-Prato de dia!<br /><br />From 13.h to 17.h , many both tourists and local people have discovered that the Village now has turned into a restaurant. You can choose, either to eat in the restaurant, or to take away. Prices are around 6 R$ for a large portion.<br />The new thing here is that they serve an everyday different dish. Always local food. Grand portions of well prepared Bahiana cuisine, from cosido, feijoada, to muqueca!<br />Mondays though, only the standard breakfast, pancakes, sandwiches, and lasagna(big and good!)<br /><br />• Theme: Local <br />• Price: less than US$10 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: least expensive <br />• Address: Avenida 7 de Setembro 3659 <br />• Directions: Porto Da Barra <br />• Website: www.villagenovo.com<br /><br />Acido Naturais: Vitaminas and sandwich paradise<br /><br />This is the paradise of Vitaminas ( local fruit milksake made with an incredible variety of fruits) or u can try a good Acai' ( iced amazonas fuit with Guarana' and flakes, pure energy!) or Cupuacu or Claorofilas.<br />If u are hangy u can made your sandwich and u pay the right wheigt ( comida a kilo).<br />there is also a corner where u can buy surf apparels, shirts, hats,...<br /><br />• Theme: Health Food <br />• Price: less than US$10 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: about average <br />• Phone: Pituba 71-452300 <br />• Directions: There are 2 restaurant: Imbui' - On rua das Araras, paralle to Av. Jorge Amado 71-3622434 Pituba - Parallel road of Av. Paulo VI, turn near Super pao, and turn lef on the corner of Gm Supermercado 71-452300 <br />• Other Contact: Imbui' 71-3622434<br /><br />Baraca Da Benta: Tira Gostos at the Beach<br /><br />On the Porto Da Barra Beach, you will find her baraca underneath a forest of umbrellas.<br />In there Benta is cooking her delicious fishes on her little burner every day. She buys the fish from the fishermen when they come in, and serves them immediately for her hungry costumers, who will be waiting while drinking a beer in the baraca.<br />The place is a very popular spot for local Salvadorians, who always gather there because of the friendly and fast service.<br />To keep her costumers comfortable she and the girls helping her, will see that you dont melt, by occationally cooling the sand and everybodys feet with seawater. <br /><br />Corvinha, Peixe Vermelho and Sardinhas, fried Na hora, served with Salada, Farofa, and Molho De Pimenta á la Benta! With that some nice cold beers! <br />Condensed pleasure!!<br />• Theme: Seafood <br />• Price: less than US$10 » Currency Converter <br />• Comparison: least expensive <br />• Address: Porto Da Barra <br />• Directions: Beach Baraca<br /><br />Bar dos Internacionais: Bar dos Internacionais<br /><br />Not a tourist restaurant. Excellent prices, massive quantity of food, no one trying to sell you stuff and chill out atmosphere. <br />Lambreta. Lambreta is a special kind of oiter, boilled with lemon, salt and other spices. Wonderful! This place is known for having the best lambreta in town! You can also have 'chumbinho' - the famous and expensive 'vongoli' that are cheap and ordinary in Bahia.<br />• Theme: Other <br />• Directions: Travessa Engenho Aleone, 01 - Mouraria Tel: (71) 322-2167 Tue - Fri from 17h on Saturday from 10h to 18h Not far from Forum Rui Barbosa <br />• Other Contact: Tables on the middle of the stre<br /><br />Restaurante O Picuí: Restaurante O Picuí<br />There are some sorts of typical food in Brazil. One of them is Comida Nordestina (Northeastern food). What does this mean? The Northeast is the poorest driest hottest most full of illiteracy and misery, underfeed in the country. And because of all those things, it is also a victim of prejudice by people from the other regions of Brazil. Thing is there is a GREAT culture there to be known, GREAT cuisine (despite all difficulties - or should I say BECAUSE of them?), the best beaches in the country, cheapest tourism and much more. <br />Salvador is the capitol of Bahia, wich also makes part of the northeastern region. Read a bit about those tensions before you come to Brazil.<br />Back to food, <br />Carne do Sol (Meat of the Sun) is one of the most delicious thing you'll ever eat. It's a delicious salty soft meat, with baked aipim (a delicious local root) covered with enbottled butter, fried aipim, vinagratte salad, farofa (manioc flour fried with butter and onion).. huuummm! And you can get enormous portions in this restaurant, four people will eat from it and all of you won't be needing another meal for at least a day. <br /><br />Carne do Sol<br /><br />• Theme: Other <br />• Address: Rua Joao Ponde, Barra <br />• Other Contact: Very pleasant place. Seems like<br /><br />Varal da Dada: Varal da Dada<br /><br />The owner of this restaurant, the lovely Dada, is known and reknown as one of the best cook in the country. Her specialty? Bahian food. She wrote a very famous book called 'Tempero da Dada' (Dada's spices) with portuguese and english versions of some of her receipts. *** ATTENTION *** There is a restaurant in Pelourinho called 'Tempero da Dada'. It used to belong to her, but when she got divorced her ex-husband got it for himself. So the only Dada thing there is the name. In Varal da Dada - not in a touristy place, no people trying to sell you souvenirs, a pleasant and calm and fresh veranda - she is the one cooking and she comes to your table and talks to you if you invite her. She is very sweet and prices are more than fair. <br /><br />Bobo de Camarao (Shrimps boiled in dende oil and yucca cream.... hmmmm...)<br /><br />• Theme: Other <br />• Directions: RESTAURANTE VARAL DA DADÁ Rua Teixeira Menezes, 55, Alto das Pombas, Federação Tel: 332-1777 e 331-4382 <br />• Other Contact: Tue - Sun 12h to 18h MastercardProjecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-91031729000661786232008-07-31T11:27:00.000+01:002008-07-31T11:47:00.509+01:00Salvador da Bahia Travel GuideGO TO PRAIA DO FORTE<br /><br />Everyone in Salvador was saying how lovely Praia do Forte was, in fact, they were saying it in Rio too. The travel books made it seem like a small resort town. We've got enough of those here so I wasn't completely convinced until we got there. <br /><br />To ge there you'll need to take a tour from Salvador, hire a taxi for the day, or rent your own car... We rented a car.<br /><br />When we pulled off the highway at the sign that advertised Praia do Forte and TAMAR I had no idea what to expect, we travelled down a winding dirt road for a while and then... there it was, this village, so remote yet charming, with thatched roofs and huts, small shops, small cafes and such. We headed for the beach first... gosh, it was lined with some of the most beautiful palm trees I've ever seen.<br /><br />After alittle R&R beside the ocean we visited TAMAR, the sea turtle project. Very cool little set up with a variety of sea turtles and sea life to observe and even TOUCH at one of the many pools. Be sure to stick around for a feeding, those little guys go crazy when fed, it's cool to see.<br /><br />After TAMAR we strolled the main thoroughfare of Praia do Forte, checking out the little shops, seeking out a place for dinner... There were tons of choices. We settled on a place and enjoyed more caipirinhas and a good meal. I'll write a tip on that place soon. <br /><br />After dinner we found a unique ice cream shop with what seemed like a thousand flavors... and strange flavors at that! Ninon had CORN ice cream...Another unique aspect of the ice cream shop was that you served yourself from the big buckets of ice cream. I'd never seen that before!<br />There seemed to be a lot of cozy little pousadas in Praia do Forte, I could see how a person could stay there and vegetate for a week.... I'd definitely go back.<br /><br />In a land so full of music & dance see a folk show<br /><br />OK, so, usually I would see such as a bit too touristy but all the music and dance that is Salvador drew me to experience the show at Solar do Unhao. <br />Solar do Unhao exists in this great 18th century colonial building of stone and exposed wood beams, down a steep hill- Warm lighting invites you in, the scent of a Bahian buffet fills your nostrils. And BAM! your photo is snapped with a woman in traditional Bahian dress which someone will later show you, glued to a plastic plate that you can purchase.... :-)<br />Tim and I opted to skip the dinner buffet and have wine instead as we watched the show... (We had dinner at Sorriso da Dada on Rue Frei Vincente later that night). I think we paid $40 REAL per person for the show alone.<br />The performance began with the sacred dances of the Candomblé, then Puxada de Rede in honor of Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea, followed by Maculelê, an acrobatic stick and sword dance from the cane fields.<br />The most amazing part of the show in my opinion, was an exhilarating display of Capoeira- it was incredible. The show ended with the Samba de Roda, a spinning, swirling version of this exuberant national dance in which those in the show dragged members of the audience up onto the stage to samba away with them...<br /><br />There are two nightly shows, call for exact times.<br /><br />• Address: Solar do Unhao is located on Av. do Contorno <br />• Phone: 329-0660 <br />• Directions: Take a cab here.<br /><br /><br />Folcloric ballets: samba de roda, capoeira and more<br /><br />In the square of Jorge Amado museum, near a beautifull church there is a foundation to learn a job to young ‘not rich’ boys and girls: they can learn brasilian cooking, became weiters or learn about music and traditional dancing, so every night you can taste in a good ‘all you can eat’ restaurant a lot of brasilian dishes made by themselves and see a beautifull show about ‘orishas’ of candomblè, capoeira and the slavery history......but they speech only portughese!<br />Another chance is Balè Folclorico da Bhaia: rua Gregorio de Matos 49 - 55(71)3221962 www.balefolclorocodabahia.com.br<br /><br />Cidade Baixa (the Lower City)<br /><br />Cidade Baixa is part of the city at the foot of the bluff. The most easy way to get from Cidade Alta is by Elevadora Lacerda. This historic district was made up of the port of Salvador and adjoining warehouses and business. There's little of interest for tourist here. Most of the original structures have been demolished and replaced with private and government office buildings from the early 20th century. ¸<br />However, it's not completely without interest. You are likely at least to pass through to get to the Terminal Maritimo, where you can catch a boat to one of the islands in the bay. And there is one essential stop, Mercado Modelo, offering seemingly endless choice of regional arts and crafts. Cidade Baixa extends westward to the area known as Bonfim, a neighbourhood famous for its Afro-Brazilian festival and home to the famous Igreja do Bonfim. If you go on little further, you soon come to Ribeira.<br /><br />Mercado Modelo<br /><br />Mercado Modelo is a Salvador's largest market and one of Salvador's landmarks. An old covered market with the best selection of the artesanato in the city, is set on its own by the old harbour, across the road from the foot of Elevador Lacerda. It was built in 1861 and originally used as the customs house for shipments coming into port. In 1971 the building was converted into the present-day Mercado and in 1984 quickly rebuilt after the fire. <br /><br />It functions again as a centre of Bahian arts and crafts with more than 250 stalls. Here you'll find capoeira trousers, Bahian traditional clothing, lacework, jewelry, wood carving, trinkets, musical instruments and CDs, souvenirs and much more. Prices here are about the same as in Pelourinho, but don't be afraid to bargain, especially for jewelry and handicrafts. Some of the nicest souvenirs are the painted statues of candomble deities - look for the sign "antigos religiosos". <br /><br />In the square in front of the market you'll find more arts and crafts stalls with a host of hippie-style items and occasional capoeira demonstrations and live music. Even if you don't buy anything, Mercado is a very enjoyable place to visit. There is always something going on in and around the market and it's always crowded with Bahians and tourists. In the back is the covered patio area, where you can relax and have lunch or a cold drink. You find a Banco do Brasil ATM machine and an information ofice to the left of the front entrance, and upstairs there are a couple of good restaurants. <br /><br />It is open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 9am-2pm. <br />• Address: Praca Visconde de Cairu <br />• Phone: 071 3241 0242 <br />• Directions: Cidade Baixa (the Lower City)<br /><br />Pelourinho - The Old Heart of Salvador<br /><br />There is no visit of Salvador without spending some time in the old city of colourful pastel-hued colonial buildings, cobblestoned streets and a sense of history, clustered around the Largo do Pelourinho, also known as Praca Jose de Alencar.<br /><br />Pelurinho is a living museum with numerous buildings from 16th and 17th centuries fully restored to their original beauty and charm (there are always buildings undergoing restoration as the job is practically endless). It's the largest example of Baroque architecture in the America's, declared in 1985 a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site. <br /><br />"Pelourinho" means whipping post and this is where African slaves were publicly punished during colonial times. Slavery was outlawed in 1835, and over time, this part of the city, though home to artists and musicians, fell into disrepair. A major restoration effort resulted in making the area a highly desirable tourist attraction. <br /><br />During the day you can walk the streets, looking into the many clothing and art shops, bars, restaurants, museums and churches. At night Pelourinho offers music and dance events in its many public squares. The Laranjeiras area is loaded with charming restaurants offering delicious Bahian food and a number of programmed events take place during the week. <br /><br />No other place reflects so well the soul of Bahia as Pelourinho! <br />• Directions: Cidade Alta (the Upper City)<br /><br />Porto da Barra Beach<br /><br />This beach is locaded in Barra. As it is a kind of bay, there are no waves, that´s why many pepole go there to swim.<br />At this beach you find many tourists, because Barra is a tourist neigborhood. But you also find people from Salvador, specially students. Almost forgot: It is possidle to practice diving here (i´ve never tried!).<br />Its it one of my favourits.<br /><br />Catedral Basílica<br /><br />Constructed in the 17th century, with gold, marble, wood and ivory, mixing baroque and rococo styles.<br />In this church we can usually appreciate concerts, such as Bahia’s Symphonic Orchestra presentations.<br />For me, it is the most beautiful church of Salvador (and the city has MANY churches), an amazing place.<br /><br />• Address: Praça 15 de Novembro <br />• Phone: (71) 321-4573 / 3484 <br />• Directions: Terreiro de Jesus Centro <br />• Website: www.emtursa.ba.gov.br<br /><br />Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Pretos<br /><br />Built by and for slaves between 1704 and 1796 to honour Our Lady of the Rosary of the Blacks, this church didn't receive due attention outside the local Afro-Brazilian community until long after it was built. <br /><br />The church uses a mixture of themes, both African and Catholic. The blue and white facade is a mixture of baroque and rococo architecture with oriental-looking towers. After extensive renovation, it is worth a look at the side altars to see statues of the Catholic church's few black saints. One of the highlights of this church is the painting of the Passion with a black Chirst. African rhythms pervade the service.<br /><br />It is open Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sun 10am-noon. <br />• Address: Largo do Pelourinho <br />• Directions: the old city centre of Pelourinho<br /><br />Sport, drinks and foods on the city beachs<br /><br />It's impossible to stay in Brasil without spend some time on the beachs: you can choose quite, desert palce, but all the brasilian love to stay on beaches with 'barracas' ( beach bar) drinking fruit shakes (vitaminas) or "bem gelada cerveja", eating fish or shrimps, playing beachvolley, football, fishing, doing capoeira, surf, windsurf or kitesurf......sport is a way of life, like music that you can listen everywhere.<br /><br />• Address: 10 minutes along the Orla Maritima, north side <br />• Directions: In Salvador you can do beach sport in a lot of palce but I prefer Piatà because is a littel bit more outside from the city center and it's bigger...here we practice kitesurf.<br /><br />Elevador Lacerda - The City's Largest Landmark<br /><br />In 20 seconds, Elevador Lacerda (Lacerda Elevator) takes you from Praca Tome de Souza in Cidade Alta (the Upper City) to the Praca Cairu in Cidade Baixa (the Lower City). You travel more than 70 meters in one of the tallest public elevators in the world. Some 50.000 passengers make the trip every day (about 120 at a time) using four elevator. It's especially suitable for visiting of Mercado Modelo and the harbour. The fee is unbelievably low. Usually there are short queues but the elevator runs quickly and so does the queue. <br /><br />Jesuits installed the first manual rope-and-pully elevator around 1610 to more easily transport goods and passengers from the port to the settlement (before that, slaves would ride mules up and down the hill carrying heavy loads). In 1868 an iron structure with clanking steam elevators was inaugurated, replaced by an electric system in 1928. <br /><br />Elevador Lacerda is an Art Deco masterpiece and Salvador's largest landmark. Don't miss the fantastic view on Baia de Todos os Santos from the windows behind the elevator entrances! <br />• Directions: from Cidade Alta to Cidade Baixa<br /><br />Igreja de São Francisco/Ordem Terceira de São Fran<br /><br />Beautiful from the outside yes, but step inside and be sure to spend a good amount of time observing the ceiling of the room that you first enter.<br />It would be good if someone that works there helps you a bit, but the ceiling features a magical mural. Depending upon where in the room you are standing, images within the mural change- it's fascinating really. <br />Once you've paid to enter step out into the courtyard, if you're not totally awed by the beautiful blue and white porteguese tile work about you, something's wrong with you! :-) <br /><br />Each panel (and there are several!) of the courtyard depicts tales of faith, death, friendship and 'the world' depending upon what exists just beyond that wall- the wall of faith has the church itself on the other side. the wall of death has the cemetery beyond it, the wall of friendship has the monkhood behind it and lastly the wall of the world has the streets of Pelourinho behind it.<br />OK, now.... go into the actual church and marvel at the mass quantities of gold EVERYwhere you look. This place is gilded to the hilt in high-baroque fashion. It practically glows gold. You'll just have to see for yourself...<br />. Address: Praça Ancieta (off Terreiro de Jesus)<br /><br />Savour some Acaraje<br /><br />Baiana women are everywhere selling acaraje... <br />You will recognise them by the hoop skirted frocks and the white headwraps. The last time I arrived in Salvador I ate my first Acarje there directly outside the airport car park.<br />Baianas have secured a monopoly on the dish. Acaraje is a protected food in that is is designated as a national food item where one has to be licensed and dressed in traditional cloths in order to fry and sell it in public.<br />Acarje is shelled and ground black eyed peas deep fried in palm oil/dende oil. Abara is the steamed version... I was suprised because it is exactly the same dish West Africans call Moi Moi... I had heard about this food before I went on here... come to find out I had been eating it all the time!<br />It is served split in half and then stuffed with vatapá, shrimp, salad and okra.<br /><br />It is so delicious and filling... you have to try!<br />Address: Pelourinho, beach areas... restaurants...<br /><br />Palacio Rio Branco<br /><br />I was told that this is now a museum, but it once was a government palace. It sits high above the lower town in the Praça Tomé de Souza, which also contains the City Hall of Salvador. The Rio Branco Palace is definitely the most architecturally interesting building in the square. You'll also find the Elevator Lacerda which gracefully drops you down to the lower town and gives you great views over the Bay of All Saints below.<br /><br />Casa de Jorge Amado<br /><br />If you're trying to decide which museum to visit in Largo do Pelourinho, go to this one instead of the Museu da Cidade. Once again the signage is exclusively in Portuguese (people must have thought I was a slow reader when they saw me struggling to decipher the information on the signs). <br />As the name implies, the museum is dedicated to Brazil's most well-known writer, Jorge Amado. Unfortunately, at the time of my visit, I had never read one of his books, but since I love literature, I was very interested in learning about him. Keep in mind, I don't read Portuguese, but from what I could tell, Amado was fairly unknown for a time. Then he was accused of being a communist and fled to Prague where he remained in exile for awhile. Then, when the dust settled he began to focus his stories on the lives of women and the poor and set most of his stories in his home of Bahia. The streets of Pelourinho are the setting for his popular novel, Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands. <br />Check out the website below for more info and reading suggestions.<br />• Address: Largo do Pelourinho 51 <br />• Phone: 071 321 0122 <br />• Website: estadao.com.br/ext/divirtase/jorgeamado/bio.htm <br />• Other Contact: 3 reais admission<br /><br />Have your picture taken with a Bahian woman...<br /><br />When we got to Pelourinho we noticed many woman dressed in typical Bahian dress... <br /><br />These Bahianas, bedecked in white turbans and white dresses to resemble candomblé priestesses will eventually approach you and ask if you'd like to have your picture taken with them for a small fee. Why not?<br /><br />Aeroclube Plaza Show<br /><br />This place reminded me of Orlando?Ultra colorful and lively, it's like an outdoor entertainment center and mall rolled into one. But the locals seemed to flock to it. Featuring restaurants, food and drink kiosks, tons of shops, bars, a night club, a miniature golf course, go carts, bungee jumping, you name it... <br />Doesn't feel like Salvador there. But it's something different to do, especially if you're traveling with kids.<br />This is also where Fashion Club is located... a nightclub some of the concierges at our hotel told me about. Didn't venture out to it though.<br />Sorry I didn't take pictures, like I said, it looked and felt like Orlando so I didn't see it necessary.<br />• Address: Av. Otávio Mangabeira, 6000 <br />• Directions: On the beach side of the street just North of Yemanja <br />• Website: http://www.aeroclubeplazashow.com.br/<br /><br />Watch Capoeira<br />Most days in Praca de Se (Pelourinho) you will see young men playing Capoeira, as well as drummers... drumming. Just have some spare dosh to give them because they don't take too kindly to having their pictures taken without pay.<br />Capoeira is an art form that emerged in Brazil during the era of the Atlantic Slave Trade. It is mostly practised in Salvador blending music, ritual, acrobatic movement, and combat, capoeira is at once a dance, a game, and a dangerous martial art. You will often here people saying that they are going to "play Capoeira."<br /><br />• Address: Praca de Se <br />• Directions: in Pelourinho, The Historic District<br /><br />A Candomble Ceremony<br />We booked through a travel guide we met in Pelourinho to go to a ceremony. It cost us 40 Reais each.<br />We were picked up at about 9/10 pm in a mini bus and went around hotels to pick up other people. The ceremony was held in a community centre in a favela.<br /><br />In the communal ceremonies of Candomblé, the orixas are summoned through ritual drumming, chanting, and dancing in terreiros or houses of Candomblé. Exu, the messenger spirit who intervenes between the believers and the orixas, is the first to be summoned by the drummers and dancers. Exu opens the way for the orixas to descend to the earth. <br />As the Candomblé ceremony gains momentum, orixas become manifest in particular initiates who enter stated of ecstatic trance, becoming mediums through which orixas perform ritual dances and make their presence known to the believers.<br />It was midnight when we left and the ceremony had not yet finished. It was very interesting to watch but I think it was perhaps a show put on for tourists... but nonetheless I can understand that because if it was real they wouldn't necessarily want a whole bunch of tourists observing and taking pictures.<br /><br />Directions: Can probably book through the Tourist Office in Pelourinho... Rua Gregoria de Matthos<br /><br />YES you can also samba!!!<br /><br />=) Don't get me wrong, I am not one of the dancers in the pic, I got this pic from google, so if anyone from the pic get to see this, don't sue me abusing your pic, ( I just got this pic cause thought was too good) <br />yeah there are couple of samba schools where you can indulge yourself into samba madness. I wanted it so much, but couldn't manage to sign up for it, cause of lack of time. Maybe next time.. <br />but the brit I met in the hostel said wasn't too expensive (oh well, to a brit, virtually everything in brasil might seem cheap though), and also pretty fun, too!!!!!!!<br />Have fun in your samba night!<br /><br />Visit a Favela<br />dont know if this is something I would reccommend everybody to do... but I certainly was curious... hearing so much about Favela conditions... danger etc...<br />I was scared when I first got there because of everything I had heard... but when I got there it really was fine... Yes it is poor and the conditions are somewhat shabby... but they are just people living not robbers... drug dealers etc... they have eating and drinking places... beauty salons etc...<br />I was fortunate enough to have someone I met take me to their family's home. They were very welcoming and made me feel comfortable. We sat down had cofee and watched a talent show on TV.<br />I wouldn't reccommend going in the dark or when it is raining because those slopes are a bi%*h. I was struggling to climb the hills and the lack of drainage makes it all the more worse.<br /><br />Cidade Baixa<br /><br />Salvador is a city of two halves, divided into the Cidade Alta ("Upper Town") and the Cidade Baixa ("Lower Town") by an escarpment some 85m (275ft) high. The easiest way to travel between the two is to take the elevator known as Elevador Lacerda, which was built in 1873 (the first to be installed in Brazil) and, fortunately, been restored several times over the years.<br /><br />The Cidade Baixa is Bahia's commercial and financial centre and port. It is busy and safe during working days, but largely deserted and considered unsafe at night. We spent most of our time in the Upper Town but one morning took the elevator down (it costs just a few cents) to explore the area at its foot. Emerging from it the first thing we saw was a large covered market, the Mercado Modelo, which is a major shopping point for locals and tourists alike, with everyday food stuffs and delicious-looking seafood alongside craft and folk art pieces such as musical instruments, masks and carvings. <br /><br />At the far end of the market we emerged onto a street facing the water, where young boys were practicing capoeira outside a small café and collecting plenty of tourist tips for their trouble. We were happy to sit here for a while, enjoying the show while we relaxed with a cold drink – well worth the few coins we paid them for their efforts. <br /><br />There was also a stand selling the traditional berimbau, a percussion instrument consisting of a wooden bow about 4 to 5 feet long (1.2 to 1.5 m), with a steel string, and a hollowed-out gourd attached to the lower portion of the bow as a resonator. These instruments are an integral part of capoeira. <br />• Directions: Take the Elevador Lacerda<br /><br />Tuesdays Carnaval Blocos<br /><br />Anybody who goes to Salvador have to experience these drums! Sometimes it feels like the different Blocos are "fighting" to make the loudest sound. All the streets will be filled with music, especially first and last tuesdays of the month. <br />You dont even have to go to a bar to get yourself a drink, as vendors will come around offering icecold and very cheap softdrinks and beers to the audience.<br /><br />• Address: Pelourino, Center of Salvador <br />• Directions: The streets of Pelourino tuesday nights from 20 – midnight<br /><br />Nigerian Cultural Centre<br /><br />Bahia, the state with the largest percentage of Blacks, is the capital of this religion, which closely follows its African roots and traditions among the Yoruba people of Nigeria and the Bantu people of Angola and the Congo. Yoruban traditions, including the most commonly used names of the orishas, predominate... so it is only approriate that there is a Nigerian Cultural Centre.<br />• Address: Pelhourinho <br />• Directions: I dont have the exact address and can't find any detail about it but it was in Pelo and can be spotted by the green and white flag hanging outside.<br /><br />Dique do Tororo<br /><br />Dam built by the dutch (NATURALLY!) a long time ago and recently reformed, Dique do Tororo is simply dazzling. In its surroundings you find good restaurants, places to work out at, sidewalk so you can promenade along the lake, benches for those in love, boats, canoes etc...<br />• Address: Tororo <br />• Other Contact: The dam is full of sculptures of<br /><br />EXAMPLES OF HOW TO SPEND THE REST OF THE DAY<br /><br />Enough of walking around zombielike in the harsh heat of the day , from 16th century church to 17th century church...? Now you're starving and thirsty and you want to rest in the shade..... Go and have lunch at the open air Cantina da Lua near Terreiro de Jesus and diagonally across from Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Sào Domingos. On the first picture we slowly gather at the right place planning to pig out as much as possible. On pic # 2 it's like : "After the Deluge"....The table looks like a battle field.... After hanging around for quite a while , pic # 3 shows our group at dusk near the Elevador Lacerdo ( 1872 and refurbished 1930 ) , with the Bahia De Todos Os Santos ( Bay Of All The Saints) in the background and the Cidade Baixa below. Driving along the Bay / Ocean Boulevard , we come to the point where the Bay ends and the Atlantic starts , there is this beautifully lit lighthouse which is more tourist attraction because of it being built on top of a fortress ( pic # 4 ) and finally , before heading back to the hotel THE typical brazilian refreshment - very tasty and healthy - coconut water , served in it's natural cask at shacks along the Ocean Boulevard. ( pic # 5 ) <br />• Directions: Cantina da Lua near Terreiro de Jesus and driving along the Bay / Ocean Blvd<br /><br />Abaete Lagoon<br /><br />The city of Salvador has a lagoon where laundrywomen used to launder in the past. Nowadays there are some public buddles close to the lagoon, where laundrywomen still do hand wash. You can see them walking with a clothes package on their heads.<br /><br />La ciudad de Salvador tiene una laguna en donde las lavanderas solían lavar al ropa en el pasado. Hoy en día hay varios lavaderos públicos cerca de la laguna, en donde las lavanderas aún lavan a mano. Se las puede ver caminando con un atado de ropa sobre sus cabezas.<br /><br />BEACHES - III Stella Maris<br /><br />BEACHES - III<br /><br />Stella Maris<br />The name of this beach is latin and means 'Star of the Sea' - the name in portuguese of the starfish. This beach is absolutelly dazzling and the most surfable in Salvador. White sand, wonderful sunset, troubled water - we like it wild, we like it rough!<br />• Address: After Itapoan. <br />• Other Contact: You'll need to take the bus 'Pra<br /><br />SALVADOR : PARTIES EVERY TUESDAYS AND WEEKENDS<br />Salvador, as I have said, is a party-town. While nearly every night can be party-night here, the authorities - themselves party animals - actually organised special street parties on weekend and TUESDAY nights.<br />During these nights, stages, food and drink stalls are set up at the various squares - Largo do Pelourinho and Largo Terreiro do Jesus, for sure - and the party starts early. <br /><br />From 8pm onwards, there ought to be some bands playing away, and locals should start hip-swaying and forro-dancing somewhere soon.<br />Then, as the night progresses, the streets heat up with more and more people gathering to join the Olodum drummers, following them behind like Pipe Piper, and dancing crazily away to very vigorous beats. Nearly every alley-way is crammed with people hanging out, dancing and listening to great music. Sometimes, there are concerts somewhere. Simple local bars become very crowded, chairs are set out on the streets nearby and impromptu bars are created as endless alcohol gets dispensed.<br /><br />As more and more cans of beer are consumed and tossed, and perspiration gets sprayed about, you might see more and more couples suddenly hooked up and kissing and making out right at the alley-ways, oblivious to all around.