Salvador woke up much sunnier than the day before. From my hotel, I took a bus (R$2,30 or CAN$ 1,50) to Bomfim to see the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bomfim, the most famous one in Salvador. After a crazy drive when my bus driver took a "short cut" inside a gas station to beat the bus in front of him, I got there safe.
PS: If you are taking buses here (or maybe anywhere in Brazil), you must relax and trust the drivers. If you are not used to it, it can be a very stressful ride.
Most of the people have heard of Nosso Senhor do Bomfim because of these bracelets. Some believe that the colorful piece of fabric that you tie up on your arm while you make a wish, has an incredible power to make you wish come true. But be careful! You cannot break the bracelet on purpose. It has to naturally broken so your wish happens. The problem is that sometimes it takes years to get rid of it!
Anyway, if you go to Salvador, you have to get a little bracelet for yourself and bring home many for your friends. They will love it! Don't forget to make the wish!
I was lucky to see the church opened and even participated of the very end of a mass.
It is a beautiful interior!
FROM WIKIPEDIA: The Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (Portuguese: Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim) is the most famous of the Catholic churches of Salvador, in the State of Bahia, Brazil. It was built in the 18th century on a hill in the Itapagipe peninsula, in the lower town of Salvador. The church is the subject of intense religious devotion by the people of Salvador and is the site of a famous celebration held every year in January (Festa do Senhor do Bonfim).
Outside, vendors are a bit annoying trying to sell you their souvenirs.
But it is like this in any tourist places in Salvador.
Hopefully you will get use to it fast, because it can make your trip a bit frustrating.
The coconut trees makes this this place more charming.
From the Nosso Senhor do Bomfim Church, I decided to re-do another tour. I took a little boat and went back to Itaparica Island. (I was there for the first time when I was 6 years old with my parents).
The boat you have a beautiful view of Salvador. It cost only R$3,65 or CAN$2,00 one way, and it takes about 45 minutes to put your toes on the sand of this quiet and peaceful beach.
Arriving at Itaparica Island.
It is hard to believe that the busy capital is right there, on the other side.
Anyway, if you go to Salvador, you have to get a little bracelet for yourself and bring home many for your friends. They will love it! Don't forget to make the wish!
I was lucky to see the church opened and even participated of the very end of a mass.It is a beautiful interior!
FROM WIKIPEDIA: The Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (Portuguese: Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim) is the most famous of the Catholic churches of Salvador, in the State of Bahia, Brazil. It was built in the 18th century on a hill in the Itapagipe peninsula, in the lower town of Salvador. The church is the subject of intense religious devotion by the people of Salvador and is the site of a famous celebration held every year in January (Festa do Senhor do Bonfim).
Outside, vendors are a bit annoying trying to sell you their souvenirs.
But it is like this in any tourist places in Salvador.
Hopefully you will get use to it fast, because it can make your trip a bit frustrating.
The coconut trees makes this this place more charming.
From the Nosso Senhor do Bomfim Church, I decided to re-do another tour. I took a little boat and went back to Itaparica Island. (I was there for the first time when I was 6 years old with my parents).
The boat you have a beautiful view of Salvador. It cost only R$3,65 or CAN$2,00 one way, and it takes about 45 minutes to put your toes on the sand of this quiet and peaceful beach.
Arriving at Itaparica Island.
Itaparica is the largest of the 56 islands in All Saint’s Bay (Portuguese Baia de Todos os Santos) in the Brazilian state of Bahia. About 15km across the bay from the city of Salvador, it has exuberant vegetation and more than 40 kilometers of beaches with very warm water that are generally pretty clean. The village of Itaparica, is a quaint little town with well-conserved old houses and shady plazas. In Punta do Areia you can get excellent fresh fish and clams delivered right to your door by local fishermen.Itaparica can be reached in about 1 hour by ferry from Salvador. The smaller passenger-ferry departs from near the Mercado Modelo while the larger car-ferry goes from about 2km north to Bom Despacho.This island is a nice place for a restful excursion while visiting Salvador de Bahia. It’s a beautiful place for resting at the beach and a visit to the town of Itaparica is also worth seeing.
It is hard to believe that the busy capital is right there, on the other side.
View of Salvador from Itaparica Island.
Itaparica Island, Mar Grande Beach (Big Sea Beach).
A tourist from USA takes my picture on the island.
Itaparica Island, Mar Grande Beach (Big Sea Beach).
Geraldo is an artisan who was born on the Island and lives selling his art. Even though he lives looking at Salvador, he doesn't like going to the mainland because "it's too busy". I bought a little bracelet from him for R$5, or CAN$3. This money will be enough to feed beans to Geraldo and his family for 
almost 2 weeks. He also eats fruits and vegetables from the island. And since the temperature is never bellow 22 degrees Celsius, Geraldo doesn't have to worry about being cold as well. 
almost 2 weeks. He also eats fruits and vegetables from the island. And since the temperature is never bellow 22 degrees Celsius, Geraldo doesn't have to worry about being cold as well. 
A tourist from USA takes my picture on the island.
I had a Moqueca de Arraia (a sting ray stew) with rice and pirao (mandioca flower with fish sauce).
Back on the mainland I visited Salvador's downtown again and went shopping at the Mercado Modelo (Modelo Market).
Inside and outside the market you can find art crafts and cheaper souvenirs.
PS. I have to register here that Salvador is really ready to receive international tourists. Most of the people in the service sector speak at least English. I recommend!
Inside and outside the market you can find art crafts and cheaper souvenirs.
Coconut water for R$1,50 or CAN$ 1,00 is a good way to hydrate and stay healthy.
I said goodbye to Salvador with this beautiful sunset!!!
I said goodbye to Salvador with this beautiful sunset!!!
But I will come back (and I will definitely bring Mike)!
PS. I have to register here that Salvador is really ready to receive international tourists. Most of the people in the service sector speak at least English. I recommend!
Beautiful! Can't believe I'm saying this considering how often I travel now... but I AM SO JEALOUS!
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