Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Bye Bye Brazil

September 17, 2005
Salvador da Bahia Aboard the MV Explorer

Excerpt from Heather’s Journal:

After eating breakfast this morning on the open deck in the early morning sun Megan and I went up to the library to work on some schoolwork. Actually Megan did the work, while I helped her find some sources from the library. I was shocked, though thrilled, to find that the library has both the Discourse on Colonialism by Cesairè and Black Skin, White Masks by Frantz Fanon. They are without a doubt two of the best pieces on colonization and for them to be apart of the somewhat limited shipboard library is incredibly nice. I had thought that sources for projects would be somewhat lacking, but the library has proven to be very useful and comprehensive in its coverage.

Megan finished her project shortly before lunch, though she still thinks it needs some tweaking. We found ourselves for the second time today enjoying the deck for our noontime meal and rushed back to our rooms to change and head up to the pool. Once again we enjoyed our personal deck, for there were no other sunbathers, and it felt so wonderful to lie on a lounge and relax by the pool. The water was quite cold, but it felt so good in the heat of the Brazilian sun. We probably stayed out for about two hours before returning to our cabin to shower and do some reading that is scheduled between South Africa and Kenya. I feel as if I did not get much sun, but it is much better than being burnt. We used SPF 45 and thought that the rays were very intense, as our knees seemed to be turning red before our very eyes. Still, it did the trick, and though I feel no tanner, I also feel no redder.

Excerpt from Megan’s Journal:

This morning I spent three hours in the library typing and researching the final elements of my presentation for Travelers’ Journals. I found Aimé Césaire’s Discourse on Colonialism and Frantz Fanon’s Black Skin, White Masks, two essays I absolutely love and was surprised to find squeezed within the shelves of books. I believe I will have to purchase these two books for my own personal library at some point in my life. I also utilized another book on Candomble, which was quite fabulous in detailing the transportation of Yoruba beliefs to Bahia. I officially finished my presentation and have to add only three more photos from my stay in Brazil to the PowerPoint. Lastly, I will practice the speech over and over and over for the next several days.

Went to lunch and found myself up at the pool deck around noon. Not one student there, not one at all on such a wonderful day. The weather is more perfect than anywhere else I have ever been in the world. Hot days, humidity nonexistent and the most perfect Bahian nights that are cool and calm. Gentle breezes find their way into the traffic of airwaves throughout the course of the day and I almost fell asleep in the peace and calm on my own private pool deck.

Before dinner I went up to the front deck to take some photos of the sunset and the last evening in Brazil. What wonderful photos. I have discovered more about my camera and some different settings that really help to enhance the photography. Overall I am really pleased with the photos and would love to be able to post or email some home, but as yet I am unsuccessful each time I try such an endeavor.

Heather writes, “We went up to deck seven forward, and walked about in the cool breeze taking a couple of photos of the beautiful sunset, around five thirty, and the boats with sails furled in the pinkish tint of the evening sun. Then it was back to the Garden Lounge and dinner in the breeze of the Brazilian night with the lights of the ship and the harbor as a relaxing end to our wonderful stay in Bahia. Back in our cabin we prepared our laundry for tomorrow is laundry day at last. We managed to fit it all in one bag, and I did some artwork in bright pink sharpie on the front – just wanted to brighten the laundry crew’s day from the boredom of white bangs and I figured they needed a thank you.”

Heather and I ate dinner on the back deck as the sun melted like the chocolate ice cream we had for dessert into the calm of the blue sea. Ormond, of course, brought the two scoops of chocolate ice cream with lots of chocolate sprinkles right out to us as I believe he will now deliver anything chocolate to our table. Ormond insisted on four scoops but alas settled on two, though I am sure an extra half scoop found its way into the bowl.

We took some photos of the ship today, as it is extremely empty and seems like the best opportunity to take shots of the classrooms and main areas that are crowded on a daily basis. In the union a banner is hung that reads, “Welcome Archbishop and Mrs. Tutu”.

Heather writes, “It has been truly unforgettable and although I am looking forward to the sway of the sea on these eight days to South Africa, and our upcoming adventures, I am sad to leave someplace that has become so special and meaningful. I will never forget what a wonderful time we had here and the incredible people and culture of such an amazing port city. It is pretty unbelievable that we still have eight ports left, and yet I feel so hesitant to leave one behind. So I would like to pass on a parting quote to this amazing place, “In the world through which I travel, I am endlessly creating myself.” On to more creating; goodbye Brazil. I will miss you.”

I am ready for a couple days at sea, eight actually, and would only like to conclude by saying that I loved Brazil and Salvador da Bahia still possesses a special charm that I am not sure I will ever truly be able to describe. Of course, it is a city, with disturbing alleyways and Portuguese graffiti. In that respect it mimics the New York skyline that it reminds me of exactly. Bye bye multicolored buildings of the Pelourinho and bye bye Brazil.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I guess I have one question. Would you go back for further exploration or vacation or both? Well one more question, do you like Brazil as much as the Carribean? Love ya.