<br /><br />One big amazing party!<br />Note that, on the contrary, Monday night is dead-town.Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-73820620049005647912008-07-31T09:11:00.000+01:002008-07-31T09:12:31.738+01:00Rio de Janeiro Sports TravelHang Gliding in Rio<br /><br />Hang Gliding was one of the reasons I visited Rio and I contacted Paulo Celani a week before I arrived in Rio to make sure that I don't miss the opportunity.<br /><br />The conditions for flying depended on the weather and we had to call it off for few times. According to Paulo, cloudy days can be even better than very sunny, clear and hot days.<br /><br />On my third day in Rio, we flew from Pedra Bonita Ramp, located at the Tijuca Forest National Park, at a height of 1700 feet (520 meters) and landed on Sao Conrado "Pepino" Beach.<br /><br />The flight lasted about 20 minutes. According to Paulo, the flight time depends on the wind and the weight of the passanger. Weight limit was 220 pounds (100 KG).<br /><br />The whole trip took approximately about 2 hours to be back at my hotel. They picked me up from my hotel at 10am and gave me a ride back around noon. According to Paulo, the best time is between 9am and 2pm when we have the chance to get better wind and stay longer in the air.<br /><br />Paulo and his hang gliding instructors were all certified instructors by the Brazilian Hang Gliding Association and they were all insured instructors.<br /><br />Previous experience was not required to go on a tandem hang gliding flight. On the ramp, right before the flight, they gave me all the explanation necessary for the take-off, flight and landing. All very simple and easy. It was not cold during the flight and I was fine with a t-shirt, shorts, and tennis shoes. According to Paulo, you can also wear sandals that can be tied to your feet.<br /><br />You can make your reservation in advance by email (justfly@justfly.com.br) or you can call Paulo at 9985-7540, 9798-1804 and at night to 2268-0565.<br /><br />The cost for the hang gliding was R$240 (US$100) and this included the transportation from and back to my hotel. The optional fee for photo was R$60 and for DVD was R$150, which included the photo. <br />• Theme: Extreme Sports<br />• Phone: 9985-7540<br />• Website: www.justfly.com.br <br />• Other Contact: justfly@justfly.com.br<br /><br /><br /><br />See a futebol (soccer) game at Maracana<br /><br />Seeing a game at this famous stadium, built for the 1950 World Cup, was one of the highlights of our trip, you don't really even need to be a sports fan to get caught up in the excitement of the matches. At one time this stadium held 200,000 people (and that number may have been reached a couple of times in its history), seats have been removed and the capacity is around 100,000, still a heck of a lot of people!<br /><br />We had heard so many cautionary tales about traveling to Rio that we decided to go on one of the guided excursions to Maracana with the same guide we did a day tour with the previous day. The cost is 50 reals ($25 US), most of which is for transportation as the face value of the tickets were 5 reals ($2.50 US). For me it was worth the extra cost of having guaranteed transportation, a local to explain some of the customs and a group of people to sit with.<br /><br />The day we went, there were 2 semi-final matches, our guide said the more popular teams were already eliminated which might have partially explained the low attendance. But we sat for the first match with one teams group of fans and then moved for the 2nd game to another section that came complete with the own flags, plastic flags for the fans and a drum section. It would be impossible not to get caught up in their enthusiasm!!!! The 2nd match was tied at the end so it went to a penalty shootout and our team won-YEAH!<br /><br />Vendors bring around drinks and snacks during the matches so no worries about going thirsty or hungry. But I wouldn't recommend the Globos, they taste like cardboard-blech!<br /><br /><br /><br />Bicycling along the beach<br /><br />Bicycling along the beach would definitely be on my to do list when I visit Rio again next time. The beach was very long and it took me several hours to do a round trip but it was definitely worth the trip. Not only you get to observe the spectacular views but it was also a great way to burn calories from having all the Brazilian BBQs.<br /><br />I recommend renting bicycles from Andre (contact # below). Although Andre doesn't speak English well, he brought a bicycle to my hotel exactly at the time he promised. <br />• Theme: Biking<br />• Phone: 2511-5168/2511-5093<br />• Other Contact: 9195-3760/9155-8270 cell<br /><br /><br />Thrillseekers' delight<br /><br />An optional part of our tour was to go hang gliding from one of the peaks in Tijuca National Park down to the beach, one of our group of 4 opted to do this so we went up and watched as fearless person after fearless person jumped off the cliff. I thought the vultures circling around were an ominous sign but our fearless guy went ahead, got himself strapped into his gear and jumped off the cliff for the short ride down to the beach (the heavier you are the faster it will go). I think he paid $120US for the pleasure of flinging himself off the side of that cliff, it might be less if you booked separately without being on a tour but hang gliding is not an activity where you want to go with the cheapest guy!!!!<br /><br />We passed on this, me because I had already tried parapunting in New Zealand and while the ride itself isn't that scary, the hour sitting around waiting for your turn was absolutely nerve wracking! <br /><br />There's also an option to go via tandem parachute but as we were climbing up to get to the ramp where they launch there was an ambulance that went by, our guide said there were more accidents from using the parachutes than the hang gliders.<br /><br />He reported back that the only scary part was running down the ramp, once he was in the air he said you really didn't have the sensation of being that high up, kind of how I felt when we went hot air ballooning.<br /><br />Capoeira<br /><br />There are 2 main types of Capoeria: Angola and Regional. I have just started practicing Angola (a more controlled and slow moving version while Regional is faster and more aggressive). It is an amazing sport and fun to do. The movements aren't like anything I have ever done before. I highly recommend either watching a practice or Roda or joining in on a practice. <br /><br />The group I meet with is very relaxed and everyone is entitled to a demo (free) class. <br />So check out mine or find one near you!<br /><br />FYI: We have traditional Rodas every Saturday at 3pm. Everyone is welcome to watch <br /><br />No shoes needed. Wear workout clothes if you do not have Capoeira pants. Be prepared to work your ass off.<br /><br />• Theme: Other<br />• Address: Rua Conde de Baependi 71<br />• Phone: 2265-9099<br />• Directions: It's located at Victory Academia in Laranjeiras accross from Lojas Americana<br /><br /><br />Climbing at Urca<br /><br />Urca (the base of Sugar Loaf) offers more then just a running/walking path. This spot offers numerous types of climbing. For those without ropes or who need to practice more, there are spots where you can do horizontal climbs. This is also a great spot to warm up. For more advanced climbers there is an amazing rock on the water that will challenge even the best. There is also a third spot that is perfect for negative climbing work and mid-level climbing. Just look off the path towards the water and you'll see the climbers. <br /><br />For all climbs other then the horizontal you're going to need someone to lead and all equipment. There are hooks already in the rock to use.<br /><br />If doing the horizontal work you need someone to spot you if you are cautious but it isn't high at all.<br /><br />• Theme: Climbing<br />• Directions: At the base of Sugar Loaf. It's next to the government buildings and the little little stretch of beach. It's in the far left corner.<br />.<br /><br />Rio Beach Sports<br /><br />Whether you want to participate or watch, everyone can have fun with beach games. Brazilian Volleyball is a lot of fun, but hard because you can use everything but your hands and arms! Beach football is also extremely popular amongst the Brazilian youth. They have football games in the morning and in the late afternoon (too hot during the day). Both sports are a lot of fun to watch and if you want to participate you can try that too.<br /><br /><br /><br />FLY ME TO THE SUN!!!!<br /><br />All right, you can usually do it if you come to Rio, but you will have two options...Once going to a very touristic hill in rio and paying a fortune to fly...Using paraglyders or handglyders of course!!! the second option is going to Niteroi where many local people have fun jumping from the hill with paraglyders, it is a flying school with very serious and efficient instructors. and they charge very small fees for the visitors!<br /><br />I went there many times! and this is my face of happiness when I fly like a voiture in the skies of Niteroi with a gorgeous landscape of Rio and Niteroi at the same time!!!;) <br /><br />Good paraglyder and with an excellent instructor called Luciano!;)<br /><br />• Theme: Extreme Sports<br />• Address: CHARITAS BEACH<br />• Directions: THIS HILL IS CALLED MORO DA VIRAÇÃO, MOST KNOWN AS PARQUE DA CIDADE!<br /><br /><br />PERFECT BEACH FOR SURFING – PRAINHA<br /><br /><br />It is hard to go there by bus, because there is no bus that takes you to Prainha...It is hard to go there walking, you have got to cross some hills to finally reach this gorgeous paradise. So the best way to go there is using a car and also get to know someone who knows the area quite well. <br /><br />But when you head your way to Barra da Tijuca and follow the coast going west, you will find a Natural Reserve called Grumari...Prainha is the first beach of this Reserve! <br /><br />ALL YOU NEED IS A SURFING BOARD!<br /><br />• Theme: Surfing<br />• Address: WEST AREA OF THE CITY<br />• Directions: In the order..Barra da Tijuca, Recreio, Macumba and finally Prainha!!!<br /><br /><br />Pumping up in the Zona Sul<br /><br /><br />Rio is a "body beautiful" city, so it's easy to find a gym (in Brazil they are called Academias) to work out in. Most have reasonable daily/weekly rates. If you don't want to pay to exercise then you can always get a good workout at one of the various exercise stations on the beaches. <br /><br />I have worked out at more gyms in Rio than I can remember, but my favorite is a gym called Neves Academia which is on N.S. Copacabana just north of Rua Dias de Rocha. It isn´t a fancy gym and it has a lot of rusty weights and old equipment, but it is popular with serious weightlifters and muscleheads. My kind of people. <br /><br />Another good gym that actually has dumb-bells that go as high as 100lbs (45.5kgs) is a gym called Equip 1 Fitness Center. It's also located on N.S. Copacabana, just north of Rua Santa Clara. This academia is spread across 3 floors, yet despite this fact it can hardly be described as spacious. None-the-less, with rates of R$105/125/ or 145 for a week/15 days/ or 1 month I'd say it's a pretty good deal for a respectable facility. The rates are a bit higher if you also want to take part in their spinning or aerobics classes. Some of the staff members speak English.<br /><br />A popular gym that is frequented by the well-to-do is called BodyTech. It has two locations I know of: one on N.S. Copacabana directly across from the side street of Rua Dias de Rocha (about 100 meters south of Neves Gym on the other side of the street) and there´s another one in Ipanema on Rua Gomes Carneiro; close to Rua Canning. The daily and monthly rates are steep, but they do have good facilities and a fetching staff of garotas.<br /><br />In Ipanema there is a gym called Ipanema Sport Club that is open 24 hours a day with good equipment PLUS they have daily, weekly, and rates for two weeks that are quite reasonable. A pretty good option if you happen to stay in this part of Rio. It´s on Rua Visconde de Pirajá; less than a block west of Praça General Osório. <br /><br /><br /><br />Don't Miss Volleyball Played Soccer-style on Beach<br /><br /><br />While Brazilians wowed the world by being the ONLY country to win the World Cup five times (Penta Campeao!), their prowess is best demonstrated by watching them play volleyball with their feet. It is truly amazing to watch three people per side play volleyball using only their feet. NO HANDS. They can keep the volley going for great lengths of time.<br /><br />If you're lucky, you might just stumble across the competitions on the beach during your visit.Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-89364703405502933282008-07-31T09:10:00.000+01:002008-07-31T09:11:19.082+01:00Rio de Janeiro ShoppingHammock: Hammock<br /><br />I still regret I did not buy one. There is a street market along Copacabana beach where you can find a wide variety of hammocks.<br /><br />The prices vary but you could by a decent one for about 100 reals which is about USD 33.<br /><br />Rio Sul: Great Mall<br /><br />This mall has everything from all the best in women's clothes, men's clothes, to furniture. It also has a good food court, great shoes, and a movie theater. <br /><br />A bikini for the ladies. You have to have a Brazilian bikini. Shoes. Jeans. I have found my best jeans in Rio and at a fraction of what I would pay here.<br /><br />• Theme: Other<br />• Website: http://www.riosul.com.br/Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-68462392799058708692008-07-31T09:09:00.001+01:002008-07-31T09:10:54.796+01:00Rio de Janeiro Tourist TrapsA little homework can save you some money<br /><br />It's always a good idea to findout, in advance, how much you should expect to pay for your taxi ride from an airport to your hotel. The hotel would be the best place to ask this question if you are not able to get the information through the virtualtourist site.<br /><br />It's also a good idea to ask the driver about the cost of the ride before getting into the taxi. Otherwise, you might end up paying for the ride, driver's lunch, and his daughter's new clothes. :)<br /><br />On the day of my arrival in Rio, a taxi driver approached to me at the airport and tried to rip me off by offering a price 6 times more than what it normally costs to get to my hotel. He told me R$300 to get to the hotel in Leblon when it should only cost around R$50. That was ridiculous.<br /><br />Fotunately, I had done my homework prior to arriving in Rio and knew exactly how much it costs to get to my hotel. I found myself another taxi driver who offered a reasonable fee.<br /><br />So it's true. Homework does pay off at the end. Haha.<br /><br /><br /><br />Beware of Vendors at the Corcovado Train Station<br /><br />The Corcovado Train is a very popular tourist attraction ( I've taken it twice - see my Corcovado Railway travelogue ), and well it should be, because it is a spectacular trip.<br /><br />Be very careful of the various vendors that surround the sidewalks and parking areas near the station at the base of the hill as they can be very aggressive in their selling of various things. They are not selling things inside the official station grounds for a reason! <br /><br />If you have to go past these people, try to get past them as quickly as possible. It is tempting to want to stay and watch their antics, but be very careful in doing so, as this opens you up for being surrounded on all sides by various street vendors yelling at you. Avoid these street vendors and the Chinese made crap they are selling as Rio de Janeiro memorabilia.<br /><br />Be really careful that this distraction does not open you up to robbery or other attack. <br /><br />Go around behind the station, and visit the (free!) museum of the Corcovado Train, and a few other areas while you wait for the train to depart.<br /><br />If you want to visit street vendors, there are many throughout Rio that have better items and more authentic items - and are less agressive than here.<br /><br />The various vendors that are inside the station area, as well as those at the summit at the statue, are more polite, and have true Rio de Janeiro memorabilia for sale.<br /><br /><br />Anywhere in the City<br /><br />Snatching of jewelry while walking<br />Money changers offer good rates <br /><br />Don't wear expensive jewelery <br />Don't check into a bus alone<br />Stay in southern parts of the city<br />Make a copy of your passport and leave the passport in the hotel safe<br />Take only as much money as you really need <br /><br />Keep all in your hotel safe<br />Wear a money bag around your neck below your shirt or keep it in front pockets.<br /><br /><br /><br />Along Ipanema<br /><br />Don't discuss with anyone while your wallet, purse or camera is on your blanket at the beach. Be alert at all times.<br />Dealers try to get you into a conversation, while some others are checking what could be taken along....<br /><br />Don't take the persons into your hotel rooms unless you are sure to know them for quite some time - even if those dark eyes promise you that they like you so much!<br /><br />Be aware of drug dealers - even don't get close to the idea.<br />Don't expect too much help from the police. And don't sign any documents before you have talked to your business friends or even your embassy or consulate. <br /><br />Be alert and have always a friend guarding your belongings.<br />Watch your belongings when dealers are approaching to sell drinks or souvenirs <br /><br />If not necessary to bring more than a towel- leave all your valuables at the hotel<br /><br />Favela-Tours in Rio...<br /><br />One of the biggest tourist traps in Rio de Janeiro, in my opinion is doing the 'Favela tour'. It's a guided tour inside a favela (shanty town). <br /><br />I believe people can be curious about how people live in a slum, but visiting it like visiting a zoo, sounds a bit strange for me !!!<br />I have never done this in any place of Brazil nor will I ever do it!!!<br /><br />The poor and poorer favelas can be very dangerous. Drug dealing is common and popular amongst the poorest of the favelas. The crime rate is very high in these places. The poor sell drugs to the poorer and it is an endless chain. I reccomend only seeing them from far. <br /><br />If you still are interested in such kind of "Favela Tour" please never go yourself there or trust anybody you knew a few hours before who wants to show you around....<br />it is like a self-suicide!!!<br />If you are really interested to see how the poor are living there, then please contact a Tour Operator and go there within a group!<br /><br />I will not post any of the Favela Tour -Operators here 'cause I am against this kind of tourism, but if you really want to visit a shanty town you can be sure that you find something, at least you can ask at your hotel reception for it.<br /><br />For those of you who understand to read in portuguese you can have a look at the Favela's Webpage:<br />http://www.vivafavela.com.brr /> <br />For the people who are interested in the biggest Favela in Southamerica called "Rocinha" in Rio:<br />http://www.rocinha.com.br<br /><br /><br />Plataforma 1<br /><br />Well, first of all I have to say that I didn't know where to put the Plataforma 1-Samba Show,...if it would be better to put it together as NIGHTLIFE or as TOURIST TRAP...<br />As I am more the kind of "native Rio-tourist" I have never gone there to this show, but I have experienced one time this kind of show in Germany (which was pretty fantastic), but when I think of going to a samba-show in Rio itself I would not really recommend this show, because it is more like a LAS VEGAS-show than really shows you the samba and Carnival-atmoshere like it is!<br /><br />What's offered is supposedly a song and dance showcase of Brazilian culture. True, the rhythms are fast and catchy and the women are gorgeous and extravagantly costumed, but the whole slick and packaged product has all the spontaneity and charm of a McDonald's Big Mac combo--and about as much connection to Brazilian culture. <br /><br />If you really want to go here's the adress: <br /><br />Rua Adalberto Ferreira 32 -Leblon<br />Tel: 021/2274-4022 <br />Fax: (021) 512-1243<br />E Mail: plataforma1@plataforma1.com.br <br />http://www.plataforma1.com.br<br /> <br />Prices : Admission price depends on whom you book through. Minimum price R$80 (US$40)<br /><br />Bus: 415 <br /><br />You'll have a much better experience watching and participating in the Carnaval rehearsals, the Blocos, or any of the live music venues around town where real live Brazilians (as well as visitors) gather to enjoy the music played by contemporary artists. <br /><br /><br /><br />Discoteca HELP-Copacabana<br /><br />To all of you who maybe are thinking to go to the very famous and - I guess- biggest discothec in Soutamerica called "HELP" in Copacabana be aware of that there you will only find prostitutes, no normal women to go out with the day after or something like that....<br />for all this women you have to pay! <br /><br />And besides of this, there are a lot of brazilians who knows that every night a lot of foreigners are there, so pay a lot of attention, because there it can be dangerous ....!<br /><br />To those of you who still are interested in here's the Web-adress:<br />http://80.78.233.178/index.htm <br /><br />Okay, if you are a single boy/man and want to know a beautiful brazilian girl/woman better go to other clubs or discothecs in Rio, ..there are a lot of options better than HELP!<br /><br />IF YOU ARE CLEVER DO NOT BUY<br /><br />Everything is in reais, so it is still not so expensive for you, but it is, the Christ is a very touristic place, and the prices are for tourists, but if you do not want to be treated like a fool when you spend your money.<br />I am sorry all the stores in the Christ and also in the Sugar Loaf mountain, but the prices are not honest!<br /><br />May 14th, 2005 <br /><br />Remember that every souvenir can be cheaper in Santa tereza, in the Hippie Fair in Ipanema and in the little fair in front of Help Disco in Copacabana! Even cheaper are the art crafts sold in the Feira do Nordeste. <br /><br />You can buy post cards, little pins or very small stuffs, but do not buy overpriced touristic souvenirs. <br /><br />In Petropolis you can buy statues of Christ, and they are cheaper than in the Christ Mountain itself!;)<br /><br /><br />Change money<br /><br />Don't change money with the touts at the airport arrivals hall. <br /><br />If you arrive at the old terminal take the elevator to the top floor shopping area. There are cash machines and a Banco Brasil with an exchange service on this floor. All the touts at the arrival area change the dollars that you give them at the bank at a much better rate than they give you.<br /><br /><br />Save money on football at Maracana<br /><br />We went to a football game at Maracana. First of let me say it was amazing!!!! Second we paid 80Reals per person, that included transportation to/from hotel and the ticket to the game. We found out later that the actual ticket was 5Reals! And there are no seat assignments, so you sit where you want. So if you have a few people, better off taking a taxi, even if after the game the taxi will be more expensive than usually. But, in any case, did I mention that the game and the stadium spirit were amazing :)!<br /><br /><br />Lots of traps on the way to the Christ<br /><br /><br />If you have a car in Rio and decided to go up to the Corcovade mountain to see the statue of Christ, you might end up being exposed to couple of well-equipped trap-guides on the way. Once you exist from the Corcovade exist from before the tunnel, you will end up at a crossing where you will pass under a bridge. There you will see guides with green tshirts (very clever) jumping in front of your car and trying to urge you not to keep on with the car.<br /><br />If you stop, they will kindly introduce theirselves as authorized guides, show logos on their tshirts, open their guide books to orient you about the place and provide prices. They might tell you that "cars not allowed from this point on", there has been crime cases where the police has banned car travel etc. Final case will end up with an offering of bus trip up and down, 36R per person!<br /><br />Keep on and when you come to another crossing half-way to the top, you might see the red tshirt guides who will also ask you to guide you on the way. These are, my guess, are local kids trying to grasp a share of tourist wallet. They are not that well equipped and ask for a favor-like contribution to have them into your car and provide local guidance on the obvious. <br /><br />When you come to the first green tshirt guides, first thing I would do is not to stop, kindly greet and keep on. <br /><br />If they stop you, you can kindly listen to the initial conversation, say that you will drive up yourself and know that it is actually allowed.<br /><br />In case they come up with "new regulations by the police" and "no access to the cars", ask why there is no gate there!!! <br /><br />If all these doesn't work, simply be tough to say thank you, ignore the guys and follow the path. You will come to a car park area, leave the car, pay 2R, take a minibus to the top (which is 10R per person and takes about 10 min by drive. It is almost 2,5 to 3 km uphill so don't go up walking anyway) and enjoy the view. <br />.<br /><br />Prostitution in Copacabana Beach<br /><br />At night all Copacabana coast will be crowded with prostitutes but be careful around the Sofitel Hotel, this is a place for the transvested "girls". <br /><br />Prefer the girls around "Help" discoteque. <br /><br />Always ask the price and check with your hands if it´s a girl or not. Good luck.<br /><br />'Discoteca Help' is not what...<br /><br />'Discoteca Help' is not what guides say. That's a huge room full of 'women for pay'. No dance, no dance music, no party.<br /><br />If you travel for sex, be...<br /><br />If you travel for sex, be aware. Not all the prostitutes are women. Use hand test as Ipanema.com suggests.<br /><br /><br />There was a disco, named...<br /><br />There was a disco, named 'Help!' next to our hotel. It was advertised as 'latin america's biggest disco'. We through we'd go check it out so we paid the $16 cover to go inside. What a disappointment. It was very empty and many women there seemed to be looking for johns. We looked around and found it a bit pathetic, so we left. Avoid Help! at all cost unless you are looking to pay for some local fun. (By the way I hear the local latex is not to be trusted...)<br /><br /><br />Watch out when someone calls you "Amigo!"<br /><br /><br />Although most carioca's may be very, VERY friendly, there are some naughty Carioca's who might want to trick you into something you don't want to get into.<br />At Lapa, someone was calling for me, and had I stopped and listened to him, who knows what might have happened! He might have bought me a drink, that's true, but let's not be naive; it could have turned out completely different. Fortunately, I never found out. <br /><br />When you do listen to them, take every possible caution, you never know what might happen... <br /><br />Try talking to people yourself, and don't listen to the "Ey amigo!" callers...<br /><br />Favela Tour<br /><br />Fafela Tours are definately a tourist trap. Although they claim to be completely safe (since the druglords are paid a fee to let you in) there is absolutely no guarantee to your safety due to gang rivalries (gangs attack favelas "run" by other gangs in disputes to take over the drug trade in the area) and police actions. People die on a daily basis in Favelas on acount of gang and police actions.<br /><br />The other big problem is that these tours pay the druglords a fee to guarantee the safety of the tourists. This fee is used to maintain drugtraffic. <br /><br />Just don´t go. <br /><br />There is no alternative.<br /><br /><br />Watch out at Copacabana<br /><br />Fellows and miladies, WATCH OUT WHEN YOU GO TO COPACABANA!!<br />Seriously, I cannot stress this enough! Copacabana can be a really dangerous (though very exotic) place! I heard several stories about girls offering themselves at night at night clubs near the Copacabana (for money, not for free of course, no such thing as a free, euhm, lunch!). Especially when you don't look Brazilian you might get in trouble. <br />I felt really unsafe when I was walking around while it was raining. A couple of menacing-looking people passed by, seizing me and checking me out... They didn't do anything, as I probably looked too macho and masculin to them (roflol!)... <br /><br />If you want to take pictures, please do so, but go back immediately after you took them, or put your camera away somewhere safe... Best is to go with as many people you know as possible. <br />Best advice I got was to put your belongings in a plastic bag (like your regular Carrefour, or GB bags) and to take absolutely as little as possible! <br />It's not always safe to ask your neighbours to watch your stuff, as they might also take your things and run off... <br /><br />The alternative to this beach is Ipanema! I don't understand anyway why Copacabana is so popular... Ipanema beach is much nicer, more easy going, less crowded, more colourful...<br />Niteroi and Leblon also sounded nice; although I saw some pictures from Angra das Reis (or sth) and that looked really like paradise! Sth. to check out on my next trip...<br /><br /><br />TAM Airlines Sucks<br /><br />TAM Airlines is one of the main airlines that services Iguassu Falls but to not use them. My flight from Buenos Aires was suppost to leave at 8:00 AM but when I arrived at the airport at 6:50 AM the TAM agent informed me that they had neglected to inform me that the flight was now at 7:00AM! Instead of working with me to get me there or refunding me my money they simply told me I would have to find another carrier if I wanted to go that day! Luckly Aerolineas Argentinas saved the day with a flight to the Argentine side of the falls where I took a cab to my hotel on the Brazillian side.<br /><br /><br />Watch out at the business district in the weekend!<br /><br />We stumbled across the business district coming back from the Rodoviaria to get tickets to Brasilia and found ourselves in the midst of hords of homeless people laying on the ground... <br />We got off the bus and saw clochards everywhere. It gave a really bad feeling, and I was getting really anxious! It only ended when we were amongst 'normal' people again near the new Cathedral... The picture below was taken at great risk; I was feeling like I was being followed all the time, and I really wanted a picture, so I took the chance.<br />Of course no one was following me, but I felt very paranoid. It was just the whole atmosphere, I guess. Knowing that you have more in your pockets than they will have in four or five months...<br />Funny thing is that during working days the place is packed with people and you feel very safe, it's really like a different world then! <br /><br />You have absolutely no reason to go there, believe me! But if you do go, wear fast shoes :-)<br />But no fancy sports shoes, they might nick them :-/ <br /><br />Try Cinelandia or any other part of the Zona Sul ;-)Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-66244150327600797212008-07-31T09:08:00.000+01:002008-07-31T09:09:26.138+01:00Nightlife in Rio de JaneiroDiscoteca Help: The Ultimate Weekend Pick-up Spot<br /><br />This is the qunitessential Copacabana nightspot for dancing, drinking, people watching and picking up girls. Many of the girls here are "working", but you won't find every one. If you are looking for a "non-working" girl, however, this is like looking for a four-leaf clover. The music is some of the best club music that you will experience in Rio and definitely the best DJ's in Copacabana. This is definitely a tourist spot - some of the highest cover charges and drink prices in Rio. On Friday and Saturday night, Help doesn't get going until almost midnight, but then it is usually packed with people. Guy to girl ratios hover in 1:1 to 1:2. Odds are high that you won't go home unaccompanied, but make sure that you have all the details worked out in advance of leaving with someone. You don't take a woman to this place - she will be hasseled beyond believe and hit on about a hundred times. Definitely a meat market. <br /><br />No shorts<br />No sandals<br /><br />Help Discoteca is great, but the area around Help can be dangerous, especially at night. Thats why its always good to have a tour giude when you are in Rio, especially for your first time. I am an English speaking guide in Rio and know all the hot spots, there are many more beside Help! (termas, boites etc.) Email me at termas_guide@yahoo.com if you are coming or planing to come to Rio. I give tours at R$50, per person, per night (R$50 = approx. US$17)<br /><br />Here is the last thing to say to those of you who are more sophisticated. About half of the girls working in Help are prostitutes by trade who go to Help every night to make money. They are dressed vulgar, behave vulgar, talk vulgar and go straight to the point very quickly. However, there are plenty of girls there who go to Help because they face financial difficulties and don't know how to make money otherwise. I met a girl who was paying for her university studies with her revenues from Help, another one who was saving money to open a fashion store in her native Belo Horizonte, another one who needed money to invest into her jewelry business in Salvador, another one who was paying English classes, another one who had been dumped by her boyfriend and needed money to feed her baby, another one who was trying to help her ruined family in Favelas (poor outskirts of Rio), another one who worked as a marketing assistant during the day and could not pay her rent... I know they were not ***ting because I spent a lot of time talking to them (I speak Portuguese), and I still remain in contact with some of them. Once you get them to talk about their passion, they can talk for hours. Some of them burst into tears while telling me about their lives and how they ended up in Help. Those girls only come to Help once or twice per month if they live in Rio, or they travel to Rio to work in Help for two or three months until they meet their financial objectives. Those girls are shy, they are dressed more discreetly (though still very sexy), they are more careful about picking their customer, and they will want to get to know you better before they make you an offer. Some of them almost blush when it comes to negotiating the price. Look out for those girls if you are looking for great company. They are as hot as professional whores, and unlike professionals they will never fake an orgasm but behave as a true sexual partner, very caring and loving. Treat those girls really nice and you might as well make a friend. <br />• Theme: Nightclub<br />• Directions: Avenida Atlantica<br /><br /><br />Plataforma, Rio de Janeiro<br /><br />Plataforma was established by a group of Italians, Portuguese and Brazilians in 1980, when Rio De Janeiro had limited options for tourism. Then, that initiative to create a barbecue/show’s house become a business success. <br /><br />So, that is the story of the place, now the present:<br /><br />You can go and visit both the Churrascaria and the show or only the show. <br /><br />I chose the second option. The show is not bad but too expensive for what it is. Basically, you can grasp an idea about the Carviaval costumes. You can see capoiera, samba, etc.