Home away from home

Here we are in the city of Bahia Salvador, known at the happiest city in Brazil. Definitely my kind of place, because in the words of Pharell, all I can say is: 'Cos I'm happy!!!'

This city, the third largest in Brazil, is by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. And it's not only the centuries-old architecture or the colourful decorations draped along the cobbled streets that instantly take your breath away, it's also the amazing people of Salvador! I felt a very strong connection with the locals...could it be because a huge part of Bahia's population is of African descent? Or is it that they are just that nice and quickly embrace you as one of their own? Either way, it felt like home away from home.

At the city's popular Pelourinho  Historic Centre, just as we arrived, a street vendor offered us a refreshment as a 'welcome to his city' token and the traditional, oh-so-delicious lemon and coconut mixed drink did the job! You may now call me a Baiana! *winks.

We visited one of about 12 churches situated around the Pelorihno, the Church of Saint Francis. I've not seen anything like it!  All the carvings are coated in gold leaf, creating a spectacular glow. I truly felt blessed to have seen this.

And speaking of blessings...
With rushing from one side of the town to the next, I somehow lost my phone! I wasn't even done explaining that I'd misplaced it when the lovely tourism officer who we'd just interviewed, Salvana Ros (aka Usain Bolt) sped off in rewind to our last spot visited, of course with me running alongside as if we were competing for a 100 metre Olympic gold medal! And, guess what? There it was, on the same spot where I had recklessly left it. See? Bahia Blessings *smiles.

On that note, please tune into the channel to see Salvador for yourself x