February 12, Thursday. We arrived in Salvador and met the girls in the lobby and we were off the ship by 8 AM. Funship Freddy was at the gangway and we had our photo with him. We wanted to get a taxi tour so Debbie started bargaining with the drivers who were all trying to get us to go with them and we (Debbie with our nod of approval) finally selected Luis who took good care of us today. This is one of those places where the street vendors will not leave you alone and try to put jewelry, hats or whatever they are selling on you to get you to buy but he would chase them off. We went first to oldest church in the city and took some photos and then on to the Fort on the opposite side of the city. It was very beautiful there and we took a lot of pictures. People put bowls and plates on the rocks by the water to make an offering to have good fortune. Then he took us to a market where if he were not with us we would not have gone. None of us wanted to get out of the taxi but he insisted and it was so worth it. Women carrying things on their heads and the most beautiful fruits and vegetables. But so crowded with locals buying their food that is was scarey. Luis stayed right with us keeping the undesirables away. He also got us fruits to try. We took lots of photos there so you can see when we get to upload them. That was quite the experience. He then drove us to “up” town where we shopped and then he left us at the elevator which takes you down the mountain to “low” town in the picture on the right above. We went through another market in a big building but we getting so hot we decided to walk back to the ship. We were so thirsty and hot—it is 87 degrees and very humid and it was only a little after 12 when we got back on the ship. Places here are not air conditioned like at home so no place to get out of the heat. We are sorting out our pictures and then heading to the pool but right now just enjoying the cool in the cabin. Tomorrow is a sea day and then Rio and everyone is getting very excited to be going there next.