<br /><br />The drinks are definitly overpriced.<br /><br />Duration: <br />The show starts at 22 h and lasts about 2 hours.<br /><br />Price: <br />I paid USD 50. <br /><br />I bought the ticket for the show from the reception desk of my hotel, so I had the transport to and from the hotel also included in the price. <br /><br />Whatever you like, you are tourist visiting a tourist show after all :)<br /><br /><br />• Theme: Live Music<br />• Phone: +55 (21) 274 4022<br />• Directions: Leblon<br />• Website: http://www.plataforma.com/default_ing.asp<br /><br /><br />On the first day of my first trip to Brazil, I booked a Grey Lines 'nightlife' tour. It included dinner at a mediocre churrascuria and the Plataforma samba show.<br /><br />Along with hundreds of other tourists, I was packed into the 'orchestra' section. Still, the show made for a good first–night experience.<br /><br />Because I couldn't take a picture home anyway, I declined to stand alongside one of the buxum mulata beauties who posed with guests for house photographers. I did comment to a travel agent from LIsbon — sitting next to me — that the women were gorgeous. "I prefer white women," he replied. From a Portuguese that choice did not seem racist, but more akin to "I like blondes more than brunettes."<br /><br />On my third visit I went back to Plataforma, had dinner in its fine rodizio, and sat in a much superior balcony seat for the show. I recommend avoiding the orchestra and getting into the balcony however you might do it.<br /><br />UPDATE 2008: In mid-June the show had fewer acts, each with many fewer performers. Additionally, part of the music was canned. Because it was a weeknight during the slow season? Perhaps. But the show was vastly inferior to what I had seen ten years earlier. <br /><br />Further, performers now stand by you, or your table, urging you to pose for a picture; in 1998 bare-breasted mulattas stood by the apron of the stage and let you decide if you wanted a picture.<br /><br />And because I made the mistake of booking through our hotel, the Rio Internacionale -- instead of directly with Plataforma -- we were seated downstairs, with a poor view. <br /><br />Yes, of course, it's for tourists.<br /><br />But the costumes (and performers) are gorgeous; the music, with its pounding drums, is infectious; and the fast–moving show has a variety of 'acts' that range from faux carnaval processesions and condomble ('voodoo') ceremonies to capoeira (shadow kick–boxing) and other acrobatics.<br /><br />One thing hasn't changed: the warm-up act is a girl bouncing a soccer ball off every part of her body but her hands.<br /><br /><br />Casa da Matriz, Rio de Janeiro<br /><br />A melhor boate do Rio de Janeiro, e a unica aonde se pode entrar de bermundas, e tambem e a unica boate que tem um dia (sextas) dedicado somente a musica brasileira. O ambiente e a frequencia tambem sao otimos<br /><br />The best club in Rio, it´s the only club in Rio, where you can wear shorts and sandals, it´s also the only club in Rio, that has a night (firidays) dedicated only to brazilian music. the atmosphere and the people who are regulars are just as great, as the club<br /><br />• Theme: Dancing<br />• Address: Rua Henrique Novaes Nº 107 - Botafogo<br />• Directions: Botafogo, perto do predio de furnas da Real Grandeza Botafogo, near Furnas building in Real Grandeza St<br />• Website: http://www.casadamatriz.com.br <br />• Other Contact: 2266-1014<br /><br /><br />The other secret spot in Rio is Casa da Matriz. (www.casadamatriz.com.br). It's a little artist 'compound'. Two levels. Downsstairs is a bar and a dance floor. Upstairs is an art house, with many many small rooms, each with leather couches and weird colored walls and interesting artworks. They book 'theme' DJs -- the night we were there it was Rock N Roll (a bit on the sappy side). But a day later it was Trance and Electronica.<br />A fun house on the 'edgy' side. I can see myself hanging out there a lot. <br /><br />Cool and chic. Black would do.<br /><br />Baronetti, Rio de Janeiro<br /><br />This is not a club with a huge dance area, crazy lights and smoke. It has more of a lounge club feel to it and is not especially large. However, when we were there the music played was top-notch, (DJ on hand providing lounge-type music early on and then ramping up to a harder dance beat).<br /><br />Once the night progresses there is plenty of dancing going on and it doesn't get too cramped. Door policy is fairly restrictive, so bring your identification and your patience.<br /><br />It is not a large place from the outside and so very easy to walk past without realizing. Worth a visit for sure and just like most places the quality of your night depends largely on the friends you arrive with and the people you meet. <br /><br />Trendy, but nothing excessive. Put it this way, shorts and flip-flops will have you admiring the exterior architecture of the building until 4am.<br /><br />• Theme: Nightclub<br />• Phone: +55 (21) 2247-9100<br />• Directions: IpanemaProjecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-63329100500596167832008-07-31T09:07:00.000+01:002008-07-31T09:08:21.669+01:00Restaurants in Rio De JaneiroPorcão, Rio de Janeiro<br /><br />The food is great, the service is great and you can eat as much as you want. Try to take your time, however. The waiters are usually all over you trying to stuff as much steak into you as possible, so you end up stuffed and ready to leave in a relatively short period of time.<br /><br />So sit, relax and take your time. The first trip is a serve yourself salad bar with top-notch salad items, sushi and various grilled fish. Once you sit down the steak brigade hovers around with many different cuts of meat that they carve onto your plate. Use the little tongs they give you to hold the meat while they cut. That way you'll also avoid a steak juice facial.<br /><br />You are also given these discs with one side green and the other side red. Green means "give me more meat 'cause I wanna get huge". Red means "no more meat, I'm watching my figure". Honestly they pay no attention and just try and carve another cow onto your plate when you're not looking. <br /><br />er................Steak?<br /><br />• Theme: Steakhouse<br />• Price: US$21-30 » Currency Converter<br />• Comparison: more expensive than average<br />• Address: Rua Barão da Torre, 218, (Ipanema), Rio de Janeiro<br /><br /><br /><br />Marius, Rio de Janeiro<br /><br />For those who crave a juicy steak, grilled to perfection, Marius Carnes is a typical Brazilian, good quality churrascaria, which translates as the perfect place if you are a meat lover. With an exquisite and interesting decor, the restaurant overlooks the Leme Beach and offers more than 30 different grilled meat dishes. There is also a superb salad bar with colorful, tasty vegetable combinations. <br /><br />After many years of success of this all-you-can-eat rodízio system for meat, the owner just start thinking.... why wouldn't it work for seafood? And thus was Marius Crustáceos born, a must-eat stop for every seafood lover. Located right next door to its carnivorous cousin. You can start off with a trip to the buffet, helping yourself to the feast of antipasto, cold seafood such as prawns, oysters, and crab, as well as warm seafood favorites such as paella, pasta with seafood, and popular dishes from Bahia including moqueca and vatapá. But save your appetite for the prime catch the waiters will bring to your table: lobster, prawns, tuna steaks, salmon or crab.<br /><br />• Theme: Other<br />• Price: US$21-30 » Currency Converter<br />• Comparison: more expensive than average<br />• Address: Av Atlântica, 290 - Leme<br />• Website: http://www.marius.com.br<br /><br /><br /><br />Confeitaria Colombo, Rio de Janeiro<br /><br />This is a branch of the Confeitaria Colombo. Not the beautiful building as in downtown one, but this place is great as well.<br /><br />Located at the Copacabana Fort, it offers the most beautiful view of Copacabana Beach.<br /><br />Confeitaria Colombo is a real must see when you are experiencing downtown in Rio. <br />Not only a beautiful place indeed, but there you can spend some time enjoying the pastries, have lunch at the lovely Cristovao Restaurant - where you can also have a lovely "five o'clock tea".<br /><br />The following info was taken from a synopsis they provide at Colombo.<br /><br />"Confeitaria Colombo was founded in 1894 by two Portuguese adventurous men, Manoel José Lebrão and Joaquim Borges de Meirelles, whose philosophy was' the customer is always right '. <br /><br />All the Belle Epoque charm remains in full bloom at Confeitaria Colombo in the heart of Old Rio. Part of the city's cultural heritage, it's also one of the favorite downtown attraction for tourist from all over the world. <br /><br />The magnificent salons are lined with ornate jacaranda-framed mirrors imported from Belgium at the turn of the century. The art nouveau decor is found throughout its showcase, furniture and fitting, ceiling light and floor dating back to this delightful past.<br /><br />Confeitaria Colombo benefited from the social and urban progress of the city, as well as the consequent business development. Soon it became well-known as the place where politicians, journalists, poets, writers and artists went to attend business meetings or simply to have fun. <br /><br />Eminent visitors, as Queen Elizabeth, from England, and King Albert, from Belgium, had the opportunity to taste its delicious specialties.<br /><br />Almost all Brazilian presidents were Colombo's customers. The afternoon tea was an elegant occasion and the ladies of society and their families enjoyed it after shopping. Later at night, the cheerful cocottes filled the salons with their fashionable and colorful clothes. Confeitaria Colombo introduced not only new fashions but also new tecnologies as the elevator.<br /><br />Since the begining of the century the lively carnival dances at Colombo inspired musicians to write songs that became great hits. <br /><br />The tradition and effective participation in our society confirm the importance of Confeitaria Colombo in the history of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil"<br /><br />• Theme: Other<br />• Comparison: about average<br />• Address: Rua Gonçalves Dias 32 - downtown<br />• Directions: Nearest Metro station - CARIOCA<br />• Website: http://www.confeitariacolombo.com.br/<br /><br /><br />La Mole's, Rio de Janeiro<br /><br /><br />Nice local place in a veryn nice Shopping Mall. <br />Very nice ambient. Nice people and good service. <br />If you go to the Sugar Loaf, come down to Rio-Sul Shopping Mall walking... There is a beautiful church in your way... Gorgeous!!! Then you will see the Rio-Sul mall. <br />La Mole Restaurant is in the ground floor.<br /><br />FACTS<br />Located: Rio Sul <br />Inaugurated:1990 <br />Address116 Lauro Muller Ave Suite# 101 P/41-A <br />Phone for Resevation: 2542-4641 <br />Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m to 11:30 p. m<br />Friday, Saturday and Holidays: 11:00a.m to Midnight.<br />Number of Tables: 65 <br />Credit Cards: Visa <br />Manager: Walkir <br /><br />I have this dish. Delicious... I am skinny but I do eat big meals... this one was amazing.<br /><br />Carne seca desfiada com arroz, couve e tutu a mineira, R$9.80<br /><br />Sorry, the only way to translate that is having this meal for lunch. <br /><br />And don't forget to order a cold bear.<br /><br />I wish they could the same dish over here and have the same flavor.<br /><br />• Theme: Local<br />• Price: less than US$10 » Currency Converter<br />• Comparison: about average<br />• Address: Av. Lauro Muller 116 Lj.101 P/41-A<br />• Phone: 2542-4641<br />• Directions: Ground floor of Rio-Sul Shopping Mall. 2o minutes walking from Sugar Loaf and maybe 5 minutes by car.<br />• Website: http://www.lamole.com.br/index_.htm<br /><br /><br />Manoel & Joaquim, Rio de Janeiro<br /><br />We ate one evening at the Copacabana branch of this small Rio restaurant chain. Websites say that it can get busy after eight or so, but we ate a little earlier and had no problem getting a table. I ate, and enjoyed, calamari, but my diary doesn’t record what Chris chose, and weirdly he can’t remember ;)<br /><br />Starters are similar to Spanish tapas, e.g. Batata Frita (fried potatoes) and Bolinhos de Bacalhau (deep fried codfish balls). They also serve empadinhas, those ubiquitous (and tasty) South American pasties. To follow there are steaks and various fish options, such as my calamari, as well as international dishes such as beef stroganoff. Many of the dishes are intended to serve two people, but most can be served in single portions if you ask, though that will work out dearer. Depending on this, and how many tapas you order, a meal for two will come to between 40 and 70 Reais – about US$23-40.<br /><br />Only open in the evenings, from 5.30 PM until the last diner leaves.<br /><br />• Theme: Seafood<br />• Price: US$11-20 » Currency Converter<br />• Comparison: less expensive than average<br />• Address: Avenida Atlântica 1936<br />• Directions: Corner Avenida Atlântica & Rua República do Peru<br />• Website: http://www.manoelejuaquim.com.brProjecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-28312692850882138442008-07-31T09:05:00.002+01:002008-07-31T09:06:57.869+01:00What to do in Rio de JaneiroThe Christ ,Corcovado: The statue of Christ the Redeemer at Corcovado<br /><br />Well... this is actuallly THE beaten path but for sure it is well worth the visit.<br />It is almost impossible to conceive a trip to Rio de Janeiro without paying a visit to the statue of Christ The Redeemer. <br />Located at the top of Corcovado Hill, it is Brazil’s most known image throughout the world. <br />The Statue of Christ stands 30 meters high (100 feet), covered in a mosaic of soapstone.<br />And the best way to get there is by the Corcovado train ...<br />The Corcovado Railway was the first eletricfied Brazilian railroad. Inaugurated in October 9th, 1884, it’s even older than the monument of Christ. Besides, it was this same train that carried for a period of four years the parts of the statue to be mounted at the top of the hill. <br /><br />Working Schedule<br />from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, departures at every half-hour. <br /><br />Trip duration<br />around 20 minutes. <br /><br />Ticket Price<br />R$ 30,00 <br />(round trip, plus 50% discount bonnus on Naif Museum of Art ticket - the museum is few steps far from the train station ) <br />children to 5 years old free and 5 up to 12 years old only R$ 15,00. <br /><br />Credit Cards<br />American Express, Visa, Visa electron, Diners e Mastercard.<br /><br /><br />To reach the top of Corcovado Hill, the train crosses the largest urban forest of the planet, also the first one to be replanted. <br /><br />The trip starts at Cosme Velho Station, a pretty old one which is now part of the Brazilian Historical Patrimony. <br /><br />The Tijuca Forest is located at the heart of Rio de Janeiro and separates the South and North zones of the city. <br /><br />In the eighteenth century the forest was devastated to give place to coffee plantations what ended up causing troubles to the city’s water distribution, forcing emperor Dom Pedro II to make a revolutionary decision in the year of 1881: the replanting of the area. <br /><br />It took about 13 years of hard work to accomplish the task. The job was so well done that animals like monkeys, sloths, lizards, snakes, birds and butterflies returned to the forest.<br /><br />Part of the funds generated by the entrance tickets are destined to Ibama, the Brazilian Institute for the Preservation of Nature.<br /><br />Corcovado Mountain is 710 meters (2300 feet) high and Its viewing platform is at the base of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. The sight of Rio de Janeiro at your feet is really breathtaking.<br />This is probably the best place for you to see all the contrasts: mountains and sea, forests and beaches.<br />At this pic, you see Pão-de-Açucar and Guanabara Bay.<br /><br /><br />Sugar Loaf - Pão de Açucar: Pão de Açúcar - The Sugar Loaf<br /><br />Along with samba, beaches, and beautiful women, the Sugarloaf remains one of the original and enduring Rio attractions. Standing on its peak, the entire cidade maravilhosa lays at your feet: the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, the favelas of Babylonia, the Tijuca Forest, Christ the Redeemer on his mountain, the old downtown, the bridge, the Bay of Guanabara, and the fortresses at the edge of far-off Niterói. It's a truly beautiful sight. <br />The cable car leaves every half-hour from 8am to 10pm, more frequently if there are enough people waiting. The ascent takes two steps, the first from the ground station in Urca to the 720-foot (220m) Morro de Urca, the second up to the 1,300-foot (396m) Sugarloaf itself. Trams are timed so it's next to impossible to make both trips without spending transition time on the Morro, so better to relax and enjoy life. The Morro offers excellent views, as well as a cafe, snack bar, restaurant, souvenir stands, and children's play area.<br /><br />The best time to go there is definitely in the late afternoon or before evening, than you can see a beautiful sunset over the bay and take the best pictures!<br /><br />Adress:<br />Av. Pasteur 520<br /><br />Bus:"Linha 107 -CENTRAL - URCA - REGULAR <br /><br />Hours: <br />Daily from 8am to 22pm - the cable-car leaves every 30 minutes<br /><br />Prices:<br />Admission R$30 for adults, R$ 15 for children 6-12. Free for children under 6<br /><br />Duration of the journey: <br />Praia Vermelha/Morro da Urca: 3 minutes<br />Morro da Urca/Pão de Açúcar: 3 minutes<br /><br />Webpage:<br />http://www.bondinho.com.br<br /><br /><br /><br />Sugar Loaf - Pão de Açucar: Rio Helicopter Sightseeing<br /><br />For a bird's eye view of the city I took the Helicopter Sightseeing from the Heliponto Morro da Urca 01 located at the first stop of the Sugar Loaf at the summit of Morro da Urca. The ride for 1 person is R$300 and R$150 for three passengers. Since I was alone and was very early when I came there I decided to wait for some one interested to take a flight with me. Not long after there is a couple who came to ask the information at the ticket booth so I approached and asked if they would like to share the ride with me. It's a 7 - minute flight. They agreed so we took the first flight of the day. It turned out great because the pilot decided to extend for 9 minutes instead of just 7. First we climbed to the same level with the statue of "Cristo Rendentor" (Christ the Redeemer) then we took the city bird's eye view, visiting the lagoon, beaches, marina and landed safely. I rather let you take a ride with us via my video clip and hope you will enjoy the flight.<br /><br />View Rio's Helicopter Sightseeing Video and Flash Galery: http://www.tenhon.ca/rio/<br /><br /><br />Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro<br /><br />Copacabana has been for many years, one of the reasons why people want to know Rio. The "Little Princess of the Sea" as it once was "depicted" on a song still keeps its charm - despite of not being considered the fanciest neighborhood in town anymore... <br /><br />I may be a little suspect... I live in there... but I really love it. It's the most democratic and ecletic melting pot.. You will find there a little bit ( or a lot... ) of everything from glamour to decadence. From urban chaos to cozy little places where you may think you have been abducted to a small city, with parks and lots of green areas almost hidden but a delight to be discovered. <br /><br />To better understand it, take your time, and use one or two days exploring all its possibilities. there's fun for everyone.<br /><br />The name Copacabana has a Bolivian origin... Where there is the fort today, once was a chapel which housed a XVII century image of Our Virgin Lady of Copacabana, brought by the Portuguese from a small village around Lake Titicaca in Bolivia.<br />That chapel would later be demolished for the construction of The Copacabana Fort.<br /><br />The Fort was built in 1914 to defend Guanabara Bay,and offers visitors many interesting attractions from the amazing panoramic views to the Army Historical Museum - and you will find there a nice spot to have a coffe and pastry, a branch of the "Confeitaria Colombo".<br /><br />There is an entrance fee of $2 to visit the fort.<br /><br />Next to Forte de Copacabana you will find the fishermen's corner, which has been there for over 100 years...<br />It is a charming spot and it is amazing to see those fishermen actually making a living right in the heart of one of Rio's most urban areas.<br /><br />It is nice going there early in the morning - just before the sunrise - and seeing them bringing the fish. Fresh fish for sale there every morning...<br /><br />This is another view from the Fort....<br />This small beach lies between the Fort and Arpoador Rocks ( seen in the back ) is a surf point and also where some bodysurf championships take place.<br /><br />( here, a link for a bodysurf page - just in portuguese, sorry... )<br /><br />Framed by the wavy black and white mosaics of Avenue Atlântica, there are in fact 2 separate beaches in here: Leme (one kilometer) and Copacabana, (just over three kilometers). <br />This beach houses Rio's famous New Year's celebration which attracts over 2 million people from all over the world - most dressed in white for good luck, following a local tradition and it is really beautiful. Beautiful for the people, all in white, celebrating joyfully; beautiful for the Yemanjá rites with flowers on the sand and sea; beautiful for the wonderful fireworks display. A must see and a must experience at least once in a lifetime, indeed! <br />During the summer international championships of beach soccer, volleyball and other sports are promoted in arenas along the beach.<br /><br />Beach kiosks are open around the clock, offering refreshments and snacks.They are a good place to have a coconut water after jogging, riding your bike or rollerblading along the beach. Or - if you do not feel like working out - to just watch others doing it...<br /><br /><br />Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro<br /><br />Ipanema Beach, in the summer, is the best 5 miles of beach in the world. If you want a really great perspective on Ipanema Beach, and the traditions surrounding Carioca beach culture, purchase the book "How to Be Carioca" available on Amazon, Bookstores, or buy it here at any bookstore in Rio. The beach is a large part of Rio's culture, and everything revolves around it. Ipanema is the true "Praia" culture. In the book, it says "a Carioca is someone who goes to the beach before, after, or instead of work", this is an accurate analogy. "Where do you go to the beach" is one of the first questions a Carioca will ask when meeting someone for the first time. Take care your first few days and use plenty of sunscreen, the ultra-violet rays here can easily ruin a vacation. Brazilian women will wear the famous "dental floss" bikinis, all ages, and sizes, so don't feel shy, go like a local. And the males, well what you may call speedos, or tourists tightes, are called "sungas" here, and they are the proper beach wear, again, all ages and sizes, if you wear anything other, you will be immediatly identified as a tourist. Cariocas do not take a beach towel to the beach. Women sit or lay on their tangas, men sit on their t-shirts or the sand. It is acceptable, for a small fee to rent beach chairs or umbrellas from the local barracas. Drink plenty of water, beers are cheap, but stay away from drinking caparinhas on the beach, the cacacha can be deadly in the sun to "rookies", and if you spill the lime juice on your skin, the hot sun can cause an ugly burn. The water is free from pollution, so feel free to join the zillon other people for a re-freshing dip. Watch and enyoy the ritual that Carioca women go through when they enter the water, it is almost always the same, truley amazing, learned from childhood, a flick of the hair, and adjusting of the bikini top, a quick dunk, another flip of the hair, adjust top and bottom, back to their tanga, and combing of the hair...always while standing up...even the 6 year olds!<br /><br /><br />Maracanã Soccer Stadium, Rio de Janeiro<br /><br />The Maracanã Stadium was built in 1950 for the 4th World Cup. At first it was officially known as the Estadio Municipal, and later, in 1964, was renamed after Mario Filho, the founder of Jornal dos Sports, Rio de Janeiro's daily newspaper. However, to the locals, it was always referred to simply as the Maracanã, after the small river that flows by the stadium. This name given by the people started to supplant the official name and eventually the stadium became known to the world simply as Maracanã. <br /><br />It is built in reinforced concrete as a giant oval of two tiers, divided by a smaller intermediate level of open boxes. Circling the rear section is a dramatic sweeping roof, which at the time of the stadium’s construction was the largest spanning cantilevered cover in the world, spanning nearly 30 meters. This made it the world’s biggest football stadium at the time, with an official world-record attendance of 199,854 for the 1950 World Cup Final, Brazil v. Uruguay.<br /><br />Tours of the stadium are available but to see it at its best you should really go to a match – see my Sports tip to read about our experiences there. <br />• Directions: Nearest Metro Station is Maracanã but you’d be better taking a taxi if not with a group as the area can be a bit dodgy<br /><br />Dont miss a soccer game in this stadium!<br />Try to watch a classic Flamengo x Fluminense, mostly known as FlaxFlu!!! You wont regreat! Its a life experience!<br />You can check the games schedules at this phone 21 2509-5937.<br /><br /><br /><br />Botanical Garden, Rio de Janeiro<br /><br /><br />Rio de Janeiro's Botanical Garden was created on June 13, 1808 by Dom João VI - prince regent at that time - originally for the acclimatization of spices like nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon that were imported from the Western Indies.<br />Only in 1822 the Garden was open for public visitation.<br /><br />Here you see the most well-known symbol of the park; The Royal Palms. These trees were originally reserved for the royal family only. All palms are originated from a single tree, the Palma Mater (that was tragically destroyed by a lightning recently). <br /><br />The Botanical Gardens are open everyday from 8 am to 5 pm.<br />Entrance fee: R$ 4<br /><br />The Garden has six ponds with their gorgeous species of “vitória régia”, lotus, papyrus and “ aguapé” Among them, Lago Frei Leandro (Friar Leandro’s Pond) seen here at the pic.<br /><br />The gardens have several special areas featuring plants of specific Brazilian regions such as the Amazon.The greenhouses with bromeliads and orchids are very popular. There is also a sensorial garden, a Japanese garden, and many other special areas to visit.<br /><br />• Address: Jardim Botanico St. 920 and 1008<br />• Directions: There are two entrances from Rua Jardim Botãnico (Jardim Botanico Street) at numbers 920 and 1008. The entrance at number 1008 gives access to a car park and to the Centro de Visitantes (Visitors Center)<br /><br />The 340-acre Botanical Garden contains more than 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants and trees, including 900 varieties of palms (some more than a century old) and more than 140 species of birds.<br /><br />Also on the grounds are a library, a small café, and a gift shop that sells souvenirs with ecological themes (the shop is a product of the Earth Summit that was held in 1992.<br /><br />Along its existence, the Gardens have been given the names of Real Horto, Real Jardim Botãnico, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro and, in 1996 they have become the Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (Botanical Gardens of Rio de Janeiro Research Insitute). They have come under the protection of the Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional (National Historical and Artistic Heritage) – IPHAN - for their historical, cultural, scientific importance and for the design of their landscape. They have also been recognized internationally as a Living Museum in the area of Botany and defined by UNESCO as one of the reserves of biosphere.<br /><br /><br /><br />Tijuca Forest, Rio de Janeiro<br /><br />The Tijuca National Park is located right in the middle of the city. It covers and area of 33 square kilometers and it is the second smallet Brazilian National Park. It's vegetation was replanted after a decrete to take the land back from all the coffee and sugar cane plantations. A lot of the original fauna was already lost, but with great effort the Forest was replanted and it is now the place of an amazing flora and fauna diversity. It is easy to get to the park these days because it is divided in three parts by major roads. One part next to the ocean is Pedra da Gavea and Pedra Bonita that you can access through Canoas Road (Estrada das Canoas). Then you have the Three Rivers Forest (Floresta Tres Rios) that you can access through Grajau-Jacarepagua road. On the main part of the Forest you have the tallest peek: Pico da Tijuca with 1022 meters height. There are plenty of hiking trails but in the main area especially you should do it with a guide. There are thiefs hiding sometimes behind the trees just waiting for you to pass by... The trails take most of the day to be done, so start early in the morning and take food and lots of water with you!! There's no hotdog stands or soda machines up there!! So remember that! And take a hat and insect repelent. It will surely help you!<br />You can also ride up there the easy way in a jeep. Make a websearch for Floresta da Tijuca Tours. Of course the jeep does not get as far as the top of the rocks, and if you don't do it you miss a lot!! You can also ride a bike up there. Some trails are just perfect for mountain bicking. Just make sure you don't go alone and keep all together.<br />Take a look at the links bellow for more information about the trails.<br /><br />• Address: Alto da Boa Vista - Parque Nacional da Tijuca<br />• Phone: (55-21) 2492-2253 / 2492-5407<br />• Directions: Entrances:Sumare (Sumare Road);Caixa D'agua dos Caboclos (R. Almirante Alexandrino);Macacos (Dona Castorina Road);Passo de Pedras(Vista Chinesa Road); Sapucaias (Redentor Road);Solidao (Acude da Solidao Road);Cascatinha (Cascatinha Road)<br />• Website: www.terrabrasil.org.br/trilhas_mapas/tri_flogeral.htm <br />• Other Contact: www.rioturismoradical.com.br/hikProjecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-20944175350773479322008-07-31T09:04:00.000+01:002008-07-31T09:05:02.485+01:00Phone cards in RIOWhen you arrived at Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) after the immigration checks, before to get out the airport you can go to the telephone wicket to buy a calling card. With this card you can call practically every where in the world from any public phones in Rio. Phone cards are also everywhere being sold, in a kiosk, magazine stand, supermarket, foreign exchange places and restaurants. Phone booths for public in Rio are numerous but some are not well maintained and out of service. For privacy, it is best to use the phone center shops. Calling a cell phone in Rio is quite expensive and can be done in any Locutorio or Internet-Phone places which are everywhere in Rio.Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-83324187623319431482008-07-31T09:02:00.000+01:002008-07-31T09:03:22.652+01:00Packing List - and what NOT to bring.Pack light! The weather in here is mostly warm even in the winter ( guess what! today is a winter day and we are having 30ºC... ), <br />unless you are going to the southern states of the country on your trip ( there can be really cold ... Ok... bring at least a sweater... one never knows when the weather changes...A lightweight wrap or jacket is often needed as the major hotels, restaurants and bars, as well as the subway and most taxis and buses, are air-conditioned. <br /><br />Informality is the keynote in Rio de Janeiro in terms of dressing. Jackets and ties for men are restricted to offices or for a night at the Opera. <br /><br />Lots of t-shirts (do I need to tell?), cargo shorts and bermudas for the days, jeans, chinos or khakis for the evenings. For a special night. a little-black-goes-with-everything-dress for the girls or a button-down shirt ( with trousers, of course! ) for guys will do just fine! <br />Remember, summer temperatures easily reach 40ºC. Natural fabrics that breathe, like cotton and light colors will help. <br /><br />Girls: Just for the start, bring your favorite bikini. Then, buy yourself some of the gorgeous ones you will find here. <br /><br />You are going to walk a lot. Bring your confortable favorite pair of sneakers. Another pair of casual shoes for the evening. You will need dress shoes only if you are coming on business, or planning to go to the more sophisticated nightclubs. Forget your beach flip-flops at home, and join the Havaianas sandals' club in here ( see next tip ) <br /><br />Toiletries:<br />Unless you have this really specific favorite stuff you do not live without ... there is no need to bring shampoos and beauty products They are easily available at import stores and better supermarkets.<br /><br />Warning: heavy make-up users may experience kind of a face-melting in the summer here <br /><br />You may choose... Bring your umbrellas or buy a cheap one in here....<br />It may rain in here.<br /><br />In general <br />Bring your sunglasses, high sunblocks, a hat, and good mosquitos repellent as well.<br /><br />Electricity <br />The voltage is 110 volts, 60 cycles. In most hotel bathrooms there is a 220-volt outlet. If you're coming from Europe you may need an adapter plug. Sockets will take plugs with round or flat pins, but not usually the flat ones where one side is wider than the other.<br /><br />Do not take more than you need for the frist few days. One pair of shorts or a bikini, a few t-shirts, one sweater, shorts and jeans. Don't forget your favorite hiking shoes and a pair of flip-flops. A little pull bag will do the trick but bring inside another big bag that you can fold or then an empty luggage. I'll explain bellow why... <br /><br />Ok, forget your clothes except your favourite t-shirts and jeans. Shopping in Rio is so cheap that if you take a lot of luggage you won't find place to put inside all the stuff you bought. In Rio there are only two seasons: summer and summer... ooops, sorry, winter, but it's so hot that it's just like summer! So you won't need anything too worm, maybe just a sweater just for the night style. As for the rest do as I do... I go with empy bags and come back loaded with the latest trends by half price!!! And by the way, the quality of the fabrics is extraordinary! Don't forget just a rain gear if you are coming on the rainy season. Rain comes and goesin seconds, but when it comes it's like as if someone opened a hose! Shoes there are also inexpensive and good quality. <br /><br />The pharmacys in Brazil are just like one big supermarket! You can find anything and everything. All of the major Medicin Companies have their products also in these places, so take only the medicins that need a prescription and that you can't live without. They have all of the usual painkillers and usual medicins. They also have naturistic medicin shops with thousands of different vitamins and other stuff. They're all good. Try the Guarana pills! They are energetic and the best solution for an afternight drunk headacke and sickness!! All natural, by the way! And take my tip: if you feel sick just drink a lot of coconut water and eat a lot of Mamao (also known as Papaya). Your body will work as a clock! <br /><br />Taking a camera is a must!! Rio has not only wonderfull sights to photograph but you can also take lovely photos of every day people. Just remember to put it in a plastic bag when you take it to the streets. Please do not hang it on your neck, it just turns you into a possible target for the thiefs! You can find film everywhere and I would advise you to develop your films there. There are very nice laboratories and the developing is really cheap. At least half of what I pay in my own country! I shoot mostly slide film, so I'm very choosy about the places where I develop my film, but most of the Kodak laboratories do nice work. Don't take it to Depla though, they never do as you say and the photos seem to loose colour. <br /><br />Hiking shoes are a must. There's a lot of places to hike in town and on the surroundings. Take a pair of long light pants and a hat. The sun is always very strong so a pair of sunglasses are also important. Take one pair of swim trunks or bikini. They are so good there that you can buy them half price from what you pay in Europe and the States.<br /><br />Bring your favorite pair of sneakers ( or any other comfortable walking shoes)-casual wear ( casual shoes ,casual pants like chinos or khakis and a Polo shirt for the evening .A suit and tie and dress shoes are not really necessary, unless you are coming on business.Comfortable clothes are a question of survival ( like cotton, linen). Bermudas or cargo shorts with lots of pockets / pair of jeans.You will need plenty of T-shirts.Bring a nice sweater if you are coming during the colder months and a sweat suit even if you are coming in the summer, as you may want to sleep in it when you turn the air-conditioner full blast at night. A favorite casual jacket is a good addition, if you are coming in the winter or fall. A light rain jacket is always a good addition, as it does rain in Rio. <br />- special note to socks: knee-length socks are a fashion no-no in Rio. If you want to look like you belong, go for shorter socks, and do not pull them all the way up. Socks are never to be worn with sandals, either.Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-8044324898019978572008-07-25T15:12:00.002+01:002008-07-25T15:34:58.380+01:00What to DO in Slavador de BahiaReviews and photos of Salvador da Bahia attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Salvador da Bahia sightseeing.<br /><br />GO TO PRAIA DO FORTE<br /><br />Everyone in Salvador was saying how lovely Praia do Forte was, in fact, they were saying it in Rio too. The travel books made it seem like a small resort town. We've got enough of those here so I wasn't completely convinced until we got there. <br /><br />To ge there you'll need to take a tour from Salvador, hire a taxi for the day, or rent your own car... We rented a car.<br /><br />When we pulled off the highway at the sign that advertised Praia do Forte and TAMAR I had no idea what to expect, we travelled down a winding dirt road for a while and then... there it was, this village, so remote yet charming, with thatched roofs and huts, small shops, small cafes and such. We headed for the beach first... gosh, it was lined with some of the most beautiful palm trees I've ever seen.<br /><br />After alittle R&R beside the ocean we visited TAMAR, the sea turtle project. Very cool little set up with a variety of sea turtles and sea life to observe and even TOUCH at one of the many pools. Be sure to stick around for a feeding, those little guys go crazy when fed, it's cool to see.<br /><br />After TAMAR we strolled the main thoroughfare of Praia do Forte, checking out the little shops, seeking out a place for dinner... There were tons of choices. We settled on a place and enjoyed more caipirinhas and a good meal. I'll write a tip on that place soon. <br /><br />After dinner we found a unique ice cream shop with what seemed like a thousand flavors... and strange flavors at that! Ninon had CORN ice cream...Another unique aspect of the ice cream shop was that you served yourself from the big buckets of ice cream. I'd never seen that before!<br /><br />There seemed to be a lot of cozy little pousadas in Praia do Forte, I could see how a person could stay there and vegetate for a week.... I'd definitely go back. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>In a land so full of music & dance see a folk show</strong><br /><br />OK, so, usually I would see such as a bit too touristy but all the music and dance that is Salvador drew me to experience the show at Solar do Unhao. <br /><br />Solar do Unhao exists in this great 18th century colonial building of stone and exposed wood beams, down a steep hill- Warm lighting invites you in, the scent of a Bahian buffet fills your nostrils. And BAM! your photo is snapped with a woman in traditional Bahian dress which someone will later show you, glued to a plastic plate that you can purchase.... :-)<br /><br />Tim and I opted to skip the dinner buffet and have wine instead as we watched the show... (We had dinner at Sorriso da Dada on Rue Frei Vincente later that night). I think we paid $40 REAL per person for the show alone.<br /><br />The performance began with the sacred dances of the Candomblé, then Puxada de Rede in honor of Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea, followed by Maculelê, an acrobatic stick and sword dance from the cane fields.<br /><br />The most amazing part of the show in my opinion, was an exhilarating display of Capoeira- it was incredible. The show ended with the Samba de Roda, a spinning, swirling version of this exuberant national dance in which those in the show dragged members of the audience up onto the stage to samba away with them...<br /><br />There are two nightly shows, call for exact times. <br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Cidade Baixa (the Lower City)</strong><br /><br /><br />Cidade Baixa is part of the city at the foot of the bluff. The most easy way to get from Cidade Alta is by Elevadora Lacerda. This historic district was made up of the port of Salvador and adjoining warehouses and business. There's little of interest for tourist here. Most of the original structures have been demolished and replaced with private and government office buildings from the early 20th century. ¸<br /><br />However, it's not completely without interest. You are likely at least to pass through to get to the Terminal Maritimo, where you can catch a boat to one of the islands in the bay. And there is one essential stop, Mercado Modelo, offering seemingly endless choice of regional arts and crafts. Cidade Baixa extends westward to the area known as Bonfim, a neighbourhood famous for its Afro-Brazilian festival and home to the famous Igreja do Bonfim. If you go on little further, you soon come to Ribeira. <br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Mercado Modelo</strong><br /><br /><br />Mercado Modelo is a Salvador's largest market and one of Salvador's landmarks. An old covered market with the best selection of the artesanato in the city, is set on its own by the old harbour, across the road from the foot of Elevador Lacerda. It was built in 1861 and originally used as the customs house for shipments coming into port. In 1971 the building was converted into the present-day Mercado and in 1984 quickly rebuilt after the fire. <br /><br />It functions again as a centre of Bahian arts and crafts with more than 250 stalls. Here you'll find capoeira trousers, Bahian traditional clothing, lacework, jewelry, wood carving, trinkets, musical instruments and CDs, souvenirs and much more. Prices here are about the same as in Pelourinho, but don't be afraid to bargain, especially for jewelry and handicrafts. Some of the nicest souvenirs are the painted statues of candomble deities - look for the sign "antigos religiosos". <br /><br />In the square in front of the market you'll find more arts and crafts stalls with a host of hippie-style items and occasional capoeira demonstrations and live music. Even if you don't buy anything, Mercado is a very enjoyable place to visit. There is always something going on in and around the market and it's always crowded with Bahians and tourists. In the back is the covered patio area, where you can relax and have lunch or a cold drink. You find a Banco do Brasil ATM machine and an information ofice to the left of the front entrance, and upstairs there are a couple of good restaurants. <br /><br />It is open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 9am-2pm<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Pelourinho - The Old Heart of Salvador</strong><br /><br /><br />There is no visit of Salvador without spending some time in the old city of colourful pastel-hued colonial buildings, cobblestoned streets and a sense of history, clustered around the Largo do Pelourinho, also known as Praca Jose de Alencar.<br /><br />Pelurinho is a living museum with numerous buildings from 16th and 17th centuries fully restored to their original beauty and charm (there are always buildings undergoing restoration as the job is practically endless). It's the largest example of Baroque architecture in the America's, declared in 1985 a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site. <br /><br />"Pelourinho" means whipping post and this is where African slaves were publicly punished during colonial times. Slavery was outlawed in 1835, and over time, this part of the city, though home to artists and musicians, fell into disrepair. A major restoration effort resulted in making the area a highly desirable tourist attraction. <br /><br />During the day you can walk the streets, looking into the many clothing and art shops, bars, restaurants, museums and churches. At night Pelourinho offers music and dance events in its many public squares. The Laranjeiras area is loaded with charming restaurants offering delicious Bahian food and a number of programmed events take place during the week. <br /><br />No other place reflects so well the soul of Bahia as Pelourinho! <br /><br />Directions: Cidade Alta (the Upper City)<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Porto da Barra Beach</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />This beach is locaded in Barra. As it is a kind of bay, there are no waves, that´s why many pepole go there to swim.<br /><br />At this beach you find many tourists, because Barra is a tourist neigborhood. But you also find people from Salvador, specially students. Almost forgot: It is possidle to practice diving here (i´ve never tried!).<br /><br />Its it one of my favourits. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Catedral Basílica</strong><br /><br /><br />Constructed in the 17th century, with gold, marble, wood and ivory, mixing baroque and rococo styles.<br />In this church we can usually appreciate concerts, such as Bahia’s Symphonic Orchestra presentations.<br />For me, it is the most beautiful church of Salvador (and the city has MANY churches), an amazing place. <br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Pretos</strong><br /><br /><br />Built by and for slaves between 1704 and 1796 to honour Our Lady of the Rosary of the Blacks, this church didn't receive due attention outside the local Afro-Brazilian community until long after it was built. <br /><br />The church uses a mixture of themes, both African and Catholic. The blue and white facade is a mixture of baroque and rococo architecture with oriental-looking towers. After extensive renovation, it is worth a look at the side altars to see statues of the Catholic church's few black saints. One of the highlights of this church is the painting of the Passion with a black Chirst. African rhythms pervade the service.<br /><br />It is open Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sun 10am-noon. <br /><br /><br /><br />By ELicitorProjecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-34698166973586756352008-07-25T15:07:00.001+01:002008-07-25T15:07:52.740+01:00Salvador de Bahia - InformationSalvador, Bahia<br />From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia<br />Jump to: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#column-one">navigation</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#searchInput">search</a><br />This article is about the Brazilian city. For other names including "Salvador", see <a title="Salvador" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador">Salvador</a>, <a title="San Salvador (disambiguation)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Salvador_%28disambiguation%29">San Salvador</a> and <a title="São Salvador" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Salvador">São Salvador</a>.<br />Salvador<br /><a class="image" title="Downtown Salvador as seen from the sea" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lacerdaforte.jpg"></a>Downtown Salvador as seen from the sea<br /><a class="image" title="Flag of Salvador" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bandeira_de_Salvador.svg"></a>Flag<br /><a class="image" title="Official seal of Salvador" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bras%C3%A3o_de_Salvador.jpg"></a>Seal<br /><a title="Nickname" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickname">Nickname</a>(s): Capital da Alegria (Capital of happiness)<br /><a title="Motto" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motto">Motto</a>: Sic illa ad arcam reversa est (And thus the dove returned to the <a title="Noah's Ark" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah%27s_Ark">ark</a>)<br /><a class="image" title="Location of Salvador" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bahia_Municip_Salvador.svg"></a>Location of Salvador<br /><a class="mw-redirect" title="Countries of the world" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Countries_of_the_world">Country</a><br /><a class="image" title="Flag of Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Brazil.svg"></a> <a title="Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil">Brazil</a><br /><a title="States of Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/States_of_Brazil">State</a><br /><a class="image" title="Bandeira da Bahia.svg" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bandeira_da_Bahia.svg"></a><a title="Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia">Bahia</a><br />Founded<br /><a title="March 29" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_29">March 29</a>, <a title="1549" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1549">1549</a><br />Government<br /> - Mayor<br />João Henrique Carneiro (<a class="mw-redirect" title="PMDB" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMDB">PMDB</a>)<br /><a title="Area" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area">Area</a><br /> - Total<br />706 km² (272.6 sq mi)<br /><a title="Elevation" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elevation">Elevation</a><br />8 m (26 ft)<br />Population (2007)<br /> - Total<br />2.892.625<br /> - <a title="Population density" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population_density">Density</a><br />3,840/km² (9,945.6/sq mi)<br /><a title="Time zone" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_zone">Time zone</a><br /><a title="UTC-3" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC-3">UTC-3</a> (<a class="mw-redirect" title="UTC" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC">UTC</a>)<br />Postal Code<br />40000-000<br /><a title="Human Development Index" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Development_Index">HDI</a> (2000)<br />0.805 – high<br />Website: <a class="external text" title="http://www.salvadordabahia.ba.gov.br/index_anim.asp?idLinguagem=" href="http://www.salvadordabahia.ba.gov.br/index_anim.asp?idLinguagem=2" rel="nofollow">Salvador, Bahia</a><br /><a class="image" title="Downtown Salvador port from sea." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador_downtown_port_from_sea.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador_downtown_port_from_sea.jpg"></a>Downtown Salvador port from sea.<br />Salvador (historic name, São Salvador da Baía de Todos os Santos, in English: "Holy Savior of All Saints' Bay") is a <a title="City" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City">city</a> on the northeast coast of <a title="Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil">Brazil</a> and the capital of the <a title="Northeast Region, Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_Region%2C_Brazil">Northeastern</a> <a title="States of Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/States_of_Brazil">Brazilian state</a> of <a title="Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia">Bahia</a>. Salvador is also known as Brazil's capital of happiness due to its easygoing population and countless popular outdoor parties, including its street carnival. The first colonial capital of <a title="Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil">Brazil</a>, the city is one of the oldest in the country and in the <a title="New World" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_World">New World</a>; for a long time, it was also known as Bahia, and appears under that name (or as Salvador da Bahia, Salvador of Bahia so as to differentiate it from other Brazilian cities of the same name) on many maps and books from before the mid-20th century. Salvador is the third most populous Brazilian city, after <a title="São Paulo" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Paulo">São Paulo</a> and <a title="Rio de Janeiro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_de_Janeiro">Rio de Janeiro</a>, and it is the eighth most populous city in <a title="Latin America" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_America">Latin America</a>, after <a title="Mexico City" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_City">Mexico City</a>, <a title="São Paulo" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Paulo">São Paulo</a>, <a title="Buenos Aires" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buenos_Aires">Buenos Aires</a>, <a title="Lima" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lima">Lima</a>, <a title="Bogotá" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogot%C3%A1">Bogotá</a>, <a title="Rio de Janeiro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_de_Janeiro">Rio de Janeiro</a> and <a title="Santiago, Chile" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago%2C_Chile">Santiago, Chile</a>.<br />The city of Salvador is notable in Brazil for its cuisine, music and architecture, and its metropolitan area is the wealthiest in the northeastern region of the country. Over 80% of the population of metropolitan region of Salvador is of <a class="mw-redirect" title="Black African" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_African">Black African</a> origin, and African influence in many cultural aspects of the city makes it the center of Afro-Brazilian culture. The historical center of Salvador, frequently called the Pelourinho, is rich in historical monuments dating from the 17th through the 19th centuries and has been declared a <a title="World Heritage Site" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Site">World Heritage Site</a> by <a title="UNESCO" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO">UNESCO</a> in 1985.<br />Salvador is located on a small, roughly triangular peninsula that separates <a class="mw-redirect" title="Todos os Santos Bay" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todos_os_Santos_Bay">Todos os Santos Bay</a> from the open waters of the <a title="Atlantic Ocean" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Ocean">Atlantic Ocean</a>. The bay, which gets its name from having been discovered on <a title="All Saints" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints">All Saints' Day</a> forms a natural harbor. Salvador is a major export port, lying at the heart of the Recôncavo Baiano, a rich agricultural and industrial region encompassing the northern portion of coastal <a title="Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia">Bahia</a>. The local terrain is diverse ranging from flat to rolling to hills and low mountains.<br />A particularly notable feature is the escarpment that divides Salvador into the Cidade Alta ("Upper Town") and the Cidade Baixa ("Lower Town"), the former some 85 m (275 ft) above the latter,<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-0">[1]</a> with the city's cathedral and most administrative buildings standing on the higher ground. An elevator (the first installed in Brazil), known as Elevador Lacerda has connected the two sections since 1873, having since undergone several upgrades.<br />The <a title="Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deputado_Lu%C3%ADs_Eduardo_Magalh%C3%A3es_International_Airport">Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport</a> connects Salvador with Brazilian cities and also operates international flights, and the city is home to the <a title="Universidade Federal da Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universidade_Federal_da_Bahia">Federal University of Bahia</a>.<br />Contents[<a class="internal" id="togglelink" href="javascript:toggleToc()">hide</a>]<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Geography">1 Geography</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Climate">1.1 Climate</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Vegetation">1.2 Vegetation</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#History">2 History</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Toponymy">3 Toponymy</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#City_government">3.1 City government</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Demographics">4 Demographics</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Religion">4.1 Religion</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Economy">5 Economy</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Tourism_and_recreation">6 Tourism and recreation</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Education">7 Education</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Educational_institutions">7.1 Educational institutions</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Historic_Centre">8 Historic Centre</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Culture">9 Culture</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Literature">9.1 Literature</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Religion_2">9.2 Religion</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Cuisine">9.3 Cuisine</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Capoeira">9.4 Capoeira</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Museums">9.5 Museums</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Carnival.2FCarnaval">9.6 Carnival/Carnaval</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Funk_and_Bahia_Funk_Dances">9.7 Funk and Bahia Funk Dances</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Theatre">9.8 Theatre</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Human_Rights_.26_Gay_Rights">10 Human Rights & Gay Rights</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Infrastructure">11 Infrastructure</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#International_Airport">11.1 International Airport</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Port">11.2 Port</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Metro">11.3 Metro</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Highways">11.4 Highways</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Distances">11.5 Distances</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Neighborhoods">12 Neighborhoods</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Sports">13 Sports</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Human_Development">14 Human Development</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Notable_people">15 Notable people</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Sister_cities">16 Sister cities</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#References">17 References</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#External_links">18 External links</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Official">18.1 Official</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#Education_2">18.2 Education</a><br />//<br /><a id="Geography" name="Geography"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Geography" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=1">edit</a>] Geography<br /><a id="Climate" name="Climate"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Climate" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=2">edit</a>] Climate<br /><a title="Template:Climate chart/info" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Climate_chart/info">Climate chart</a> for Salvador<br />J<br />F<br />M<br />A<br />M<br />J<br />J<br />A<br />S<br />O<br />N<br />D<br /><br /><br />43<br /><br />30<br />24<br /><br /><br />58<br /><br />30<br />24<br /><br /><br />106<br /><br />30<br />24<br /><br /><br />191<br /><br />29<br />24<br /><br /><br />187<br /><br />28<br />23<br /><br /><br />168<br /><br />27<br />22<br /><br /><br />143<br /><br />26<br />22<br /><br /><br />99<br /><br />26<br />22<br /><br /><br />73<br /><br />27<br />22<br /><br /><br />70<br /><br />28<br />23<br /><br /><br />74<br /><br />29<br />23<br /><br /><br />69<br /><br />30<br />24<br />temperatures in °Cprecipitation totals in mmsource: <a class="external text" title="http://weather.uk.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=" href="http://weather.uk.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:BRXX3272" rel="nofollow">MSN Weather</a><br />Imperial conversion<a class="NavToggle" id="NavToggle1" href="javascript:toggleNavigationBar(1);">[show]</a><br /> <br />J<br />F<br />M<br />A<br />M<br />J<br />J<br />A<br />S<br />O<br />N<br />D<br /><br /><br />1.7<br /><br />86<br />75<br /><br /><br />2.3<br /><br />86<br />75<br /><br /><br />4.2<br /><br />86<br />75<br /><br /><br />7.5<br /><br />84<br />75<br /><br /><br />7.4<br /><br />82<br />73<br /><br /><br />6.6<br /><br />81<br />72<br /><br /><br />5.6<br /><br />79<br />72<br /><br /><br />3.9<br /><br />79<br />72<br /><br /><br />2.9<br /><br />81<br />72<br /><br /><br />2.8<br /><br />82<br />73<br /><br /><br />2.9<br /><br />84<br />73<br /><br /><br />2.7<br /><br />86<br />75<br />temperatures in °Fprecipitation totals in inches<br />Months<br />Air<br />Humidity<br />(%)<br />Medium<br />Temperature<br />(°C)<br />January<br />80<br />26.5<br />July<br />83<br />23.5<br /><a title="Year" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year">Annual</a><br />81<br />25<br />Salvador has a typical <a title="Tropical climate" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_climate">tropical climate</a>, with warm to hot temperatures and high relative humidity throughout the year. However, these conditions are relieved by a near absence of extreme temperatures and pleasant trade winds blowing from the ocean. March is the warmest month, with a mean maximum temperature of 30°C (86°F) and minimum of 24°C (75°F); July experiences the coolest temperatures, with means of 26°C (79°F) and 19°C (68°F). The absolute maximum and minimum are respectively 38°C (100°F) and 12°C (54°F).<br />Unlike the terrain further inland (known as the <a title="Sertão" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sert%C3%A3o">sertão</a>), rainfall in Salvador is quite abundant, with a total yearly average of 201cm (83"), being heaviest in May at 33cm (12.8") and generally tapering off until reaching a low of 11cm (4.4") in January. <a title="Tropical cyclone" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_cyclone">Tropical cyclones</a> and <a title="Tornado" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tornado">tornadoes</a> are unknown in this area<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-1">[2]</a><a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-2">[3]</a>, on February 12, 2008 a small <a title="Fujita scale" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujita_scale">F0</a> was formed in the ocean, near by Rio Vermelho neighborhood, creating a little waterspout.<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-3">[4]</a><br />The coastline is quite diverse, featuring sandy beaches, sea cliffs, <a title="Mangrove" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrove">mangrove</a> swamps, and a number of islands, the largest of which, <a title="Itaparica" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itaparica">Itaparica</a>, includes a resort area.<br /><a id="Vegetation" name="Vegetation"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Vegetation" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=3">edit</a>] Vegetation<br />Salvador is located in a region of <a title="Tropical rainforest" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_rainforest">tropical rainforests</a>. The rainforests of Bahia are characterized by high levels of precipitation, and the normal annual rainfall is between 2,000 mm (about 78 inches) and 1700 mm (about 67 inches). As a result of region's climate, Salvador and the surrounding region support quite a diverse selection of topical plants.<br />There are several common characteristics of tropical <a title="Rainforest" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainforest">rainforest</a> trees. Tropical rainforest species frequently possess one or more attributes not commonly seen in trees of higher latitudes or trees in drier conditions on the same latitude.