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Background: Following three centuries under the rule of Portugal, Brazil became an independent nation in 1822. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil overcame more than half a century of military intervention in the governance of the country when in 1985 the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader. Highly unequal income distribution remains a pressing problem.

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By Crazy Amy
February 22nd 2009

Crazy carnival shinanigans in Salvador South America » Brazil » Bahia » Salvador

Salvador

Yikes! What a night was had last night. My carnival campaign began in Salvador, the city known for it´s debaucherous partying and dodginess. Both of which I was a witness to. It all started with a horrible boat ride from the island of Morro De Sao Paulo. The Lonely Planet had warned me that the trip could be pretty rough but I never get sea sick so I wasn´t worried. In the end it was close to the worst two hours of my life! Rough was an understatement. Passengers were flying all over the boat and I tried so hard to [View Full Entry]

By Chris and Danis Travels
February 18th 2009

Jacuma - Trancoso South America » Brazil » Bahia » Porto Seguro » Trancoso

The following day we left Jacuma, armed with half a cake that we couldn´t resist buying from a little cake store before we left. We caught the bus to Joao Pessoa where we ended up waiting in the bus station for the rest of the day, while armed guards seemed to be running around the place, until it was time to board our night bus to the city of Salvador. Salvador was a city that from the early planning stages we both wanted to see, but having been to many cities we were worried about it due to the constant fear [View Full Entry]

By davinbrazil
February 17th 2009

More violence in Brazil South America » Brazil » Bahia » Salvador

It's been a few days since I've written anything personal, so, if you've been wanting more news about me, then you're in luck, because I got robbed again! Nothing bad though. I was walking back home in my street when a couple of probably 15 to 16 year olds pegged me to a wall, told me to give them money, and without politely waiting for an answer, went straight to my pocket. Luckily, they only stole my cheap Brasilian mobile phone and the equivalent of 2 or 3 euros. Petty thieves. Didn't even show a gun or a knife (which I [View Full Entry]

By LynneandAndy
February 16th 2009

The slave trade South America » Brazil » Bahia » Salvador

Preparing for drumming practice

Ouro Preto As it seems with all our journeys in Brazil, Ouro Preto was accessed via an overnight bus from Rio. We arrived early on a murky morning, with mist clinging to the mineral rich mountains. After checking in and catching up on some sleep, we set about exploring the town in the pouring rain. Ouro Preto literally means “Black Gold”. In the 18th Century the Portuguese exploited some of the biggest gold deposits in the world here using African slave labour. The result of all this wealth meant that Ouro Preto developed into a fine colonial town, with dozens of [View Full Entry]

By davinbrazil
February 10th 2009

Tropa de Elite South America » Brazil » Bahia » Salvador

Tropa de Elite main poster

Today I wanted to talk about a film I saw a few weeks ago - Tropa de Elite. Synopsis: In a Rio de Janeiro riddled with violence, the corrupt conventional police appears incapable of fighting drug cartels and gangs in the favela. This is where enters the BOPE - Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais (Batalion of Special Police Operations). Captain Nascimento of the BOPE wants to retire, but in order to do so he needs to find a suitable replacement. Amongst the contenders to enter this extremely selective force are Neto and André, two old friends who could not stand the [View Full Entry]

By Norwejon
February 8th 2009

Last week in Salvador South America » Brazil » Bahia » Salvador

Diadema(Kråkebolle)

Dear reader, A week has passed and it is time to sum up my experiences from the last week. A lot has happened, I experienced things I loved, and also things I could be without. Kristian and I fly out of Salvador next Wednesday morning and our experiences in Salvador are over for now, while new ones are awaiting us in Sao Paulo. The last week was like this: Monday: Once again the week started out with school. I can by the way mention that portuguese is a hard language to learn, and that the learning curve has really flattened the [View Full Entry]

By davinbrazil
February 4th 2009

Stats, stats, stats South America » Brazil » Bahia » Salvador

Rich white girls' problems

About a week ago, I managed to find a book with really interesting statistics concerning racism and social inequalities in Brazil, so I wanted to share those with you today. The book is called "Miséria da periferia. Desigualdades raciais e pobreza na metropole do Rio de Janeiro", by André Augusto Brandão (Pallas, 2004). The book looked pretty serious so I assume the statistics are reliable. Firstly, according to the author, about 45% of the Brazilian population is black. Wikipedia (so reliable, obviously) seems to disagree with him, but I think it largely depends on how you define black, as [View Full Entry]

Life is so tragic when you have so much money

By davinbrazil
February 3rd 2009

Dia de festa de Yemanjá South America » Brazil » Bahia » Salvador

Orixás

Yesterday was the Dia da Festa de Yemanjá, so I thought it would be appropriate today to descibe that event and introduce you to Candomblé. In reality, I am not myself entirely clear on the matter and if someone thinks I am mistaken about anything please do not hesitate to tell me. Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religion which is extremely present in the North of the country. It was brought by African slaves during the colonisation of Brazil and is based on the belief in Orixás, gods which represent the forces of nature. Naturally, it was soon outlawed by the Portuguese [View Full Entry]

Omulo, orixá of diseases, death, and other fun stuff

By Norwejon
February 2nd 2009

Morro de Sao Paulo South America » Brazil » Bahia » Morro de São Paulo

Salvador

Heisann! After spending a great weekend on the island Morro de Sao Paulo, we are finally back at our casa. Morro de Sao Paulo is an island 2,5 h by boat south of Salvador. The island has only dirt roads and is known as a typical tourist island for people from all over south america. We took a catamaran boat out to the island on friday and planned on staying there for two nights. A plan that went through. The boattrip over was pretty hard considering we went out the day before and that we of course forgot to eat before [View Full Entry]

By davinbrazil
February 1st 2009

Na Ilha de Morro de São Paulo (2) South America » Brazil » Bahia » Morro de São Paulo

The author before snorkelling session

Today, more pictures of Morro de São Paulo. I went on a little excursion that involved swimming around with tropical fish. I dont have a waterproof camera, but I think a couple of the pictures I took convey how amazing that experience was. Otherwise, this has been a very restful weekend. Morro de São Paulo is an extremely small and safe place, in which most things are with easy walking distance. I didn't have to worry about security, which made a world of difference compared with Salvador. I will sorely miss those clear waters. [View Full Entry]

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