Blogs from Bahia, Brazil, South America - page 53

Ahhh!!! I found heaven on earth, and it is called Chapada Diamantina! From a very charming town, Lencois, remaining from the diamond mining era, I took a 3-day hike in to the natural reserve - 3 days filled with stunning views, waterfalls, swimming and diving, rivers, hiking, wild animals and sleeping in caves. It all started last Friday when Team Blonde (named by the only brunette in the group) went on a 3-day hike with Augosto and Serginho (ahhh... another one of those unbelievably gorgeous Brazilian hunks that you can't stop staring at) in Chapada Diamantina. The first day we started out by seeing Cachoeira da Fumaca (Smokey Waterfall) from above, sliding out on a rock, watching the amazing waterfall, the water disappearing in the wind before it travels the 420 m down to the pool ... read more

Apologies for delay since my last blog, but I couldn't find the willpower to sit behind a computer - I've had a tough week relaxing on an island, soaking up the sun and drinking too many capirinhas. The 36 hour bus ride to Salvador turned into 42 hours. The lack of movement caused my feet and ankles to swell, so much so that I struggled to fit into my Crocs. For the next day or so I held a new world record. I spent a few days in Salvador where I met up with Janie. Salvador has good and bad aspects. On the good side, it is the centre of African culture in Brazil. The food is great, you can watch capoeira schools all day long, and there is always some form of live music going ... read more

For those of you who love the outdoors or cool things in general, have I got a city for you, Lençóis, Bahia. It´s a very small town far inside the Bahian sertão, really an oasis of sorts. The Chapada da Diamatina is an expanse of mountains and valleys that are home to a vast number of different natural habitats. Way back when (i.e. Pangea time, the supercontinent and all), the area was connected to Nambia in Africa. There was a big boom in the region when diamonds were discovered, but it died out somewhat quickly when more diamonds were found in--guess where--Africa. Today Lençóis attracts backpackers from all over the world. The small town has a very bohemian, hippie vibe. Everyone is very laid back, lots of vegetarian restaurants, Asian restaurants, etc. My first morning there ... read more

Hi everyone Just a quick travelblog to update you on what we have been up to in Salvador before we set off for Morro de Sao Paulo (a small resort on an island 2 1/2 hrs from Salvador). First day we got here after our hellish journey, we stayed in very cheap hotel (12 pounds inc breakfast for the room). however room was a little grotty to say the least! however we considered it luxury as it had its very own private bathroom! The Next day went exploring around Salvador, which is a lovley place, cobbled streets, brightly coloured buildings and music playing on the streets everywhere, is very much a party city! Also lots of nice (and cheap) bars and restaurants which was nice change from Rio. Checked into different hotel, a little more expensive ... read more

The 7:00 am departure on Real Expresso from Salvador to Lençóis should be known as the European Express. Fully booked with Danes, Italians, British, and Dutch, it is only the Brazilian merchant getting off in dusty Feira de Santana that seems out of place. Otherwise, passengers are destined for Bahia’s Chapada Diamantina, a national park. It attracts naturalists and trekkers who explore its undisturbed wilderness. Most ignore the appalling slums of suburban Salvador, which spread almost fifteen miles to the west of the city. I could not. How could I? How could anyone? Thousands of people live on top of each other in squalor. Some “homes” have an electrical connection. By the looks of it, running water is not too potable; weathered and gristled women line up at a public fountain and fill up three or ... read more