Carnaval da Bahia (Nossa! Nossa! Tchê, tchê, tchê, tchê)
The 2-months-in-Brazil benchmark recently passed, and I realized that I’m falling behind on my blog posts. REALLY falling behind. Since I last wrote, I’ve been to Salvador, in the state of Bahia, and Paraty, in Rio de Janeiro. I’m on my fifth week of classes, and I have midterms coming up (sneaking up). I would hate to bore anyone by recounting what has gone on during all of this time, so I’m going to do it in separate posts- in case that helps.
First of all, I went to Bahia for CARNAVAL... and stayed for ten days. It was an amazing little get-away from São Paulo- beaches, relaxation, almost having a heart attack every time I got in the car (Salvadorians seem to be even scarier drivers), oh- and the biggest party in the world (not sure how this is measured). I really enjoyed Salvador and Carnaval, but, honestly, I think I like Mardi Gras better. I’m sure it has something to do with the fact that I know New Orleans much better than Salvador, that almost everyone speaks English in Louisiana, and that there are fewer random men trying to kiss every and any girl in site during Mardi Gras (in fact, I would say that there are only a handful, and there’s a good chance they’re wasted and on Bourbon Street). It also annoyed me that we were constantly called out as Gringoes. Eventually, we started telling people we were from São Paulo and speaking Portuguese, which they believed (since the population of SP is so diverse). I didn’t really enjoy seeing children selling beer (even if it was 4 latinhas- smallish cans- for R$5) either. Aside from the traditional Carnaval activities, I was able to go on a (discounted) boat tour in the Bahia de Todos os S antos, make friends, eat amazing crepes, sample Bahian cuisines, hear Brian Adams on the radio, see famous Brazilian singers live (and Bob Sinclar?), visit Pelourinho and other historic sites in Salvador, buy a Brazilian swimsuit, AND be proposed to by a guy wearing a skirt (didn’t have a ring, also suggested that we have five children). Carnaval itself was definitely overwhelming. I’m glad I had the opportunity to go and so lucky that I had a Salvadorian to show me the ropes (and provide me with food and shelter for ten days).
Looking back toward Salvador from the Bay
