Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Carnival in Salvador

Tuesday, Feb. 5 @ 8:00pm, Salvador, Brazil
I have experienced one part of Carnival -- an afternoon "viewing" (from 1:00 - 5:30 pm)from a raised platform which was very hot, very loud rock music, an open bar and millions and millions of people. I chose the afternoon knowing that it would be saner and safer, but I'm disappointed that I didn't get to see/hear any of the traditional music and dancing. Fifty five of us from Semester at Sea went together and we had fun and we were able to see things that had been described to us. The rock bands are on "floats" which are huge trucks with platforms on top. We paid ~$300 for this afternoon of music, and many of the local participants paid similiar and higher amounts to be able to walk the route of the this section of Carnival (there are three main routes in Salvador). Those people walk within a (moving) roped area which surrounds the rock star -- their security people hold the rope in a large rectangle and make sure only those people who are identified by a particular type of shirt are in the rectangle. The area where we stood was also identified by a particular green shirt that we all had to wear. There were thousands of local young people in our area who knew the rock stars, their songs, and the words. So when each rock group came down the street, the whole area became a loud roar of people singing and dancing. They also "popcorn" - which means they jump up and down -- it was truly a crazy time! I'm glad I went, but wouldn't want to do that part of Carnival again. I understand that another version of Carnival is held in Long Beach on the Queen Mary. That might be fun!
It's early to bed for me tonight (and I don't think I'll have any trouble falling asleep!) The flight to Iguacu Falls leaves at 4:45 am. I'll be out of touch for the three days that I am there. We are scheduled to return at 10:30 on Friday evening. I haven't planned anything for my last day, Saturday, in Salvador but hope to see more of the city. I walked a short distance this morning, but didn't go up to the "upper city" - which is reached via a very large elevator.
I now have five members in my Extended Family. So many students signed up that I was asked to be "Mom" to three young women and two young men. We met for dinner and some of us are doing the same things in Salvador; like my 'son', Steve, is going to the falls, so I'll get to know him better (and I already know he is a business major). When we set sail again, we'll have dinner and talk about the things we did in Brazil. My 'family' sounds like they are are great group of students. One daughter goes to USC; the others are all from different states/different universities.
I'll try to check in after my trip. The internet is somewhat better in port. I am beginning to doubt if it will ever be fast enough to upload pictures.

2 Comments:

At February 5, 2008 at 8:29 PM , Blogger ladylaf said...

It sounds like a wonderful trip so far. I'm glad that you have a "surrogate family" to keep you company. I think its much more enjoyable to share an adventure with others with whom you feel a connection. I hope your trip continues to be enjoyable and thanks for keeping those of us on the mainland entertained! Linn

 
At February 7, 2008 at 4:48 PM , Blogger B said...

I'm so glad you decided to blog; sometimes I feel as though I'm right there on the ship. Sounds like you're having the best time ever, and meeting some special people. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

 

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home