<br /><a id="History" name="History"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: History" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=4">edit</a>] History<br /><a class="image" title="Market (Mercado Modelo) by the bay." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador-1-CCBY.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador-1-CCBY.jpg"></a>Market (Mercado Modelo) by the bay.<br /><a class="image" title="First Coat of Arms of the city of Salvador, about late XVI century." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bahia_captaincy.PNG"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bahia_captaincy.PNG"></a>First Coat of Arms of the city of Salvador, about late XVI century.<br /><a title="Baía de Todos os Santos" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ba%C3%ADa_de_Todos_os_Santos">Baía de Todos os Santos</a> (All Saints Bay) was first encountered by <a title="Europe" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe">Europeans</a> and christened in 1502. In 1510, a ship, containing the Portuguese settler <a title="Caramuru" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caramuru">Caramuru</a>, wrecked near the borough of Rio Vermelho. In 1534, Francisco Pereira Coutinho founded a town near Barra borough, called Vila Velha, Portuguese for "Old town". In 1549, a fleet of <a title="Portuguese people" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_people">Portuguese settlers</a> headed by <a title="Tomé de Sousa" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom%C3%A9_de_Sousa">Tomé de Sousa</a>, the first <a title="Governor-General" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor-General">Governor-General</a> of Brazil, established Salvador. Built on a high cliff overlooking All Saints bay as the first colonial capital of <a title="Colonial Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonial_Brazil">colonial Brazil</a>, it quickly became its main <a class="mw-redirect" title="Sea port" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_port">sea port</a> and an important center of the <a title="Sugar" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar">sugar</a> industry and the <a title="History of slavery" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_slavery#Slavery_in_Brazil">slave trade</a>. Salvador was divided into an upper and a lower city, the upper city was the administrative and main religious area and it was where the majority of the population lived. The lower city was the financial center, with a port and market. In the late 19th Century, <a title="Funicular" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funicular">funiculars</a> and an <a title="Elevator" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elevator">elevator</a>, the Elevador Lacerda, were built to link the areas.<br />The city became the seat of the first <a title="Roman Catholic Church" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Church">Catholic</a> <a title="Bishop" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishop">bishop</a> of Brazil in 1552, and is still a center of Brazilian Catholicism. By 1583, there were 1,600 people residing in the city, and it quickly grew into one of the largest cities in the <a title="New World" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_World">New World</a>, surpassing any <a class="mw-redirect" title="Colonial history of the United States of America" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonial_history_of_the_United_States_of_America">colonial American</a> city at the time of the <a title="American Revolution" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolution">American Revolution</a> in 1776.<br />Salvador was the capital city of the Portuguese <a title="Viceroy" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viceroy">viceroyalty</a> of <a title="Grão-Pará" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%A3o-Par%C3%A1">Grão-Pará</a> and its province of <a class="mw-redirect" title="Bahia de Todos os Santos" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia_de_Todos_os_Santos">Bahia de Todos os Santos</a>. The <a title="Dutch Republic" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Republic">Dutch Republic</a> captured and sacked the city in May of 1624, and held it along with other north east ports until it was re-taken by the Portuguese in April of the following year.<br />Salvador was the first capital of Brazil and remained so until 1763, when it was succeeded by <a title="Rio de Janeiro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_de_Janeiro">Rio de Janeiro</a>. The city became a base for the Brazilian independence movement and was attacked by Portuguese troops in 1812, before being liberated on <a title="July 2" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/July_2">July 2</a>, <a title="1823" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1823">1823</a>. It settled into graceful decline over the next 150 years, out of the mainstream of Brazilian industrialization. It remains, however, a national cultural and tourist center.<br />By 1948 the city had some 340,000 people, and was already Brazil's fourth largest city. By 1991 the population was 2.08 million.<br /><a class="image" title="In 2006, Salvador was the 2nd most visited city by international tourists in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is the 1st." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Pelourinho%2C_Salvador.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Pelourinho%2C_Salvador.jpg"></a>In 2006, Salvador was the 2nd most visited city by international tourists in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is the 1st.<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-4">[5]</a><br />In the 1990s, a major city project cleaned up and restored the old downtown area, the Pelourinho, or Centro Historico ("<a title="Historic Centre (Salvador, Bahia)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_%28Salvador%2C_Bahia%29">Historical Center</a>"). Now, the Pelourinho is a cultural center, and the very heart of Salvador. Nonetheless, this social prophylaxis resulted in the forced removal of thousands of working class residents to the <a title="City" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City">city</a>'s periphery where they have encountered significant economic hardship. Additionally, the Historical Center is now something of a depopulated architectural jewel who's "animation" must be brought in and sponsored by local shopowners and the <a title="Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia">Bahian</a> state. Similar situations may be found in many <a title="UNESCO" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO">UNESCO</a> World Heritage Sites today but the <a title="Historic Centre (Salvador, Bahia)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_%28Salvador%2C_Bahia%29">Pelourinho</a>, in light of Salvador's economic inequalities and ruling governmental coalition's of the 1990s, seems to have gone farther than most in sacrificing its <a title="Population" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population">population</a> to the needs of <a class="mw-redirect" title="Tourist" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourist">tourist</a>-based preservation.<br />Salvador has been the birthplace of many noted Brazilians, including musicians such as song-writer <a title="Dorival Caymmi" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorival_Caymmi">Dorival Caymmi</a>, <a title="Música Popular Brasileira" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%BAsica_Popular_Brasileira">Música Popular Brasileira</a> (MPB or Brazilian Popular Music) star <a title="Gal Costa" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal_Costa">Gal Costa</a>, and <a title="Grammy Award" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grammy_Award">Grammy Award</a> winner <a title="Gilberto Gil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilberto_Gil">Gilberto Gil</a>. Gil later went on to serve as a city council member (vereador) and is the Brazilian Minister of Culture in the cabinet of President <a title="Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luiz_In%C3%A1cio_Lula_da_Silva">Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva</a>. Also internationally recognized are the city's <a class="new" title="Blocos Afros (page does not exist)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blocos_Afros&action=edit&redlink=1">Blocos Afros</a>, such as <a title="Olodum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olodum">Olodum</a>, <a class="new" title="Ara Ketu (page does not exist)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ara_Ketu&action=edit&redlink=1">Ara Ketu</a>, and <a title="Ilê Aiyê" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Il%C3%AA_Aiy%C3%AA">Ilê Aiyê</a>. Notable writers associated with Salvador include <a title="Jorge Amado" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorge_Amado">Jorge Amado</a>, considered one of Brazil's greatest authors and fabulists, and <a title="João Ubaldo Ribeiro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo%C3%A3o_Ubaldo_Ribeiro">João Ubaldo Ribeiro</a>. The famous Brazilian visual artist <a title="Carybé" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caryb%C3%A9">Carybé</a> is based in Salvador as well. Celebrities born in Salvador include supermodel <a title="Adriana Lima" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adriana_Lima">Adriana Lima</a>.<br /><a id="Toponymy" name="Toponymy"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Toponymy" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=5">edit</a>] Toponymy<br /><a class="image" title="Salvador City Hall." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Prefeitura_de_Salvador_-_Brasil.JPG"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Prefeitura_de_Salvador_-_Brasil.JPG"></a>Salvador City Hall.<br />The city's name, São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos, is the <a title="Portuguese language" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_language">Portuguese</a> for "Saint Savior of All Saints' Bay". The city was, for a long time, known as "Bahia" (bay), passing this name to all the lands near it, naming the state of Bahia. The city is also known as "Roma Negra", Portuguese for "Black Rome", because it is said that Salvador da Bahia has 365 churches, and it is a center of <a title="Candomblé" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candombl%C3%A9">Candomblé</a>, an African-derived, <a class="mw-redirect" title="Syncretic" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syncretic">syncretic</a> New World religion.<br />Salvador's other nickname is "Capital da Alegria" or "Capital of Joy", because of its large <a title="Carnival" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival">carnival</a>.<br /><a class="image" title="Old Municipality of Salvador." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:CamaraVereadoresSalvador.JPG"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:CamaraVereadoresSalvador.JPG"></a>Old Municipality of Salvador.<br /><a id="City_government" name="City_government"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: City government" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=6">edit</a>] City government<br />Brazil's first governor <a class="mw-redirect" title="Thomé de Souza" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thom%C3%A9_de_Souza">Thomé de Souza</a> lived in Salvador from 1549, and the building in which he resided was also the administrative center for the <a title="Kingdom of Portugal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Portugal">Kingdom of Portugal</a> during its temporary relocation to Brazil during the <a title="Peninsular War" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peninsular_War">Peninsular War</a>. The building was rededicated in 1919, when it was given its present name: Rio Branco Palace. Today, it is the home of the Pedro Calmon Foundation of the State of <a title="Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia">Bahia</a> and the Governor's Memorial.<br />Salvador is governed by a prefeito (mayor). The mayor (since 2005) is João Henrique Carneiro, of the <a class="mw-redirect" title="PMDB" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PMDB">PMDB</a> party. The city also has a body of 41 vereadores (municipal deputies), who meet in the Camara Municipal de Salvador. The Municipal Chambers is a historical structure built approximately 1660.<br /><a id="Demographics" name="Demographics"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Demographics" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=7">edit</a>] Demographics<br /><a class="image" title="African-Brazilians make up the majority of the population in Salvador." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Crian%C3%A7a_na_palestra.jpeg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Crian%C3%A7a_na_palestra.jpeg"></a><a title="Afro-Brazilian" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-Brazilian">African-Brazilians</a> make up the majority of the population in Salvador.<br />According to the <a class="mw-redirect" title="IBGE" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBGE">IBGE</a> of <a title="2007" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007">2007</a>, there were 3,416,000 people residing in the Metropolitan Region of Salvador. The population density was 6,422 inh./km². The last PNAD (National Research for Sample of Domiciles) census revealed the following numbers: 1,875,384 <a title="Pardo" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pardo">Brown</a> people (54.9%), 970,000 <a title="Afro-Brazilian" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-Brazilian">Black</a> people (28.4%), 532,000 <a title="White Brazilian" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Brazilian">White</a> people (15.6%), 34,000 <a title="Asian Brazilian" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Brazilian">Asian</a> or <a title="Indigenous peoples in Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_in_Brazil">Amerindian</a> people (1.0%).<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-5">[6]</a><br />Most of the population is in part descended from <a title="Sub-Saharan Africa" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sub-Saharan_Africa">Black African</a> <a class="mw-redirect" title="Slave" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slave">slaves</a>, who were mainly <a title="Yoruba language" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoruba_language">Yoruba speakers</a> from <a title="Nigeria" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria">Nigeria</a>, <a title="Ghana" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana">Ghana</a>, <a title="Togo" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Togo">Togo</a> and <a title="Benin" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benin">Benin</a>.<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-6">[7]</a><br /><a id="Religion" name="Religion"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Religion" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=8">edit</a>] Religion<br />Religion<br />Percentage<br />Number<br /><a title="Catholic" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic">Catholic</a><br />60.54%<br />1,479,101<br /><a title="Atheism" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism">No religion</a><br />18.14%<br />443,236<br /><a class="mw-redirect" title="Protestant" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant">Protestant</a><br />13.29%<br />324,785<br /><a class="mw-redirect" title="Kardecism" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kardecism">Kardecist</a><br />2.53%<br />61,833<br />Source: <a class="mw-redirect" title="IBGE" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBGE">IBGE</a> 2000.<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-7">[8]</a><br /><a id="Economy" name="Economy"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Economy" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=9">edit</a>] Economy<br /><a class="image" title="Fort of Nossa Senhora do Pópulo e São Marcelo." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador_Sao_Marcelo_fort_from_sea_2.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador_Sao_Marcelo_fort_from_sea_2.jpg"></a>Fort of Nossa Senhora do Pópulo e São Marcelo.<br /><a class="image" title="Historic Centre in the morning." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador-CCBY-4.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador-CCBY-4.jpg"></a><a class="mw-redirect" title="Historic Centre (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_%28Neighborhood%29">Historic Centre</a> in the morning.<br /><a class="image" title="Convent and Church of São Francisco in Historic Centre." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador-CCBY-5.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador-CCBY-5.jpg"></a><a class="mw-redirect" title="São Francisco Church and Convent (Salvador)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Francisco_Church_and_Convent_%28Salvador%29">Convent and Church of São Francisco</a> in <a class="mw-redirect" title="Historic Centre (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_%28Neighborhood%29">Historic Centre</a>.<br />Salvador is the second most popular <a title="Tourism" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism">tourist</a> destination in Brazil. Tourism and cultural activity are important generators of <a title="Job" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job">jobs</a> and income, boosting the <a title="Art" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art">arts</a> and the preservation of artistic and cultural heritage. Chief among the points of interest are its famous Pelourinho (named after the colonial <a title="Pillory" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pillory">pillories</a> that once stood there) district, its magnificent historic churches, and its <a title="Beach" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach">beaches</a>. Salvador's tourism <a title="Infrastructure" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrastructure">infrastructure</a> is considered one of the most modern in Brazil, especially in terms of lodging. The city offers accommodation to suit all tastes and standards, from youth hostels to international <a title="Hotel" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel">hotels</a>. The <a title="Civil engineering" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_engineering">Civil engineering</a> is one of the most important segments of the city, many international (mainly: <a title="Spain" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain">Spain</a>, <a title="Portugal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal">Portugal</a> and <a title="England" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England">England</a>)<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-8">[9]</a> and national companies are acting in the city and bahian <a title="Littoral zone" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Littoral_zone">littoral zone</a>.<br /><a title="Ford Motor Company" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Motor_Company">Ford Motor Company</a> has a plant in the Metropolitan Region of Salvador, in the city of <a title="Camaçari" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cama%C3%A7ari">Camaçari</a>, assembling the <a title="Ford EcoSport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_EcoSport">Ford EcoSport</a> and <a title="Ford Fiesta" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Fiesta">Ford Fiesta</a>.<br />In December 2001, <a class="mw-redirect" title="Monsanto Company" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsanto_Company">Monsanto Company</a> inaugurated, at the Petrochemical Pole of <a title="Camaçari" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cama%C3%A7ari">Camaçari</a>, in Metropolitan Region of Salvador, the first plant of the company designed to produce raw materials for the <a title="Herbicide" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbicide">herbicide</a> <a title="Roundup" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roundup">Roundup</a> in <a title="South America" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_America">South America</a>. The investment is equivalent to US$ 500 millions; US$ 350 millions were spent in this initial phase. The <a title="Camaçari" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cama%C3%A7ari">Camaçari</a> Plant, the largest unit of Monsanto installed out of the <a title="United States" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States">United States</a>, is also the only Monsanto plant manufacturing raw materials for the Roundup production line. The company started the civil works for the new plant in January 2000.<br />The area of the unit is 631,000 square meters, including 200,000 square meters of constructed area. Upon completion of the two phases, it will employ 1,400 people, including direct (350) and indirect (1050) employments. With this plant in operation, <a title="Monsanto" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsanto">Monsanto</a> now contributes US$ 300 million to the Brazilian economy, avoiding the importation of U$ 150 million of raw materials.<br />The <a class="mw-redirect" title="GDP" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GDP">GDP</a> for the city was R$ 22,145,303,000 (<a title="2005" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005">2005</a>).<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-9">[10]</a><br />The <a title="Per capita income" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Per_capita_income">per capita income</a> for the city was R$ 8,283 (<a title="2005" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005">2005</a>).<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-10">[11]</a><br />Evolution of the GDP and the per capita GDP of Salvador<br />Years<br />GDP(in <a title="Brazilian real" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_real">reais</a>)<br />GDP per capita(in <a title="Brazilian real" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_real">reais</a>)<br /><a title="2002" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002">2002</a><br />16,463,298,000<br />6,464<br /><a title="2003" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003">2003</a><br />16,929,310,000<br />6,541<br /><a title="2004" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004">2004</a><br />19,887,968,000<br />7,557<br /><a title="2005" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005">2005</a><br />22,145,303,000<br />8,283<br /><a id="Tourism_and_recreation" name="Tourism_and_recreation"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Tourism and recreation" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=10">edit</a>] Tourism and recreation<br /><a class="image" title="Ondina Beach." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Praia_de_Ondina.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Praia_de_Ondina.jpg"></a>Ondina Beach.<br />The Salvador coastline is one of the longest for cities in <a title="Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil">Brazil</a>. There are 50 km (31 mi) of <a title="Beach" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach">beaches</a> distributed between the High City and the Low City, from Inema, in the railroad suburb to the Praia do Flamengo, on the other side of town. While the Low City beaches are bordered by the waters of the <a class="mw-redirect" title="All Saints Bay" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints_Bay">All Saints Bay</a> (the country’s most extensive bay), the High City beaches, from Farol da Barra to Flamengo, are bordered by the <a title="Atlantic Ocean" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Ocean">Atlantic Ocean</a>. The exception is Porto da Barra, the only High City beach located in the All Saints Bay. The big <a title="Hotel" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel">hotels</a> tend to be strung out along the orla (Atlantic seafront). Then you've got smaller hotels in Barra and Porto da Barra, others (generally less expensive) scattered along the principal thoroughfare of Avenida Sete de Setembro (shortened to "Avenida Sete" by the locals), and still others (usually inexpensive) in and around <a class="mw-redirect" title="Pelourinho" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelourinho">Pelourinho</a>. If you're shopping for the bottom end of the spectrum in this area you have to be careful; some of these hotels are "by the hour" with all that that entails.<br />There are also pousadas (<a class="mw-redirect" title="Guesthouse" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guesthouse">guesthouses</a>, or bed & breakfasts) in Barra, Pelourinho, and Santo Antônio (and other places as well, to be sure), and hostels (albergues) which are for the most part located in Pelourinho (though a lot of the "pousadas" in Barra are hostels as well).<br />The capital's beaches range from calm inlets, ideal for swimming, sailing, diving and underwater fishing, as well as open sea inlets with strong waves, sought by <a title="Surf" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surf">surfers</a>. There are also beaches surrounded by <a title="Reef" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reef">reefs</a>, forming natural pools of stone, ideal for children.<br /><a class="image" title="Lacerda Elevator and Model Market in Historic Centre." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Elevador_Lacerda_Salvador_Bahia.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Elevador_Lacerda_Salvador_Bahia.jpg"></a>Lacerda Elevator and Model Market in <a class="mw-redirect" title="Historic Centre (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_%28Neighborhood%29">Historic Centre</a>.<br />Interesting places to visit near Salvador include:<br />According to <a title="The Guardian" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guardian">The Guardian</a>, in 2007, Porto da Barra Beach was the 3rd best in the world.<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-11">[12]</a><br />The large island of <a title="Itaparica" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itaparica">Itaparica</a> in the Bay of All Saints - can be visited either by a car-ferry, or a smaller foot-passenger ferry which leaves from near the Mercado Modelo near the Lacerda Elevator.<br />Linha Verde, or "green line" of towns and cities, with exquisite beaches, north of Salvador heading towards <a title="Sergipe" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergipe">Sergipe</a> state<br /><a title="Cachoeira" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cachoeira">Cachoeira</a> in the recôncavo region - 2 hours by bus: a great centre of <a title="Candomblé" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candombl%C3%A9">Candomblé</a> with a pousada (inn) in the <a title="Convent" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convent">convent</a> there.<br /><a title="Morro de São Paulo" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morro_de_S%C3%A3o_Paulo">Morro de São Paulo</a> in the Valença region across the Bay of All Saints - a lively island which can be reached by ferry from Salvador (1 hr), by plane, or by bus to Valença and then by 'Rapido' ('fast') speedboat or smaller ferry.<br />Among its attractions, those deserving of special attention include the Lacerda Elevator, City Hall and Pelourinho.<br /><a id="Education" name="Education"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Education" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=11">edit</a>] Education<br /><a class="image" title="Salvador is the most important educational centre of the state." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Edificios_na_Av._Tancredo_Neves.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Edificios_na_Av._Tancredo_Neves.jpg"></a>Salvador is the most important educational centre of the state.<br /><a title="Portuguese language" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_language">Portuguese language</a> is the official national language, and thus the primary language taught in schools. But <a title="English language" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language">English</a> and <a title="Spanish language" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_language">Spanish</a> are part of the official <a title="High school" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_school">high school</a> curriculum.<br /><a id="Educational_institutions" name="Educational_institutions"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Educational institutions" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=12">edit</a>] Educational institutions<br />The city has several <a title="University" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University">universities</a>:<br /><a title="Universidade Federal da Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universidade_Federal_da_Bahia">Universidade Federal da Bahia</a> (UFBA) (Federal University of Bahia);<br /><a class="external text" title="http://www.uneb.br" href="http://www.uneb.br/" rel="nofollow">Universidade do Estado da Bahia</a> (UNEB) (University of Bahia State);<br /><a class="external text" title="http://www.ucsal.br" href="http://www.ucsal.br/" rel="nofollow">Universidade Católica do Salvador</a> (UCSal) (Catholic University of Salvador);<br /><a class="external text" title="http://www.unifacs.br" href="http://www.unifacs.br/" rel="nofollow">Universidade Salvador</a> (UNIFACS) (Salvador University);<br />Faculdade de Tecnologia e Ciências (College of Technology and Science);<br /><a class="external text" title="http://www.cefetba.br" href="http://www.cefetba.br/" rel="nofollow">Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica da Bahia</a> (Cefet-BA);<br /><a class="external text" title="http://www.frb.br" href="http://www.frb.br/" rel="nofollow">Faculdade Ruy Barbosa</a> (FRB) (Ruy Barbosa College);<br />and many others.<br /><a id="Historic_Centre" name="Historic_Centre"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Historic Centre" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=13">edit</a>] Historic Centre<br />Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia*<br /><a title="World Heritage Site" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Site">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a><br /><a class="image" title="Old houses in the historical centre." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador-CCBY-2.jpg"></a><br /><a title="Table of World Heritage Sites based on State Parties" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_World_Heritage_Sites_based_on_State_Parties">State Party</a><br /><a class="image" title="Flag of Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Brazil.svg"></a> <a title="Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil">Brazil</a><br />Type<br />Cultural<br /><a title="World Heritage Site" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Site#Selection_criteria">Criteria</a><br />iv, vi<br />Reference<br /><a class="external text" title="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/309" href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/309" rel="nofollow">309</a><br />Region**<br /><a title="List of World Heritage Sites in the Americas" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World_Heritage_Sites_in_the_Americas">Latin America and the Caribbean</a><br />Inscription history<br />Inscription<br />1985 (9th <a title="World Heritage Site" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Site#World_Heritage_Committee_Session">Session</a>)<br />* <a class="external text" title="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list" href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list" rel="nofollow">Name as inscribed on World Heritage List.</a>** <a class="external text" title="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/?search=" search_by_country="&type=" media="&region=" order="region" href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/?search=&search_by_country=&type=&media=&region=&order=region" rel="nofollow">Region as classified by UNESCO.</a><br />The Historic Centre of Salvador was designated in 1985 a <a title="World Heritage Site" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Site">World Heritage Site</a> by <a title="UNESCO" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO">UNESCO</a>. The city represents a fine example of 16th century urbanism with its higher administrative town and its lower commercial town, and a large portion of the city has retained the old character of its streets and colourful houses.<br />As the first capital of <a title="Empire of Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_of_Brazil">Portuguese America</a>, Salvador cultivated slave labor and had its "pelourinhos" [pillories] installed in open places like the terreiro de Jesus and the squares know today as <a class="mw-redirect" title="Thomé de Souza" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thom%C3%A9_de_Souza">Thomé de Souza</a> and <a title="Castro Alves" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castro_Alves">Castro Alves</a>. A "pelourinho" was a symbol of authority and justice,for some, and lashings and injustice for the majority. The one erected for a short time in what is now the Historical Center, and later moved to what is now the Praca da Piedade, ended up lending its name to the historical and architectural complex of Pelourinho, part of the city's <a title="Historic Centre (Salvador, Bahia)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_%28Salvador%2C_Bahia%29">historical center</a>.