The beaches of Brasil

        Now I am in Brasil....for an indeterminate period, I want to share my enjoyment of its coastline. Of  course I am in country region, Bahia, where everything is quite laid back. . Part of which contains a lovely, long coast line, but then, the entire coast of Brasil is said to be fantastic. You will find me down at the south, around Porto Seguru, and on the peninsular at the very end. There is what they call the island of Arraial D'Ajuda, reached by road if you must, but mostly by ferry. Pale sands, softly shelving water, blue seas, wide sweeps of bays, and palm trees. In fact, everything you need to make it a paradise for your enjoyment. In addition, the beaches are not crowded. It's always possible to walk for an extra five minutes to find seclusion, to be alone. However, if you choose to stay on the main beaches, only a very few of which are owned by any hotel, it's all wonderful. 

         On any beach anywhere near people, you will find little beach bahaccas, or cabanas...often straw/reed topped huts, of all sizes that serve food. Assorted tables, chairs and loungers, many of nice solid woods are available for your comfort. But even if they are plastic, or a bit battered, it doesn't matter. It is free to sit at any beach bar, or beach bahacca. There will be umbrellas, or trees for shade, plenty of space for finding the sun. In some places, you might even strike it lucky with hammocks. Then, the cream on the coffee, are the waiters who look only to make you happy, bringing you food or drink. So, you don't even have to move from your chair. Pay before you leave, however much later that may be. Ahh no, it's real relaxation on the beaches of Brasil. You can easily stay from early morning to late night if you are enjoying yourself. Which is exactly what friends, or families do.

       It's not like Bali, or other countries of that sort either, where the vendors drive you crazy trying get you to buy something, anything!  I remember there, the only place you got a modicum of relief from them was on the hotel beaches. Which are very nice, but here in Brasil, you get to find the real brasil a little easier. Here there are beach vendors, who wander the beach. They sell foods, beach clothes, even, for some reason, tablecloths and hammocks. I think the difference is, the waiters and whoever owns the bahaccas, look after you. They ensure no one is hassled if they don't want to be. They keep an eye out for any kind of pressure selling. I know, I do understand, third world countries, it's life or death if they can't make a living. However as a tourist, it soon becomes harassment. It's not a problem one tourist can make a dent in either. Not even if you gave all your money to them. If you were generous, they would harass you even more, and did!

       I remember my daughter, when in Bali and some other parts of Thailand. She ran from the pressure, refusing to leave the hotel again after a few bad days. She got a bad case of claustrophobia and panic from being squashed in the middle of a crowd of aggressive sellers. Because of the hands clawing at her, pushing, voices shouting at her. With the crowds of sellers, many of them small children, following her, stuffing things in her bag, or her arms. It really gives you some idea of what it's like to be a star. When every time you step outside, crowds or paparazzi, or fans, rush you, pushing, or shouting to get your attention, or some response. Never willing to take 'no' for an answer. It's really a madness. However that's not Brasil, thank goodness.

 Enjoy a fresh, cold coconut on the beach.

           Here, tranquility is the name of the game. Relaxation and sun, the aim. While many beach places are fully independent, some of the nicer ones are next to beach Pousadas, or up market restaurants. It all depends on how much you would like to spend on food, or how well you would like to eat. I will talk more about foods of Brasil in general and the beach in particular in a later blog.

           Yes,  Brasil, and Bahia in particular if wonderful. The people are friendly, the beaches and coastline beautiful. Ahh I am in love with Brasil.