TRAVELS (and more) WITH CECILIA BRAINARD: Pelourinho Historic District of Salvador, Brazil

Dear Readers,
Salvador is not giving us sunshine at all!

At 7:30 this morning, I went to Mass at St. Francis. Because of the bad weather, there were only six walk-ins; ten choir and church people; and two priests to concelebrate the Mass.

It's been raining, and today all we could do was walk around the historic district (Pelourinho) for a bit, visit the Cathedral, the Museum of the writer, Jorge Amado, and the Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (the church built by the slaves). The name "Pelourinho" refers to the pillar that used to stand in the square (in front of the Amado museum). In the past, slaves were publicly flogged at this pillar. The pillar is gone.

While the Pelourinho district isn't very large, there are a number of churches and museums around, plus there's an artisan market at the bottom of the elevator. There are many bars, shops, and restaurants. (Last night we had a wonderful dinner at Lafiga - filet mignon with gorgonzola, and lobster. I believe the place abounds with lobster and other seafood because the Atlantic Ocean is right there!)

Tonight we go to an Afro-Brazilian ballet. And tomorrow, dear readers, we will be off to another city in Brazil.

The pictures show: Lauren at Lafiga, a Baiana in her recognizable dress, some pictures around the historic district, a number of pictures at the Jorge Amado museum, and additional pictures taken of the Villa Bahia upon request by some friends.

Note - Lauren with Sonia Braga, and there's a detail from the pulpit at St. Francis showing a topless female figure - quite risque I thought for a Franciscan church. The 'good luck' ribbons on a fence were taken in front of the Slave church.