<br />Since 1992, the <a title="Historic Centre (Salvador, Bahia)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_%28Salvador%2C_Bahia%29">Pelourinho</a> neighborhood has been subject to a nearly US$ 100 million "restoration" that has led to the rebuilding of hundreds of buildings' facades and the expulsion of the vast majority of the neighborhood's Afro-descendent populace. This process has given rise to substantial political debate in <a title="Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia">Bahia</a> since the Pelourinho's former residents have been for the most part excluded from the renovation's economic benefits (reaped by a few).<br />Salvador's considerable wealth and status during colonial times (as capital of the colony during 250 years and which gave rise to the Pelourinho) is reflected in the magnificence of its colonial palaces, churches and convents, most of them dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. These include:<br /><a title="Cathedral of Salvador" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Salvador">Cathedral of Salvador</a>: Former <a class="mw-redirect" title="Jesuit" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesuit">Jesuit</a> church of the city, built in the second half of the 17th century. Fine example of <a class="mw-redirect" title="Mannerist" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannerist">Mannerist</a> architecture and decoration.<br /><a class="mw-redirect" title="São Francisco Church and Convent (Salvador)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Francisco_Church_and_Convent_%28Salvador%29">Convent and Church of São Francisco</a>: Franciscan convent and church dating from the first half of the 18th century. The <a title="Baroque" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baroque">Baroque</a> decoration of the church is among the finest in Brazil.<br /><a title="Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (Salvador)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Nosso_Senhor_do_Bonfim_%28Salvador%29">Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim</a>: <a title="Rococo" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rococo">Rococo</a> church with <a title="Neoclassical architecture" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoclassical_architecture">Neoclassical</a> inner decoration. The image of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim is the most venerated in the city, and the Feast of Our Lord of Good Ending (Festa de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim) in January is the most important in the city after <a title="Carnival" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival">Carnival</a>.<br /><a class="image" title="Historic Centre of Salvador." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:PelourinhoBahiaBrazil_01.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:PelourinhoBahiaBrazil_01.jpg"></a><a title="Historic Centre (Salvador, Bahia)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_%28Salvador%2C_Bahia%29">Historic Centre</a> of Salvador.<br />Mercado Modelo: In 1861, at the Cayrú Square, the Customs Building was constructed, with a rotunda (large circular room with a domed ceiling) at the back end, where ships anchored to unload their merchandise. In 1971, a market began to operate in the Customs Building, and thirteen years later, it caught fire, burned down, and underwent reform. Today, there are 200 stands with a variety of arts and crafts made in <a title="Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia">Bahia</a> as well as other states in northeastern region of <a title="Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil">Brazil</a>, two <a title="Restaurant" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restaurant">restaurants</a>, and several <a title="Bar" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar">bars</a> that serve typical <a title="Drink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drink">drinks</a> and appetizers.<br />Elevador Lacerda: Inaugurated in 1873, this elevator was planned and built by the businessman Antônio Francisco de Lacerda, The four elevator cages connect the 72 meters between the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Thomé de Souza" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thom%C3%A9_de_Souza">Thomé de Souza</a> Square in the upper city, and the Cayru Square in the lower city. In each run, which lasts for 22 seconds, the elevator transports 128 persons, 24 hours a day.<br /><a id="Culture" name="Culture"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Culture" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=14">edit</a>] Culture<br />Its rich, historical and cultural aspects were inherited by the miscigenation of such ethnic groups as Native-Indian, African, and European. This mixture can be seen in the <a title="Religion" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion">religion</a>, golden <a title="Cuisine" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuisine">cuisine</a>, cultural manifestations, and <a title="Custom" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custom">customs</a> of Bahia's joyful, hospitable people. These unique characteristics arouse curiosity in everyone's minds.<br /><a id="Literature" name="Literature"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Literature" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=15">edit</a>] Literature<br /><a class="image" title="Historic Centre in the afternoon." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador-CCBY9.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador-CCBY9.jpg"></a><a class="mw-redirect" title="Historic Centre (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_%28Neighborhood%29">Historic Centre</a> in the afternoon.<br />As the capital of <a title="Colonial Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonial_Brazil">colonial Brazil</a> until 1763, Salvador was an important cultural centre since the 16th century, as reflected in the large number of prominent literary figures associated with colonial Salvador, usually educated in the religious schools of the convents of the city and in the <a title="University of Coimbra" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Coimbra">University of Coimbra</a> in Portugal. Frei Vicente do Salvador (1564-1635), a Bahia-born Franciscan friar who studied in the Jesuit School of Salvador, was the author of the first book on Brazilian history written by a Brazil-born author.<br /><a class="image" title="Isometric view of the Salvador Bahia Pelourinho's Anchieta Plaza, cut from a Laser Scan." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Anchieta_Pelourinho_Cyark.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Anchieta_Pelourinho_Cyark.jpg"></a>Isometric view of the Salvador Bahia Pelourinho's Anchieta Plaza, cut from a <a title="3D scanner" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_scanner">Laser Scan</a>.<br /><a title="Gregório de Mattos" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg%C3%B3rio_de_Mattos">Gregório de Mattos</a>, born in Salvador in 1636, was also educated by the Jesuits. He became the most important <a class="mw-redirect" title="Baroque literature" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baroque_literature">Baroque poet</a> in colonial Brazil for his religious and satirical works. <a class="mw-redirect" title="Father António Vieira" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Ant%C3%B3nio_Vieira">Father António Vieira</a> was born in Lisbon in 1608, but was raised and educated in the Jesuit school of Salvador and died in the city in 1697. His erudite <a title="Sermon" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sermon">sermons</a> have earned him the title of best writer of the <a title="Portuguese language" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_language">Portuguese language</a> in the Baroque era.<br />After the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Independence of Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_of_Brazil">independence of Brazil</a> (1822), Salvador continued to play an important role in Brazilian literature. Significant 19th century writers associated with the city include <a title="Romanticism" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanticism">Romantic</a> poet <a title="Castro Alves" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castro_Alves">Castro Alves</a> (1847-1871) and diplomat <a title="Ruy Barbosa" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruy_Barbosa">Ruy Barbosa</a> (1849-1923). In the 20th century, Bahia-born <a title="Jorge Amado" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorge_Amado">Jorge Amado</a> (1912-2001), although not born in Salvador, helped popularize the culture of the city around the world in novels such as <a title="Jubiabá" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jubiab%C3%A1">Jubiabá</a>, <a title="Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dona_Flor_e_Seus_Dois_Maridos">Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos</a>, and <a title="Tenda dos Milagres" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenda_dos_Milagres">Tenda dos Milagres</a>, the settings of which are in Salvador.<br /><a id="Religion_2" name="Religion_2"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Religion" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=16">edit</a>] Religion<br /><a class="image" title="Former Jesuit church of Salvador (17th century), now cathedral." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador-JesuitChurch4-CCBY.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador-JesuitChurch4-CCBY.jpg"></a>Former <a title="Cathedral of Salvador" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Salvador">Jesuit church of Salvador</a> (17th century), now cathedral.<br />In Salvador, religion is a major contact point between European and African influences. Salvador was the seat of the first <a title="Bishopric" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishopric">bishopric</a> in colonial Brazil (established 1551), and the first bishop, Pero Fernandes Sardinha, arrived already in 1552. The <a class="mw-redirect" title="Jesuit" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesuit">Jesuits</a>, led by the <a title="Manuel da Nóbrega" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_da_N%C3%B3brega">Manuel da Nóbrega</a>, also arrived in the 16th century and worked in converting the <a title="Indigenous peoples" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples">Indigenous peoples</a> of the region to Roman <a title="Catholicism" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholicism">Catholicism</a>.<br />Most enslaved Africans in Bahia were brought from <a title="Sub-Saharan Africa" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sub-Saharan_Africa">Sub-Saharan Africa</a>, especially the <a title="Yoruba language" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoruba_language">Yoruba</a>-speaking nation (Iorubá or Nagô in Portuguese) from present-day <a title="Nigeria" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria">Nigeria</a>. The enslaved were forced to convert to Roman Catholicism, but their original religion - <a title="Candomblé" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candombl%C3%A9">Candomblé</a> - has survived in spite of prohibitions and persecutions. The enslaved Africans managed to preserve their religion by attributing the names and characteristics of their Candomblé deities to Catholic saints with similar qualities. Hence, as Christians once transformed Pagan deities into lesser gods, the saints, to accommodate the Pagans within Christianity, enslaved Africans in Bahia ingeniously transformed their faiths into a syncretic form of religion that still attempts to please both their own roots & the faith imposed by their masters & those caught in between both traditions. Thus, up to today, even nominal Catholics take part in Candomblé rituals in the terreirosor "centros". Candomblé is based on the cult of the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Orishas" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orishas">Orishas</a> (Orixás), like <a title="Obatala" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obatala">Obatala</a> (Oxalá), father of humankind; <a title="Ogoun" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogoun">Ogoun</a> (Ogum), god of the war and iron; <a class="mw-redirect" title="Yemanja" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yemanja">Yemanja</a> (Iemanjá), goddess of the sea, rivers and lakes. These religious entities have been syncretised with some Catholic entities. For instance, Salvador's <a title="Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (Salvador)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Nosso_Senhor_do_Bonfim_%28Salvador%29">Feast of Bonfim</a>, celebrated in January, is dedicated to both Our Lord of Bonfim (<a class="mw-redirect" title="Jesus Christ" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ">Jesus Christ</a>) and Oxalá. Another important feast is the Feast de Yemanja every February 2nd, on the shores of the borough of Rio Vermelho in Salvador, on the day the church celebrates Our Lady of the Navigators. December 8, Immaculate Conception Day for Catholics, is also commonly dedicated to Yemanja' with votive offerings made in the sea throughout the Brazilian coast.<br /><a id="Cuisine" name="Cuisine"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Cuisine" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=17">edit</a>] Cuisine<br /><a class="image" title="Local cuisine of Salvador." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Baiana1.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Baiana1.jpg"></a>Local cuisine of Salvador.<br />The local cuisine, spicy and based on seafood (shrimps, fish), strongly relies on typically African ingredients and techniques, and is much appreciated throughout Brazil and internationally. The most typical ingredient is <a title="Palm oil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_oil">azeite-de-dendê</a>, an oil extracted from a palm tree (Elaeis guineensis) brought from <a title="West Africa" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Africa">West Africa</a> to Brazil during colonial times.<br />Traditional dishes include <a title="Caruru (food)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caruru_%28food%29">caruru</a>, <a title="Vatapá" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatap%C3%A1">vatapá</a>, <a title="Acarajé" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acaraj%C3%A9">acarajé</a>, bobó-de-camarão, <a title="Moqueca" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moqueca">moqueca</a> baiana, and abará. Some of these dishes, like the acarajé and abará, are also used as offerings in <a title="Candomblé" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candombl%C3%A9">Candomblé</a> rituals. An acarajé is basically a deep-fried "<a title="Bread" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bread">bread</a>" made from mashed beans from which the skins have been removed (reputedly feijão fradinho "black-eyed peas" but in reality almost always the less expensive brown beans so ubiquitous in <a title="Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia">Bahia</a>). But Salvador is not only typical food. Who comes here also has a large number of restaurants specialized on <a title="World" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World">international</a> cuisine. There also places that serve dishes from other states of <a title="Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil">Brazil</a>, especially from <a title="Minas Gerais" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minas_Gerais">Minas Gerais</a> and the Northeast region.<br /><a id="Capoeira" name="Capoeira"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Capoeira" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=18">edit</a>] Capoeira<br /><a class="image" title="Capoeira in Salvador." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bloco_da_Capoeira%2C_Circuito_Campo_Grande_2008.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bloco_da_Capoeira%2C_Circuito_Campo_Grande_2008.jpg"></a><a title="Capoeira" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capoeira">Capoeira</a> in Salvador.<br /><a title="Capoeira" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capoeira">Capoeira</a> is a unique mix of <a title="Dance" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance">dance</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" title="Martial art" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martial_art">martial art</a> of Afro-Brazilian origin, combining agile dance moves with unarmed combat techniques. Its origins go back to the times of slavery, and Salvador is considered the centre of origin of the modern capoeira branches. In the first half of the 20th century, Salvador-born masters <a class="mw-redirect" title="Mestre Bimba" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mestre_Bimba">Mestre Bimba</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" title="Mestre Pastinha" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mestre_Pastinha">Mestre Pastinha</a> founded capoeira schools and helped standartise and popularise the art in Brazil and the world.<br />Capoeira practices are accompanied by special music and songs. Musical instruments used in capoeira music include the <a title="Caxixi" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caxixi">caxixi</a>, <a title="Atabaque" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atabaque">atabaque</a> and <a title="Berimbau" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berimbau">berimbau</a>, percussion instruments of African origin. Capoeira has moved from the senzalas and quilombos of <a title="Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil">Brazil</a> to <a title="New York" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York">New York</a>, <a title="Berlin" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin">Berlin</a>, <a title="Australia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia">Australia</a>, and just about every place in between.<br /><a id="Museums" name="Museums"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Museums" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=19">edit</a>] Museums<br />In ancient Greece there was the museion, the place where “the knowledge of mankind was kept”. From this source, which was dedicated to muses and considered a temple, the Greek people took the knowledge necessary to improve their quality of life. The artistic, cultural and social heritage of Salvador is preserved there. From Museu de Arte da Bahia (MAB), which is the oldest in the Stae, to Museu Náutico, the newest, the first capital of Brazil preserve unique pieces of history. Every museum in the sate is an unusual journey. The collection have such an immense symbolical value that no financial figure could ever measure.<br />Even so, the importance of Salvador's museums has drawn the interest of experts from Brazil and abroad. There we can find valuable pieces of religious art, ornamental items from the old manors and also objects that belonged to the old families and public figures of the state. The Arte Sacra and Abelardo Rodrigues museums are must - see programs. They both have the biggest sacra art collection in the country. Another obligatory tour is to Museu de Arte da Bahia.<br /><a class="image" title="Nowadays, there are about 50 museums in Salvador, of which 25 are functioning normally." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador-CCBY10.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Salvador-CCBY10.jpg"></a>Nowadays, there are about 50 <a title="Museum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum">museums</a> in Salvador, of which 25 are functioning normally.<br />Museu de Arte da Bahia has paintings, Chinese porcelain, furniture and sacra images from the 17th and 18th centuries. Museu Costa Pinto has private – owned items such as, pieces of art, crystal objects, furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, tapestry, sacra pieces and Chinese porcelain. The golden jewelry and the 27 ornamental silver buckles are the most precious in the entire collection.<br />Another important museum is Museu da Cidade, where many items that help to preserve the heritage of old Salvador are kept. There we can find thematic objects that belonged to public personalities in the state like dolls, orixá statues and religious images. There is also an art gallery located inside of the museums. There is also Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado, with pictures, objects and the life’s stories of the author of memorable novels that portray old Bahia like, Gabriela – Cravo e Canela, Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos, O País do Carnaval and Tieta do Agreste.<br />Some churches and monasteries also have museums located in their premises. Examples of this are the Carmo da Misericórdia and São Bento Museums. After the renovation of the Forts, were created Museu Náutico, in Forte de Santo Antonio da Barra (Farol da Barra) and Museu da Comunicação, in Forte São Diogo. Other important museums that are scattered through Salvador are: Museu do Cacau, Museu geológico do Estado, Museu tempostal, Solar do Ferrão, Museu de Arte Antiga e Popular Henriqueta M Catharino, Museu Eugênio Teixeira Leal and Museu das Portas do Carmo.<br /><a id="Carnival.2FCarnaval" name="Carnival.2FCarnaval"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Carnival/Carnaval" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=20">edit</a>] Carnival/Carnaval<br /><a class="image" title="Salvador's Carnival is the biggest in the world." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Carniaval_Salvador_Bahia_Brazil_1997.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Carniaval_Salvador_Bahia_Brazil_1997.jpg"></a>Salvador's Carnival is the biggest in the world.<br />According to the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Guinness Book of Records" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinness_Book_of_Records">Guinness Book of Records</a>, the <a title="Carnival" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival">carnival</a> or Carnaval of Salvador de Bahia is the biggest street party on the planet. For an entire week, almost 2 million people celebrate throughout 25 kilometers (15 miles) of streets, avenues and squares. The direct organisation of the party involves the participation of 25 thousand people. Its dimensions are gigantic. Salvador receives an average of 800 thousand visitors from municipalities located as far as 150 kilometers (93 miles) away, from several States of <a title="Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil">Brazil</a> and from a number of other countries (<a title="Europe" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe">Europe</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" title="USA" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA">USA</a> and many others).<br />The music played during Carnaval includes <a class="mw-redirect" title="Axé" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ax%C3%A9">Axé</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" title="Samba-reggae" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samba-reggae">Samba-reggae</a>. Many "blocos" participate in Carnaval, the "blocos afros" like Malé Debalé, Olodum and Filhos de Gandhi being the most famous of them. Carnival is heavily policed. Stands with five or six seated <a title="Police" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police">police</a> officers are erected everywhere and the <a title="Street" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street">streets</a> are constantly patrolled by police groups moving in single file.<br />The three Carnival Circuits are:<br />The Campo Grande - Praça Castro Alves Circuit, also called the “Osmar” Circuit, or simply the “Avenidas”;<br />The Barra - Ondina Circuit, also called the “Dodô” Circuit;<br />The Pelourinho Circuit, also called the “Batatinha” Circuit.<br /><a id="Funk_and_Bahia_Funk_Dances" name="Funk_and_Bahia_Funk_Dances"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Funk and Bahia Funk Dances" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=21">edit</a>] Funk and Bahia Funk Dances<br />Funk has become a musical genre in Brazil that exemplifies how many influences - in and out of Brazil - merged with Brazilian culture in the 20th century to form a new hybrid sound. <a title="Funk" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funk">Funk</a> originated as a black American form of music that started in the 1960s and included artists like <a title="James Brown" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Brown">James Brown</a> and <a title="The Funk Brothers" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Funk_Brothers">The Funk Brothers</a>. The music spread across the world finding its way to Brazil, showing that North American and black North American influences were already conspicuous in the musical cultures of Brazilians. <a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-12">[13]</a> In travelling to Brazil, it reached <a title="Rio de Janeiro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_de_Janeiro">Rio de Janeiro</a>, a city "that played a key role in the soul and funk phenomena". <a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-13">[14]</a><br /><a class="image" title="Anfiteatro do Parque da Cidade de Salvador." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Anfiteatro_do_Parque_da_Cidade_de_Salvador_2.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Anfiteatro_do_Parque_da_Cidade_de_Salvador_2.jpg"></a>Anfiteatro do Parque da Cidade de Salvador.<br />Although funk was embraced by many parts of Brazil, its sound would eventually become localized so the music would differ from city to city. This difference can be viewed with the funk scenes in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. The music and the environment are all representative of the city where one listens to funk music. For instance, the music played in Salvador at a Black Bahia Funk Ball is more American than its counterpart in Rio de Janeiro. Music material from Rio, which sells reasonably well around Rio, is poorly known in Salvador and, in any case, held to be inferior and "less modern" than funk sung in English. <a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-14">[15]</a> Another difference can be seen with the funk dancehalls. The Ball incorporates the entire setting, which entails the attire, the slang, the specific way of dancing break, the decoration, the organization of permanent dance groups. <a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-15">[16]</a> These dancehalls are a place for everyone to come together to have fun before the start of another work week. Even the dance rivalries are not true rivalries in the sense that the dance groups do not physically fight one another. The group members do all their battling on the dance floor, using their dance moves as their weapons to demonstrate their dance skill and superiority.<br /><a id="Theatre" name="Theatre"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Theatre" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=22">edit</a>] Theatre<br />Salvador is home to a vibrant theater scene. Among the many theaters are: Castro Alves Theatre (TCA), Sala do Côro (mini Theatre in Castro Alves Theatre), IRDEB Theatre (TV Educativa), SENAC Theatre(Pelourinho), ICÉIA Theatre, Museu Eugênio Teixeira Leal Theatre(Pelourinho), Barra Theatre, Espaço Xisto Theatre, Maria Betânia Theatre, Jorge Amado Theatre, Diplomata Theatre, Sesi Rio Vermelho Theatre, Vila Velha Theatre, XVIII Theatre, ISBA Theatre, Santo Antônio Theatre, ACBEU Theatre, Anchieta Theatre, Nazaré Theatre, ICBA Theatre, Gamboa Theatre, Gregório de Mattos Theatre, Módulo Theatre, Miguel Santana Theatre, Cultural Theatre, Cine Casa do Comércio Theatre, Dias Gomes Theatre (Sindicato dos Comerciários), Plataforma Theatre.<br /><a id="Human_Rights_.26_Gay_Rights" name="Human_Rights_.26_Gay_Rights"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Human Rights & Gay Rights" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=23">edit</a>] Human Rights & Gay Rights<br />Salvador is also home to the oldest, continuous <a class="mw-redirect" title="Gay rights" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_rights">gay rights</a> and <a title="Human rights" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights">human rights</a> organization in Brazil, the <a title="Grupo Gay da Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grupo_Gay_da_Bahia">Grupo Gay da Bahia</a> (GGB). Established by Dr. <a title="Luiz Mott" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luiz_Mott">Luiz Mott</a> in 1980 and currently headed by <a title="Marcelo Cerqueira" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcelo_Cerqueira">Marcelo Cerqueira</a>, GGB has played a central role in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality movement both in Bahia and across Brazil, and has helped to educate the local population on <a title="HIV" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV">HIV and AIDS</a> prevention and human rights abuses. The Gruppo Gay da Bahia has been active and organizes weekly gatherings in the old quarter Pelourinho (<a title="Historic Centre (Salvador, Bahia)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_%28Salvador%2C_Bahia%29">Historic Centre of Salvador</a>). Salvador's <a title="Gay pride" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_pride">gay pride</a> parade is now one of the largest in <a title="Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil">Brazil</a>, approximately 300,000 people.<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-16">[17]</a><br />The city offers many options: 4 gay <a class="mw-redirect" title="Night club" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_club">night clubs</a> (Off Club, Tropical, Originale and Queens); 6 gay <a class="mw-redirect" title="Saunas" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saunas">saunas</a> (Esgrima, Sauna Rio's, Sauna Campos, Sauna Olympus, Sauna Phoenix and Thermas Persona); <a class="mw-redirect" title="Gay bars" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_bars">gay bars</a> (Beco dos Artistas, Da Vinci, Babalotin, and many others);<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-17">[18]</a> gay <a title="Beach" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach">beaches</a> (Porto da Barra and Praia dos Artistas).<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-18">[19]</a><br /><a id="Infrastructure" name="Infrastructure"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Infrastructure" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=24">edit</a>] Infrastructure<br /><a id="International_Airport" name="International_Airport"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: International Airport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=25">edit</a>] International Airport<br /><a title="Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deputado_Lu%C3%ADs_Eduardo_Magalh%C3%A3es_International_Airport">Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport</a> is located in an area of more than 6 million square meters between sand dunes and native vegetation. The road route to the airport has already become one of the city’s main scenic attractions. and lies 20 km (12 mi) north of Downtown Salvador. In 2007, the airport handled 5,920,573 passengers and 91,043 aircraft movements,<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-pax-19">[20]</a> placing it <a title="List of the busiest airports in Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_busiest_airports_in_Brazil">5th busiest airport</a> in Brazil in terms of passengers. The airport’s use has been growing at an average of 14% a year and now is responsible for more than 30% of passenger movement in Brazil’s Northeast. Nearly 35 thousand people circulate daily through the passenger terminal. The airport generates more than 16 thousand direct and indirect jobs, to serve a daily average of over 10 thousand passengers, 250 takeoffs and landings of 100 domestic and 16 international flights.