Sick in Salvador

It is inevitable like walking with your pack in a rain storm, getting ripped off by a taxi driver or leaving something behind in a hostal, you will get sick while traveling. Whether it is getting sick from a mosquito bite, catching a cold from someone in a ten bed dorm or in my case, getting the runs (diarrhea) from eating local street food, possibly from Acataje  the shrimp, brown bean and deep fried corn meal snack. Refridgeration and seafood, good, no refrigeration, not so good. All last night, I walked my own personal "green mile" from my bed to the toilet. Drink lots of water and carry Ciprofloxacin (cipro) are my recommendation. Though I don't think I need it this time, Cipro has been a Godsend in the past when I have been passed out in bed. It is such a strong antibiotic that it used as an antidote for Anthrax. It's all rest for today but on the positive side, I have checked into a local hotel with a couple friends (who just left for Rio de Janeiro) and later into a nearby hotel. Because of the World Cup, prices for dorm beds in hostals cost the same or even more than a one bedroom in a three star beach hotel slightly away from the city center. Crazy but handy for me in my condition.


Before I returned to Salvador, we took a 7 hour bus ride to Lencois to take a break from the city. A great little mountain town near some national parks of forested plateaus and water falls. There was also the Sao Joao festival with bon fires on the streets, fireworks lit by kids and a big dance at one of tye central plaza. Plus, Brazil won their futball game and there was an informal victory march with drum bands and people dancing.

We stayed with a local guide's house and made some arrangements for some treks into the some national parks. Unfortunately, he did not go home that night and came back drunk and in no state to guide. Luckily, we managed to find another guide to go to the waterfalls, waddling chest deep in rushing river water or stepping between rocks inside the narrow canyon that ended with an impressive waterfall and pool. Unfortunately, this new guide then got drunk  the next day and couldn't bring us to another trail. We managed to visit the Morro do Pai Inacio park by hiring a taxi and short hike for the sunset at the mesa peak that overlooked a valley and other plateaus.  Moral of this story, either don't pay your guide until all the treks are done, don't go with the same one if you do or go with a proper (and more expensive) tour company.

I am next flying to Recife (which is cheaper than taking the bus and about a quarter of the time) to stay in the nearby artsy city of Olinda.