Salvador and Lencoise, Brazil

Exhaustion and Great Food

We left the Amazonian on a high note after a wonderful night of opera at the historic Theatre Amazonian. With only one hour before the opera, we were lucky enough to get two first class box seats. The opera was tantilising, spiritual and with superb costumes and mystical jungle characters. The singing first class as was the orchestra. In the box next to ours, we were privileged to be introduced to the lady who wrote the libretto. She was also appreciative of we Australians taking time to see the Opera. It was the first night of performance. Between scenes we indulged in champagne - first since leaving home. Coincidentally we also met 2 other Australian people at the opera. It's amazing how quickly you can strike up a conversation and become 'friends' when the similarities and familiarities are in unison. The four of us had supper after the opera.

We reached Salvador on the east coast of Brazil and revelled in 'normalness'. The sun, surf, beach, bars and great jazz we felt at ease. The only missing link was the North Avoca Social Club. We transported (metaphysically) everyone to the jazz bar and nudged one or two alcoholic beverages. And we did the same for three days before heading into the hinterland to the Nationale Paque Chapada Diamontina.

This holiday has been one of extremes and the old cliché 'it is the journey, not the destination' is oh so true. However, we both agreed that sometimes the journey can be very strenuous and not quite what one expects. This trip to the national park sounded beautiful. Waterfalls, birds, wildflowers, blue ponds, caves, swimming in fresh water - really doesn't sound so unique, except we wanted to see and experience these things in Brasil. We were not disappointed. However, to get to each of these meant travelling over potted holes for 150 kms or climbing up a vertical incline for 3 hours (and then having to come back down – hard on knees) or, descending into the depths of a valley and thinking all the time the return journey will be up up up. So after three full days of 'extreme' exercise (Bridget, equivalent to three months at the gym) we should be feeling fit and healthy but instead aching and paining. We can say now, it was all worth it despite the vigorous exercise (Terry - just your sort of exercise).

At night in the village of Lencoise, we found excellent restaurants and just so you don't think all our food is rice and chicken, one night our dinner was: Entree - Panang Prawns decorated with vivid splashes of colour of tamarind, mango and gauva ice cream. Main course - Beetroot ravioli with parmessan and poppy seeds followed by desert of Cardomon Ice Cream and Chocolate coated Brownie. Of course the Argentinian Cab Sav was a great accompaniment.

So, it was time 4 extreme rest and relaxation.