<br />In addition to domestic and regional services, the airport has non-stop flights to <a title="Lisbon" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisbon">Lisbon</a>, <a title="Madrid" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madrid">Madrid</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" title="Frankfurt" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankfurt">Frankfurt</a>, <a title="Montevideo" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montevideo">Montevideo</a>, <a title="London" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London">London</a>, <a title="Santiago, Chile" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago%2C_Chile">Santiago</a>, <a title="Buenos Aires" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buenos_Aires">Buenos Aires</a>, <a title="Asunción" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asunci%C3%B3n">Asunción</a> and <a title="Miami, Florida" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami%2C_Florida">Miami</a>. Its <a class="mw-redirect" title="IATA airport code" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IATA_airport_code">IATA airport code</a> is SSA and it is the sixth busiest airport in the country, the first in northeastern Brazil, behind <a class="mw-redirect" title="Congonhas International Airport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congonhas_International_Airport">Congonhas International</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" title="Guarulhos International Airport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guarulhos_International_Airport">Guarulhos International</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" title="Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidente_Juscelino_Kubitschek_International_Airport">Juscelino Kubitschek International</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" title="Santos Dumont Regional Airport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santos_Dumont_Regional_Airport">Santos Dumont Regional</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" title="Galeão - Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gale%C3%A3o_-_Ant%C3%B4nio_Carlos_Jobim_International_Airport">Galeão International</a>.<br /><a id="Port" name="Port"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Port" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=26">edit</a>] Port<br /><a class="image" title="Port of Salvador." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Port_of_Salvador.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Port_of_Salvador.jpg"></a><a title="Port" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port">Port</a> of Salvador.<br />With cargo volume that grows year after year following the same economic development rhythm implemented in the State, the Port of Salvador, located in the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Bahia de Todos os Santos" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia_de_Todos_os_Santos">Bahia de Todos os Santos</a>, holds status as the port with the highest movement of containers of the <a title="North Region, Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Region%2C_Brazil">North</a>/<a title="Northeast Region, Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_Region%2C_Brazil">Northeast</a> and the second-leading <a title="Fruit" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit">fruit</a> exporter in <a title="Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil">Brazil</a>. The port's facilities operate from 8am to noon and from 1h30am to 5h30pm.<br />The ability to handle high shipping volume has positioned the port of Salvador for new investments in technological modernization, and the port is noted for implementing a high level of operational flexibility and competitive rates. The goal of port officials is to offer the necessary <a title="Infrastructure" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrastructure">infrastructure</a> for the movement of goods, while simultaneously meeting the needs of international importers and exporters.<br /><a id="Metro" name="Metro"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Metro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=27">edit</a>] Metro<br />Salvador currently has a <a title="Rapid transit" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_transit">Metro System</a> under construction. The <a title="Metro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro">Metro</a> is projected to have two lines and will be integrated with <a title="Bus" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus">bus</a> and <a title="Rail transport" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport">rail</a> services. The first stage of the metro was to have been ready in 2006 (or, with delays, by early 2007).<br /><a class="image" title="ACM Avenue in Salvador." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:ACM_Avenue.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:ACM_Avenue.jpg"></a>ACM Avenue in Salvador.<br /><a id="Highways" name="Highways"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Highways" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=28">edit</a>] Highways<br />The <a class="mw-redirect" title="BR-101" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BR-101">BR-101</a> and BR-116 federal <a title="Highway" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highway">highways</a> cross <a title="Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia">Bahia</a> from north to south, connecting Salvador to the rest of the country. At the Feira de Santana junction, take the BR-324 state highway. The capital of Bahia is served by several coach companies from almost every Brazilian state.<br /><a id="Distances" name="Distances"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Distances" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=29">edit</a>] Distances<br /><a title="Belo Horizonte" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belo_Horizonte">Belo Horizonte</a>: 1430 km (888 mi);<br /><a title="Brasília" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bras%C3%ADlia">Brasília</a>: 1540 km (956 mi);<br /><a title="Rio de Janeiro" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_de_Janeiro">Rio de Janeiro</a>: 1730 km (1074 mi);<br /><a title="São Paulo" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Paulo">São Paulo</a>: 1960 km (1217 mi).<br /><a id="Neighborhoods" name="Neighborhoods"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Neighborhoods" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=30">edit</a>] Neighborhoods<br /><a class="image" title="Barra Neighborhood in South Zone." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Praia_da_Barra_na_v%C3%A9spera_do_Carnaval_2008_de_Salvador.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Praia_da_Barra_na_v%C3%A9spera_do_Carnaval_2008_de_Salvador.jpg"></a><a class="mw-redirect" title="Barra (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barra_%28Neighborhood%29">Barra</a> Neighborhood in South Zone.<br />Salvador is divided into a number of distinct neighborhoods, with the most well known districts being Pelourinho, the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Historic Centre (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_%28Neighborhood%29">Historic Centre</a>, and Downtown, all located in West Zone.<br /><a class="image" title="Modern buildings in Campo Grande (left) and Vitória (right) Neighborhood." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Vitoriadomar.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Vitoriadomar.jpg"></a>Modern buildings in <a title="Campo Grande (neighbourhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campo_Grande_%28neighbourhood%29">Campo Grande</a> (left) and <a title="Vitória (neighbourhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vit%C3%B3ria_%28neighbourhood%29">Vitória</a> (right) Neighborhood.<br /><a class="mw-redirect" title="Barra (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barra_%28Neighborhood%29">Barra</a>, with its Farol da Barra, beautiful <a title="Beach" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach">beaches</a> and which is where one of the Carnival circuits begins, located in South Zone. <a class="mw-redirect" title="Vitória (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vit%C3%B3ria_%28Neighborhood%29">Vitória</a>, a neighborhood with many high rise buildings, is located in South Zone. <a class="mw-redirect" title="Campo Grande (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campo_Grande_%28Neighborhood%29">Campo Grande</a>, with its Dois de Julho Square and the monument to Bahia's independence, is also located in South Zone, as is <a class="mw-redirect" title="Graça (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gra%C3%A7a_%28Neighborhood%29">Graça</a>, an important residential area. <a class="mw-redirect" title="Ondina (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ondina_%28Neighborhood%29">Ondina</a>, with Salvador's <a title="Zoo" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoo">Zoobotanical Garden</a> and the site where the Barra-Ondina Carnival circuit ends, is also a neighborhood in the South Zone.<br /><a class="mw-redirect" title="Itaigara (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itaigara_%28Neighborhood%29">Itaigara</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" title="Pituba (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pituba_%28Neighborhood%29">Pituba</a>, Horto Florestal, <a class="mw-redirect" title="Caminho das Árvores (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caminho_das_%C3%81rvores_%28Neighborhood%29">Caminho das Árvores</a>, Loteamento Aquárius, <a class="mw-redirect" title="Brotas (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brotas_%28Neighborhood%29">Brotas</a>, Stiep, Costa Azul, Armação, Jaguaribe and Stella Maris are the wealthiest neighborhoods in the East Zone. <a class="mw-redirect" title="Rio Vermelho (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Vermelho_%28Neighborhood%29">Rio Vermelho</a>, a neighborhood with a rich architectural history and numerous restaurants and bars, is located in the South Zone. <a class="mw-redirect" title="Itapoã (Neighborhood)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itapo%C3%A3_%28Neighborhood%29">Itapoã</a> - known throughout Brazil as the home of <a title="Vinicius de Moraes" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinicius_de_Moraes">Vinicius de Moraes</a> and for being the setting of the song "Tarde em Itapoã" - is located in East Zone. The Northwest area of the city in along the Bay of All Saints- also known as Cidade Baixa ("Lower city") - contains the impoverished suburban neighborhoods of <a title="Periperi" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periperi">Periperi</a>, Paripe, Lobato, Liberdade, Nova Esperança, and Calçada.<br /><a id="Sports" name="Sports"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Sports" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=31">edit</a>] Sports<br /><a class="image" title="Fonte Nova Stadium." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Fonte_Nova_Stadium.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Fonte_Nova_Stadium.jpg"></a><a title="Estádio Fonte Nova" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Est%C3%A1dio_Fonte_Nova">Fonte Nova Stadium</a>.<br />Salvador provides visitors and residents with various sport activities. The Fonte Nova Stadium, also known as Estádio Octávio Mangabeira is a <a class="mw-redirect" title="Football (soccer)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_%28soccer%29">football</a> stadium inaugurated on <a title="January 28" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_28">January 28</a>, <a title="1951" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1951">1951</a> in Salvador, <a title="Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia">Bahia</a>, with a maximum capacity of 66,080 people. The stadium is owned by the Bahia government, and is the home ground of <a title="Esporte Clube Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esporte_Clube_Bahia">Esporte Clube Bahia</a>. Its formal name honors Octávio Cavalcanti Mangabeira, a civil engineer, journalist, and former Bahia state governor from 1947 to 1954. The stadium is nicknamed Fonte Nova, because it is located at Ladeira das Fontes das Pedras.<a title="Esporte Clube Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esporte_Clube_Bahia">Esporte Clube Bahia</a> and <a title="Esporte Clube Vitória" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esporte_Clube_Vit%C3%B3ria">Esporte Clube Vitória</a> are Salvador's main football teams. Esporte Clube Bahia has won 2 national titles - Brazil's Cup in 1959 and the Brazilian League in 1988 - while Esporte Clube Vitória was a runner up in the Brazilian league in 1993. Salvador is one of 18 candidates cities to host games of the <a title="2014 FIFA World Cup" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_FIFA_World_Cup">2014 FIFA World Cup</a> awarded to <a title="Brazil" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil">Brazil</a>.<br />Salvador has two large green areas for the practice of <a title="Golf" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf">golf</a>. Cajazeiras Golf and Country Club has a 18-hole course, instructors, caddies and equipment for rent. Itapuã Golf club, located in the area of the Sofitel Hotel, has a 9-hole course, equipment store, caddies and clubs for rent. <a title="Tennis" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis">Tennis</a> is very popular among Salvador's elites, with a great number of players and tournaments in the city’s private clubs. Brasil Open, the country’s most important tournament happens every year in <a title="Bahia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahia">Bahia</a>.<br /><a id="Human_Development" name="Human_Development"></a><br />[<a title="Edit section: Human Development" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salvador%2C_Bahia&action=edit&section=32">edit</a>] Human Development<br /><a class="image" title="Historic Centre of Salvador." href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Historic_Centre_of_Salvador.jpg"></a><br /><a class="internal" title="Enlarge" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Historic_Centre_of_Salvador.jpg"></a><a title="Historic Centre (Salvador, Bahia)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Centre_%28Salvador%2C_Bahia%29">Historic Centre</a> of Salvador.<br />The human development of Salvador varies greatly by locality, reflecting the city's spatial segregation and vast socioeconomic inequalities. There are neighborhoods that had very high <a title="Human Development Index" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Development_Index">human development indexes</a> in 2000 (equal to or greater than the indexes of some <a title="Scandinavia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandinavia">Scandinavian</a> countries), but also those in the lower range (in line with, for example, <a class="mw-redirect" title="Magreb" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magreb">North Africa</a>).<a title="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador,_Bahia#cite_note-20">[21]</a><br /><br /><br /><br />by ElicitorProjecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-81272758190574557532008-07-25T15:03:00.000+01:002008-07-25T15:04:55.415+01:00What to Do - Salvador de Bahia<a title="All 12 activities in Salvador da Bahia" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd">All 12 activities in Salvador da Bahia </a><br /><a title="Print this page" onclick="window.print();return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Print</a><br /><a title="Email this page" onclick="window.open('/popup/showEmailPage.jspa?pageTitle='+document.title+'&link='+escape(window.location.href),'popupwindow','scrollbars=1,resizable=1,width=600,height=500');return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Email</a><br />addthis_pub = 'viator';addthis_brand = '';addthis_options = 'favorites, google, delicious, digg, myspace, facebook, stumbleupon, reddit, more';<br /><a onclick="addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]');return false;" onmouseout="addthis_close()" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Bookmark & share</a><br /><br />Sort by Top sellers Price (low→high) Price (high→low)<br />Results 1-12 of 12<br /> <br /><a title="Tour of Salvador's Beaches, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Tour-of-Salvadors-Beaches/d818-2186BEACHES">Tour of Salvador's Beaches</a><br /><a title="Tour of Salvador's Beaches, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Tour-of-Salvadors-Beaches/d818-2186BEACHES"></a><br />Duration: 8 hours (approx.)<br />Location: Salvador, Brazil<br /><a title="Add to wishlist" onclick="addWSItem('2186BEACHES', 'SIC');return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Add to wishlist</a><br />Salvador has 50 km of beaches, from Porto da Barra to Ipitanga, Aleluia and Praia do Flamengo. Your tour starts at the Barra Lighthouse - a picture perfect ... <a title="Tour of Salvador's Beaches, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Tour-of-Salvadors-Beaches/d818-2186BEACHES">More info »</a><br /><br />From USD $52.00<br />reserve now<br /><a title="Historical Salvador City Tour, Salvador da Bahia, Half-day Tours" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Historical-Salvador-City-Tour/d818-2186CITY">Historical Salvador City Tour</a><br /><a title="Historical Salvador City Tour, Salvador da Bahia, Half-day Tours" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Historical-Salvador-City-Tour/d818-2186CITY"></a><br />Duration: 4 hours (approx.)<br />Location: Salvador, Brazil<br /><a title="Add to wishlist" onclick="addWSItem('2186CITY', 'SIC');return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Add to wishlist</a><br />The streets of Central Salvador take tourists back to the beginnings of Brazil. Your tour begins at the Barra Lighthouse, passing the Teatro Castro Alves, ... <a title="Historical Salvador City Tour, Salvador da Bahia, Half-day Tours" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Historical-Salvador-City-Tour/d818-2186CITY">More info »</a><br /><br />From USD $44.00<br />reserve now<br /><a title="Cachoeira Full Day Tour from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Cachoeira-Full-Day-Tour-from-Salvador/d818-2186CT">Cachoeira Full Day Tour from Salvador</a><br /><a title="Cachoeira Full Day Tour from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Cachoeira-Full-Day-Tour-from-Salvador/d818-2186CT"></a><br />Duration: 8 hours (approx.)<br />Location: Salvador, Brazil<br /><a title="Add to wishlist" onclick="addWSItem('2186CT', 'SIC');return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Add to wishlist</a><br />During the Brazilian Empire, Cachoeira was Bahia's wealthiest and most populous town, its original character still remaining in the houses, churches and historical ... <a title="Cachoeira Full Day Tour from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Cachoeira-Full-Day-Tour-from-Salvador/d818-2186CT">More info »</a><br /><br />From USD $75.00<br />reserve now<br /><a title="Mangue Seco from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Mangue-Seco-from-Salvador/d818-2186MS">Mangue Seco from Salvador</a><br /><a title="Mangue Seco from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Mangue-Seco-from-Salvador/d818-2186MS"></a><br />Duration: 10 hours (approx.)<br />Location: Salvador, Brazil<br /><a title="Add to wishlist" onclick="addWSItem('2186MS', 'SIC');return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Add to wishlist</a><br />Mangue Seco is 220 km far from Salvador in the extreme north of Bahia. It is located on the edge of a peninsula between the sea and the river among mangrove ... <a title="Mangue Seco from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Mangue-Seco-from-Salvador/d818-2186MS">More info »</a><br /><br />From USD $75.00<br />reserve now<br /><a title="Morro de Sao Paulo from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Morro-de-Sao-Paulo-from-Salvador/d818-2186MSP">Morro de Sao Paulo from Salvador</a><br /><a title="Morro de Sao Paulo from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Morro-de-Sao-Paulo-from-Salvador/d818-2186MSP"></a><br />Duration: 10 hours (approx.)<br />Location: Salvador, Brazil<br /><a title="Add to wishlist" onclick="addWSItem('2186MSP', 'SIC');return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Add to wishlist</a><br />On the island of Tinhare, in the Bay of Camamu, Morro de Sao Paulo is an enchanting location with fine beaches, crystal-clear waters and tide pools. A ferryboat ... <a title="Morro de Sao Paulo from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Morro-de-Sao-Paulo-from-Salvador/d818-2186MSP">More info »</a><br /><br />From USD $75.00<br />reserve now<br /><a title="Salvador da Bahia by Night, Salvador da Bahia, Night Tours" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Salvador-da-Bahia-by-Night/d818-2186NIGHT">Salvador da Bahia by Night</a><br /><a title="Salvador da Bahia by Night, Salvador da Bahia, Night Tours" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Salvador-da-Bahia-by-Night/d818-2186NIGHT"></a><br />Duration: 4 hours (approx.)<br />Location: Salvador, Brazil<br /><a title="Add to wishlist" onclick="addWSItem('2186NIGHT', 'SIC');return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Add to wishlist</a><br />A night of magic, mystery and fun is displayed in an authentic folkloric show that encompasses dance, music and theatrics to portray the history of the Afro-Brazilian ... <a title="Salvador da Bahia by Night, Salvador da Bahia, Night Tours" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Salvador-da-Bahia-by-Night/d818-2186NIGHT">More info »</a><br /><br />From USD $66.00<br />reserve now<br /><a title="Praia do Forte from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Praia-do-Forte-from-Salvador/d818-2186PF">Praia do Forte from Salvador</a><br /><a title="Praia do Forte from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Praia-do-Forte-from-Salvador/d818-2186PF"></a><br />Duration: 8 hours (approx.)<br />Location: Salvador, Brazil<br /><a title="Add to wishlist" onclick="addWSItem('2186PF', 'SIC');return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Add to wishlist</a><br />Traveling 70 km from Salvador, you will arrive at Praia do Forte, which has been nicknamed the "Brazilian Polynesia", its 12 km stretch of beautiful ... <a title="Praia do Forte from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Praia-do-Forte-from-Salvador/d818-2186PF">More info »</a><br /><br />From USD $66.00<br />reserve now<br /><a title="Panoramic Salvador City Tour, Salvador da Bahia, Half-day Tours" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Panoramic-Salvador-City-Tour/d818-2186PT">Panoramic Salvador City Tour</a><br /><a title="Panoramic Salvador City Tour, Salvador da Bahia, Half-day Tours" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Panoramic-Salvador-City-Tour/d818-2186PT"></a><br />Duration: 4 hours (approx.)<br />Location: Salvador, Brazil<br /><a title="Add to wishlist" onclick="addWSItem('2186PT', 'SIC');return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Add to wishlist</a><br />Your tour begins at the Dique do Tororó where the Orixás sculptures by the Bahian artist Tati Moreno are located and the Fonte Nova football ... <a title="Panoramic Salvador City Tour, Salvador da Bahia, Half-day Tours" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Panoramic-Salvador-City-Tour/d818-2186PT">More info »</a><br /><br />From USD $44.00<br />reserve now<br /><a title="Schooner Tour to Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Schooner-Tour-to-Ilha-dos-Frades-and-Itaparica-from-Salvador/d818-2186ST">Schooner Tour to Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica from Salvador</a><br /><a title="Schooner Tour to Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Schooner-Tour-to-Ilha-dos-Frades-and-Itaparica-from-Salvador/d818-2186ST"></a><br />Duration: 8 hours (approx.)<br />Location: Salvador, Brazil<br /><a title="Add to wishlist" onclick="addWSItem('2186ST', 'SIC');return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Add to wishlist</a><br />This schooner trip to the islands of Baía de Todos os Santos ("All Saints' Bay") includes music, bar service and a well-trained guide. The ... <a title="Schooner Tour to Ilha dos Frades and Itaparica from Salvador, Salvador da Bahia, Day Trips" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Schooner-Tour-to-Ilha-dos-Frades-and-Itaparica-from-Salvador/d818-2186ST">More info »</a><br /><br />From USD $60.00<br />reserve now<br /><a title="Salvador Airport Roundtrip Transfer, Salvador da Bahia, Airport & Ground Transfers" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Salvador-Airport-Roundtrip-Transfer/d818-2186SSAAPTRND">Salvador Airport Roundtrip Transfer</a><br /><a title="Salvador Airport Roundtrip Transfer, Salvador da Bahia, Airport & Ground Transfers" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Salvador-Airport-Roundtrip-Transfer/d818-2186SSAAPTRND"></a><br />Duration: Varies<br />Location: Salvador, Brazil<br /><a title="Add to wishlist" onclick="addWSItem('2186SSAAPTRND', 'SIC');return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Add to wishlist</a><br />You will be met at the Dois De Julho Airport and be taken directly to your hotel. English-speaking representative will greet you when you clear airport customs ... <a title="Salvador Airport Roundtrip Transfer, Salvador da Bahia, Airport & Ground Transfers" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Salvador-Airport-Roundtrip-Transfer/d818-2186SSAAPTRND">More info »</a><br /><br />From USD $84.99<br />reserve now<br /><a title="Salvador Arrival Transfer, Salvador da Bahia, Airport & Ground Transfers" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Salvador-Arrival-Transfer/d818-2186SSAAPTHTL">Salvador Arrival Transfer</a><br /><a title="Salvador Arrival Transfer, Salvador da Bahia, Airport & Ground Transfers" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Salvador-Arrival-Transfer/d818-2186SSAAPTHTL"></a><br />Duration: Varies<br />Location: Salvador, Brazil<br /><a title="Add to wishlist" onclick="addWSItem('2186SSAAPTHTL', 'SIC');return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Add to wishlist</a><br />You will be met at the Dois De Julho Airport and be taken directly to your Salvador da Bahia hotel. An English-speaking representative will greet you when ... <a title="Salvador Arrival Transfer, Salvador da Bahia, Airport & Ground Transfers" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Salvador-Arrival-Transfer/d818-2186SSAAPTHTL">More info »</a><br /><br />From USD $44.99<br />reserve now<br /><a title="Salvador Departure Transfer, Salvador da Bahia, Airport & Ground Transfers" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Salvador-Departure-Transfer/d818-2186SSAHTLAPT">Salvador Departure Transfer</a><br /><a title="Salvador Departure Transfer, Salvador da Bahia, Airport & Ground Transfers" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Salvador-Departure-Transfer/d818-2186SSAHTLAPT"></a><br />Duration: Varies<br />Location: Salvador, Brazil<br /><a title="Add to wishlist" onclick="addWSItem('2186SSAHTLAPT', 'SIC');return false;" href="http://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia/d818-ttd#">Add to wishlist</a><br />When you are ready to depart Salvador da Bahia. You will be met by an English-speaking representative at your hotel and then you will be taken directly to ... <a title="Salvador Departure Transfer, Salvador da Bahia, Airport & Ground Transfers" href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Salvador-da-Bahia/Salvador-Departure-Transfer/d818-2186SSAHTLAPT">More info »</a><br /><br /><br />by ElicitorProjecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-2377810008333277962008-07-25T09:59:00.001+01:002008-12-11T01:38:58.962+00:00Pousadas in Bahia<a href="http://www.hiddenpousadasbrazil.com/2008/04/pousada-santa-clara-boipeba-bahia.html">Pousada Santa Clara, Boipeba, Bahia</a><br />Category: beachPrice: $<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivR3sgZpyhvf6KGVfQyrtaf2OHmMpLotyn8d1KkcOOgpeQDUoHaTOSLJgyQx4WaE-oBhnSg0NU5GCEpS-iJ4uH1GS0x4cJsj941KS-Ck73YLTogqJFGwuQP2NQ07i_MMR5s4bp-C4xtYde/s1600-h/Boipeba+and+Salvador+August+2005+010.jpg"></a><br />"Absolute paradise...the ultimate place to chill out"I first came across the Pousada Santa Clara a few years ago when I was looking for a place to stay where I could de-stress on a deserted beach. I didn’t expect to find anywhere quite as wonderful as this, - the original “hidden pousada”. Santa Clara has 11 rooms, scattered amongst tropical gardens- all basic, but en-suite, with verandas, mosquito nets, hammocks and good showers. There are no telephones, cable TV or any reliable internet connection, but people that like this place best don’t come for that. What makes Santa Clara really special is the atmosphere created by the owners, Mark and Charles, the superb restaurant, the relaxing massages, the “library” of books, where you can walk off with a new one to read in return for your old one, and the interesting people you always seem to meet. If you add that to walks along deserted beaches to eat freshly caught lobster and caipirinhas on the beach at sunset, for me that’s about as close to paradise as you can get.About the location<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTPOGXcOgfJQGEoDYqSuK0EOdVXkk5gd-ZLw1Fn30dtFJ52EtzzXPKR-kl9V0bf5QQd6cVMtLuGwZITh8VaHS-HP0DwMscHnReSs5eEEP62Iy-6vK7mrVr3u5LH6cQskaV3T4TxJ_i1t-/s1600-h/Boipeba+and+Salvador+August+2005+007.jpg"></a>Boipeba is a jewel of an island located amongst the mangrove swamps to the south of Salvador- and southeast of the much better known Morro de Sao Paulo. Boipeba is the main village, and the island is predominantly just miles and miles of deserted unspoilt sandy beaches with the occasional fishing village and small shacks where you can stop for a beer or coconut water and often freshly caught fish and seafood. Boats usually drop you, on arrival, by the beach bars right on Boipeba beach, and this is where the sun sets, around 6pm, year round, directly in front of you.Not to be missed..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJtD2Q4W_WR1iu6QtPJIFI0YWuc3zeHWkLji4w2C0BQ73ti5WiZ5D0tzfQkgSQpJFvHdzRSub7r00uAEGQEHU3H4Oek3rLkFICNjA-L9qKHSJ7aTVqB36vAjgsNuGGnrszigbMqCHIQqn/s1600-h/Boipeba+and+Salvador+August+2005+016.jpg"></a> A caipirinha at one of the beachbars in Boipeba, watching the sun go down…-dinner at the Santa Clara restaurant-A moqueca at the Panela de Barro in Boipeba village-Lobsters at Guido’s on Cueira beach-Casquinho de Siri at Cristiano and Marli’s in Ponta de Castelhano-Walks to Tassimirim, Cueira and Morere beaches-A caipirinha every night, at sunset, on Boipeba beachGetting there without a carGetting to Boipeba actually has to be without a car, as there are no cars on the island; only a couple of tractors which double as taxis!There are several ways of reaching Boipeba but the main ways of getting to the island are:-by air from Salvador. ADDEI runs 3 flights a day in each direction at a cost of around R$300 one-way. The last part of the trip to Boipeba is done by boat, and is included in the price.-by taxi, ferry, bus, and boat from Salvador. Taxi to the ferryboat port in Salvador, ferry to Bom Despacho on Itaparica island, bus (which will be waiting) to Valenca, another bus (or van or taxi) to Graciosa, and then either the slowboat or catamaran to Boipeba beach, 2 minutes from the Pousada Santa Clara (total time 5-6 hours!)Starpoints at the Pousada Santa Clara* the tranquillity and natural beauty; * the wonderfully relaxed atmosphere created by Charles and Mark* conversations with fellow travellers at the superb Santa Clara restaurant/bar* the “library” of books left by previous travellers which you can exchange for yoursTry a different place..-if you want nightlife and discos. There are no clubs, and most places in Boipeba close around 9pm-if you have difficulty walking, or jumping off boats, or paddling through water to get boat to beach-if you like organised excursions. Things are very informal here and few guides speak English.-if you can’t live without phones, internet, cable TV, or 24hr service-if you get upset about changing schedules and last-minute changes. They happen!<br />Posted by Alison McGowan at <a class="timestamp-link" title="permanent link" href="http://www.hiddenpousadasbrazil.com/2008/04/pousada-santa-clara-boipeba-bahia.html" rel="bookmark">06:02</a> <a title="Email Post" href="http://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=6880119471650064202&postID=2175201359618398830"></a><a title="Edit Post" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6880119471650064202&postID=2175201359618398830"></a><br />Labels: <a href="http://www.hiddenpousadasbrazil.com/search/label/Bahia" rel="tag">Bahia</a>Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-12616346670812507262008-04-22T14:46:00.001+01:002008-04-22T14:48:05.871+01:00Sea Trek Scuba Diving<table class="EC_MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm;" valign="top"> <br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm;"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Most of the world is covered with water. Take the PADI Scuba Diver course onboard and discover what you've been missing. This quick and easy course was designed with the vacationer in mind.<br /><br />The PADI Scuba Diver program is a wonderful and exciting opportunity to explore the underwater world with the comfort and safety of having an experienced PADI SeaTrek Dive Instructor beside you every step of the way. Throughout the course you'll learn the basics of diving through participation in pool dives, knowledge development sessions and two exciting dives in some of the best locations in the world. Upon completion of the short course, you will be awarded the PADI Scuba Diver certification. PADI certifications are the most recognized forms of diver education worldwide. Your certification is like a passport, allowing you beginner level access to some of the best diving in the world. It also allows you to pursue further training in diving. You can sign up onboard.