Reunited-Peaches and Herb

along the shore 

Salvador

Tuesday we headed off bright and early for our flight at 6:45AM.  It’s crazy how easy check in and security are in Brazil.  You can walk through security with liquids, gels, waterbottles, etc.  You don’t have to take off your jacket or shoes, just put your bags on the conveyor belt and walk right through.  It kind of makes you wonder about the necessity of our security measures in the U.S.

During our lay-over in Brasilia, we met up with the first group of fellow TGC teachers.  It was exciting to see them and begin catching up.  There was so much to talk about: What were their cities like?  What kind of schools did they visit?   What did they see/do?  So many things to catch up on!!!

We checked in to our hotel in Salvador and had a little time to explore before the next group of teachers arrived.  Salvador used to be the capital of Brazil, it is a major port city on the Atlantic Ocean.  Salvador was also the heart of the slave trade in Brazil (remember that Brazil was the last country to outlaw slavery.)  As a result, there is a very strong African influence in the city of Salvador and the state of Bahia.  I have actually been to Salvador before when I was on Semester at Sea.  We stopped in Salvador for Carnaval.  I was looking forward to going back to see if I recognized anything.

rooftop sunset

That evening there was a beautiful sunset from our rooftop pool.  Then we headed out for Brazilian dinners (eaten on sidewalks at plastic tables-very Brazilian J) and catching up.