<br /><br />In addition, scuba gear, dive computers, mask/snorkel and fins packages can be purchased onboard at no-tax and duty-free prices. Participants must be at least 12 years old.<br /><br />Image reprinted with permission of International PADI, Inc. ©2005 All rights reserved. </span></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm;"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><img id="EC_Picture_x0020_7" alt="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/s.gif" src="http://by125w.bay125.mail.live.com/mail/SafeRedirect.aspx?hm__tg=http://65.55.130.121/att/GetAttachment.aspx&hm__qs=file%3de9d29375-d69f-478f-91a1-ddbc0cef0f1f.png%26ct%3daW1hZ2UvcG5n%26name%3daW1hZ2UwMDcucG5n%26inline%3d1%26rfc%3d0%26empty%3dFalse%26imgsrc%3dcid%253aimage007.png%254001C8A486.C1CADE90&oneredir=1&ip=10.1.106.223&d=d292&mf=0" height="1" width="18" /></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span></p></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm;"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><img id="EC_Picture_x0020_8" alt="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/s.gif" src="http://by125w.bay125.mail.live.com/mail/SafeRedirect.aspx?hm__tg=http://65.55.130.121/att/GetAttachment.aspx&hm__qs=file%3d5f722d6f-2cb5-4741-bc54-6c75a3f26c18.png%26ct%3daW1hZ2UvcG5n%26name%3daW1hZ2UwMDgucG5n%26inline%3d1%26rfc%3d0%26empty%3dFalse%26imgsrc%3dcid%253aimage008.png%254001C8A486.C1CADE90&oneredir=1&ip=10.1.106.223&d=d292&mf=0" height="8" width="1" /></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p class="EC_MsoNormal" style="line-height: 11.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> </span></p> <table class="EC_MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm;" colspan="3" valign="top"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;" valign="bottom"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 153); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">PADI Scuba Diver </span></b></p></td> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;"><br /></td> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm; background: rgb(204, 204, 204) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><img id="EC_Picture_x0020_10" alt="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/s.gif" src="http://by125w.bay125.mail.live.com/mail/SafeRedirect.aspx?hm__tg=http://65.55.130.121/att/GetAttachment.aspx&hm__qs=file%3dde4ccb00-8924-48ff-bd0a-f31d90dc62f1.gif%26ct%3daW1hZ2UvZ2lm%26name%3daW1hZ2UwMDEuZ2lm%26inline%3d1%26rfc%3d0%26empty%3dFalse%26imgsrc%3dcid%253aimage001.gif%254001C8A486.C1CADE90&oneredir=1&ip=10.1.106.223&d=d292&mf=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span></p></td> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 4.5pt 0cm 4.5pt 33.75pt;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><br />If your time is limited, the scuba diver certification is for you. The class consists of academic training, pool skills, and two open water dives. $249 USD per person Note: You can save study time on your cruise by purchasing and reading the PADI Open Water Manual or Interactive CD-ROM at your local PADI Dive Center or at <a href="http://www.padi.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Padi.com</span></a> . </span></p></td> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><img id="EC_Picture_x0020_11" alt="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/s.gif" src="http://by125w.bay125.mail.live.com/mail/SafeRedirect.aspx?hm__tg=http://65.55.130.121/att/GetAttachment.aspx&hm__qs=file%3d4a3e14db-0acc-4caf-be44-af540f71c4be.png%26ct%3daW1hZ2UvcG5n%26name%3daW1hZ2UwMTAucG5n%26inline%3d1%26rfc%3d0%26empty%3dFalse%26imgsrc%3dcid%253aimage010.png%254001C8A486.C1CADE90&oneredir=1&ip=10.1.106.223&d=d292&mf=0" border="0" height="12" width="1" /></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span></p></td> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;" valign="bottom"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 153); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Referral </span></b></p></td> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;"><br /></td> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm; background: rgb(204, 204, 204) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><img id="EC_Picture_x0020_12" alt="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/s.gif" src="http://by125w.bay125.mail.live.com/mail/SafeRedirect.aspx?hm__tg=http://65.55.130.121/att/GetAttachment.aspx&hm__qs=file%3dde4ccb00-8924-48ff-bd0a-f31d90dc62f1.gif%26ct%3daW1hZ2UvZ2lm%26name%3daW1hZ2UwMDEuZ2lm%26inline%3d1%26rfc%3d0%26empty%3dFalse%26imgsrc%3dcid%253aimage001.gif%254001C8A486.C1CADE90&oneredir=1&ip=10.1.106.223&d=d292&mf=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span></p></td> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 4.5pt 0cm 4.5pt 33.75pt;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><br />Complete your training in the warm tropical waters of the Caribbean. This course is an extension of the Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver Course for guests who have already completed all academics and confined water training.<br /><br />Two open-water dives at $175 USD per person and 4 open-water dives at $225 USD per person. </span></p></td> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><img id="EC_Picture_x0020_13" alt="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/s.gif" src="http://by125w.bay125.mail.live.com/mail/SafeRedirect.aspx?hm__tg=http://65.55.130.121/att/GetAttachment.aspx&hm__qs=file%3d4a3e14db-0acc-4caf-be44-af540f71c4be.png%26ct%3daW1hZ2UvcG5n%26name%3daW1hZ2UwMTAucG5n%26inline%3d1%26rfc%3d0%26empty%3dFalse%26imgsrc%3dcid%253aimage010.png%254001C8A486.C1CADE90&oneredir=1&ip=10.1.106.223&d=d292&mf=0" border="0" height="12" width="1" /></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span></p></td> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;" valign="bottom"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 153); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Scuba Tune-Up </span></b></p></td> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;"><br /></td> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm; background: rgb(204, 204, 204) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><img id="EC_Picture_x0020_14" alt="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/s.gif" src="http://by125w.bay125.mail.live.com/mail/SafeRedirect.aspx?hm__tg=http://65.55.130.121/att/GetAttachment.aspx&hm__qs=file%3dde4ccb00-8924-48ff-bd0a-f31d90dc62f1.gif%26ct%3daW1hZ2UvZ2lm%26name%3daW1hZ2UwMDEuZ2lm%26inline%3d1%26rfc%3d0%26empty%3dFalse%26imgsrc%3dcid%253aimage001.gif%254001C8A486.C1CADE90&oneredir=1&ip=10.1.106.223&d=d292&mf=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span></p></td> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 4.5pt 0cm 4.5pt 33.75pt;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><br />Been a while since your last dive? Refresh your knowledge and skills at sea with your SeaTrek Instructors. Even if you have made a dive recently, this course will boost your confidence and enjoyment.<br />$49 USD per person. </span></p></td> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><img id="EC_Picture_x0020_15" alt="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/s.gif" src="http://by125w.bay125.mail.live.com/mail/SafeRedirect.aspx?hm__tg=http://65.55.130.121/att/GetAttachment.aspx&hm__qs=file%3d4a3e14db-0acc-4caf-be44-af540f71c4be.png%26ct%3daW1hZ2UvcG5n%26name%3daW1hZ2UwMTAucG5n%26inline%3d1%26rfc%3d0%26empty%3dFalse%26imgsrc%3dcid%253aimage010.png%254001C8A486.C1CADE90&oneredir=1&ip=10.1.106.223&d=d292&mf=0" border="0" height="12" width="1" /></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span></p></td> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;" valign="bottom"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 153); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Discover Scuba Experience </span></b></p></td> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;"><br /></td> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm; background: rgb(204, 204, 204) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><img id="EC_Picture_x0020_16" alt="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/s.gif" src="http://by125w.bay125.mail.live.com/mail/SafeRedirect.aspx?hm__tg=http://65.55.130.121/att/GetAttachment.aspx&hm__qs=file%3dde4ccb00-8924-48ff-bd0a-f31d90dc62f1.gif%26ct%3daW1hZ2UvZ2lm%26name%3daW1hZ2UwMDEuZ2lm%26inline%3d1%26rfc%3d0%26empty%3dFalse%26imgsrc%3dcid%253aimage001.gif%254001C8A486.C1CADE90&oneredir=1&ip=10.1.106.223&d=d292&mf=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span></p></td> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 4.5pt 0cm 4.5pt 33.75pt;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><br />Join your PADI SeaTrek Dive Instructor on the pool deck for this unique opportunity to experience scuba firsthand. No prior training is necessary for this safe, instructor-accompanied pool dive.<br />$29.95 USD per person. </span></p></td> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><img id="EC_Picture_x0020_17" alt="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/s.gif" src="http://by125w.bay125.mail.live.com/mail/SafeRedirect.aspx?hm__tg=http://65.55.130.121/att/GetAttachment.aspx&hm__qs=file%3d4a3e14db-0acc-4caf-be44-af540f71c4be.png%26ct%3daW1hZ2UvcG5n%26name%3daW1hZ2UwMTAucG5n%26inline%3d1%26rfc%3d0%26empty%3dFalse%26imgsrc%3dcid%253aimage010.png%254001C8A486.C1CADE90&oneredir=1&ip=10.1.106.223&d=d292&mf=0" border="0" height="12" width="1" /></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span></p></td> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;" valign="bottom"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 153); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth (SASY) </span></b></p></td> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;"><br /></td> <td style="padding: 3pt 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 0cm; background: rgb(204, 204, 204) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><img id="EC_Picture_x0020_18" alt="http://www.royalcaribbean.com/s.gif" src="http://by125w.bay125.mail.live.com/mail/SafeRedirect.aspx?hm__tg=http://65.55.130.121/att/GetAttachment.aspx&hm__qs=file%3dde4ccb00-8924-48ff-bd0a-f31d90dc62f1.gif%26ct%3daW1hZ2UvZ2lm%26name%3daW1hZ2UwMDEuZ2lm%26inline%3d1%26rfc%3d0%26empty%3dFalse%26imgsrc%3dcid%253aimage001.gif%254001C8A486.C1CADE90&oneredir=1&ip=10.1.106.223&d=d292&mf=0" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span></p></td> <td style="padding: 0cm;"><br /></td></tr> <tr> <td style="padding: 4.5pt 0cm 4.5pt 33.75pt;" colspan="2"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><br />This program is designed for children 5 to 10 years of age (under 100 lbs.) who want to use real scuba equipment while staying at the surface of the water. Believe it or not, SASY is easier than snorkeling and kids love it! $25 USD per person. </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-26178982249645772272008-04-22T14:40:00.001+01:002008-04-22T14:42:11.646+01:00MORE ABOUT SCUBA DIVING IN BRAZIL!!!!<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: white; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: white; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">OUT SCUBA DIVING IN BRAZIL</span></b><p class="EC_MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The best dive site is the archipelago of <b>Fernando de Noronha</b>. It's the most untouched spot, and it's simply gorgeous on the surface, appealing to everyone. The difficulty ranges from beginner to advance. Best time of the year is from July to December for beginners, all year round for advanced divers. It's one of the most expensive dive sites to go.<br /><br />The second best is <b>Abrolhos</b>. It's an archipelago some four to six hours from land, where you can't go on shore, so either you make one-day trips or take a live-aboard on one of several boats. The dives are very, very calm, shallow and relaxed, and though the visibility is not as good as Noronha, but the richness of the corals and marine life is incredible. It's good for all levels of experience. Best time of the year is November to March, when it is also possible to watch whales. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"></span></p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The region between <b>Recife/Olinda</b> in the north and Maceio in the south is named the <b>Golden Coast</b>, and here are several excellent spots of scuba diving and the access is much easier than mentioned archipelagos. Around Recife & Olinda is considered excellent for advanced divers, rich of marine life like turtles and sharks, and many sunk ships, but the sea is usually very, very rough. To the south there are many dive friendly spots for snorkeling, scuba dive beginners and also advanced diving. In <b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Porto de Galinhas</span></b> for instance, is a very pleasant village with many nice sites for good diving and an excellent area for diving courses. In this region the diving is good during the whole year. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"></span></p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The best spots for scuba diving in the south of Brazil are between São Paulo & Rio de Janeiro. Of course they are not as good as mentioned sites in the northeast, but comparing world wide, this region is very good as well. To indicate some spots in the area should be Barra do Una, <b>Ubatuba, Paraty, Ilha Grande and Arraial do Cabo</b>. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"></span></p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Last but not least, there are two islands near Santos / São Vicente where you can take a day trip for two dives - <b>Laje de Santos and Queimada Grande</b>. But it might be very tricky to reach the area: the boat trip usually takes 2 hours or maybe more, and is often rough. Many times the trips are cancelled due to bad weather, so it's always a lottery. From May to July, manta rays are common in Laje de Santos; possible to see ones with a "wingspan" of about 2 meters, and even some big ones, as they can grow up to 6m!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"></span></p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Taking about Diving & Brazil, we shouldn’t forget the country-side town of <b>Bonito</b>, which is more than 1.000km from the sea. This is a paradise of sweet water snorkeling & diving, with beautiful nature and rivers of crystal-clear warm waters with lots of fish. In the region there are also several unexplored caves, where you can practice <b>scuba diving in caves</b> – <b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">NOTE</span></b>: a special certificate is needed for scuba diving in these caves.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"></span></p>Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-27581714252212977372008-04-21T13:02:00.001+01:002008-04-21T13:03:58.386+01:00Top 10 forgotten spots of paradises!!!!<p>Men's web portal <a href="http://www.askmen.com/"><strong>AskMen.com</strong></a> has come up with a list of its top 10 paradises on earth that have long been forgotten. This list is not endorsed by Reuters:</p><p>...</p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>9. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">Sitting 380kms off Brazil's northeastern coast, only 240 people are allowed on the archipelago at any one time, all of whom are required to pay environmental taxes to preserve the beauty of the 21 islands. Only the main island is inhabited, and that's where you stay in boutique-style bed-and-breakfasts.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">There's not much to do other than swim in the Atlantic Ocean and bask beneath the sun.</p>...Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1406263637165066981.post-6400720065429211532008-04-14T13:59:00.000+01:002008-04-14T14:00:06.257+01:00CLUBS MAAANNNN......<table class="bloco_titulo_special" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="30"><tbody><tr><td valign="bottom"><div align="right"><img src="http://ipanema.com/rio/nite/images/top_dance.gif" height="25" width="375" /></div></td> <td valign="bottom" width="60"><div id="marcelo_special"><img src="http://ipanema.com/images/zs_special.gif" height="100" width="50" /></div></td> </tr> </tbody></table><br /><div class="bloco_texto"><noscript> </noscript> Rio's has an active clubber circuit. If you love to dance the night away, you will not run out of options. Local and guest DJ's spin every night the latest disco, house, garage, techno, trance, pop, funk, hip-hop and other dancy beats. Things never really pick up until after midnight, so you have time to enjoy <a href="http://www.ipanema.com/restrnts/index.htm">a good meal</a>, or warm up at the <a href="http://ipanema.com/rio/nite/e/nite.htm">bars and cafes</a>. <p>Minors are not legally allowed at night clubs, but sometimes it seems they forgot to warn the door people about it. Beer and liquor are served at most venues, usually without the need to present any I.D. You do not <em>have</em> to tip bartenders, but tips are appreciated. Now that you know all the basics, let's go club-hopping! </p> <p>You don't have to go far from your hotel to reach the clubs. Try <strong>Baronetti</strong>, <strong>Cristal Lounge</strong> and <strong>Spazio</strong> in Ipanema, <strong>Melt</strong>, in Leblon, <strong>Sky Lounge </strong>in Lagoa, and <strong>00 (Zero Zero)</strong> in Gavea.</p> <p>In Copa the scene is a very mixed. <strong>Bunker</strong> has different parties every weekend with guest DJ's, and attracts an alternative crowd. <strong>Mariuzinn</strong>, with 30 years of tradition, moved on to the main street (the old headquarters is now home to a lesbian club). </p> <p><img src="http://ipanema.com/images/dance_map.gif" align="right" height="120" width="120" />Humaitá, Flamengo, Botafogo and Centro also have good dance clubs. The area around Lapa is now very popular, with clubs like <strong>Rio Scenarium</strong> and <strong>Carioca da Gema</strong>. Many rave parties happen in Centro, too. The piers, an old train station, warehouses, and a movie theater of the turn of the century have already been the setting of unforgettable parties. <strong>Fundição Progresso</strong> is where mega-parties usually happen, attracting as many as 5,000!</p> In Barra the clubs are predictably located in the malls, like <strong>São Thome</strong> or the <strong>Hard Rock Cafe</strong>. Av. Armando Lombardi is known as <em>Baixo Barra</em> due to the concentration of night clubs. <strong>Nuth Lounge</strong> since its opening gathers a lot of beautiful people, and some of the best DJ`s.<strong> Bombar </strong>and <strong>Guapo Loco</strong> with their branches in Barra are also guaranteed fun alternatives. Rave parties sometimes happen in locations off-Barra like Vargem Grande. On Friday local newspapers publish an entertainment supplement with listings of the main parties happening on the weekend. Flyers are distributed on the beach, and at some cool boutiques in Ipanema, Leblon or the malls.<br /><br /><table id="grade" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="grade_top" bgcolor="#000000" height="20"><img src="http://ipanema.com/shopping/images/grade_name.gif" height="14" width="57" /></td> <td class="grade_top" bgcolor="#000000"><img src="http://ipanema.com/shopping/images/grade_area.gif" height="14" width="53" /></td> <td class="grade_top" bgcolor="#000000"><img src="http://ipanema.com/shopping/images/grade_address.gif" height="14" width="151" /></td> <td class="grade_top" bgcolor="#000000"><img src="http://ipanema.com/shopping/images/grade_phone.gif" height="14" width="70" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">01. Baronetti</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff4ca"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/ipanema.htm">Ipanema</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Barão da Torre, 354</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2522-1460</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name_anunciante"><div id="anunciante">02. <a href="http://www.cristallounge.com.br/">Cristal Lounge</a></div></td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff4ca"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/ipanema.htm">Ipanema</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Barão da Torre, 334</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2247-8220</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">03. Dama de Ferro</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff4ca"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/ipanema.htm">Ipanema</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Vinícius de Morais, 288</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2247-2330</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">04. Galeria Café</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff4ca"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/ipanema.htm">Ipanema</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Teixeira de Melo, 31</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2523-8250</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">05. Lounge 69</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff4ca"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/ipanema.htm">Ipanema</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Farme de Amoedo, 50</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">3813-5751</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">06. Mistura Fina</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff4ca"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/ipanema.htm">Ipanema</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Av. Rainha Elizabeth, 769</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2523-1703</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">07. Spazio</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff4ca"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/ipanema.htm">Ipanema</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Paul Redfern, 36</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2540-0842</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name_anunciante"><div id="anunciante">08. <a href="http://www.guapoloco.com.br/">Guapo Loco</a></div></td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#e2f3fe"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/leblon.htm">Leblon</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Rainha Guilhermina, 48</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2495-2995</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">09. Melt</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#e2f3fe"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/leblon.htm">Leblon</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Rita Ludolf, 47</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2249-9309</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">10. The House</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#e2f3fe"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/leblon.htm">Leblon</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua General San Martin, 1011</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2249-2161</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">11. Bunker</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#e2fee4"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/copa.htm">Copa</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Raul Pompéia, 94</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2521-0367</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">12. Fosfobox</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#e2fee4"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/copa.htm">Copa</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Siqueira Campos, 143/22A</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2548-7498</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">13. Help</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#e2fee4"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/copa.htm">Copa</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Av. Atlântica, 3432</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2513-4993</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">14. La Girl (lesbian)</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#e2fee4"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/copa.htm">Copa</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Raul Pompéia, 102</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2247-8342</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">15. Le Boy (gay)</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#e2fee4"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/copa.htm">Copa</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Raul Pompéia, 102</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2513-4993</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">16. Mariuzinn</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#e2fee4"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/copa.htm">Copa</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Av. Copacabana, 435</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2545-7672</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">17. Mutante</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#e2fee4"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/copa.htm">Copa</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Rodolfo Dantas, 16</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2295-0605</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">18. The Copa</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#e2fee4"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/copa.htm">Copa</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Aires Saldanha, 13A</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2256-7411</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name_anunciante"><div id="anunciante">19. <a href="http://www.00site.com.br/">00 (Zero Zero)</a></div></td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/hotel">Gávea</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Av. Padre Leonel Franca, 240</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2540-8041</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">20. Pátio Lounge</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/hotel">Gávea</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Praça Santos Dumont, 31</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2274-1444</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">21. Sitio Lounge</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/hotel">Gávea</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Marques de São Vicente,10</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2274-2226</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">22. Sky Lounge</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/hotel">Lagoa</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Av. Borges de Medeiros, 1426</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2108-3934</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">23. Bukowski</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/botafogo.htm">Botafogo</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Paulino Fernandes, 7</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2226-0423</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">24. Casa da Matriz</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/botafogo.htm">Botafogo</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Henrique Novaes, 107</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2266-1014</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">25. Pista 3</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/botafogo.htm">Botafogo</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Sao Joao Batista, 14</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2266-1014</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">26. Jump Club</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/botafogo.htm">Botafogo</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Visconde Silva, 22</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">9755-3203</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">27. Espaço Marun</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/flamengo.htm">Flamengo</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua do Catete, 124</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2558-3431</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name_anunciante"><div id="anunciante">28. <a href="http://www.casarosa.com.br/">Casa Rosa</a></div></td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/hotel">Laranjeiras</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Alice, 550</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">9363-4645</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">29. Cine Buraco</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/hotel">Laranjeiras</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua das Laranjeiras, 336/39</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2205-8638</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">30. Hide Away</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/hotel">Laranjeiras</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua das Laranjeiras, 308</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2285-0921</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">31. Buraco da Lacraia</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/downtown.htm">Downtown</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua Andre Cavalcante, 58</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2242-0446</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">32. Cine Iris</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/downtown.htm">Downtown</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua da Carioca, 51</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2262-1729</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">33. Cine Lapa</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/downtown.htm">Downtown</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Av. Mem de Sá, 23</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2539-0216</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">34. Club Six</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/downtown.htm">Downtown</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua das Marrecas, 38</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">9814-0444</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">35. Dito & Feito</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/downtown.htm">Downtown</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua do Mercado, 21</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2509-1407</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">36. Passeio Público</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/downtown.htm">Downtown</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Av. Rio Branco, 277</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2220-1298</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">37. Carioca da Gema</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/hotel">Lapa</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Av. Mem de Sá, 79</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2221-0043</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">38. Fundição Progresso</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/hotel">Lapa</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua dos Arcos, 24</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2220-5070</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">39. Rio Scenarium</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/hotel">Lapa</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Rua do Lavradio, 20</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">3852-5516</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">40. Teatro Odisseia</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/hotel">Lapa</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Av. Mem de Sá, 66</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2224-6367</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">41. Bombar</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/barra.htm">Barra</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Av. Armando Lombardi, 601</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2187-1300</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">42. Hard Rock Cafe</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/barra.htm">Barra</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Av. das Américas, 700</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2132-8000</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">43. Nuth Lounge</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/barra.htm">Barra</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Av. Armando Lombardi, 999</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">3153-8595</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="grade_name">44. São Thomé</td> <td class="grade_linebottom" bgcolor="#fff2f2"><a href="http://ipanema.com/citytour/barra.htm">Barra</a></td> <td class="grade_linebottom">Av. das Américas, 7.907 bl C</td> <td class="grade_linebottom"><div align="center">2431-1176</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Projecto Brazilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16854151028369368301noreply@blogger.com0