Bahia update

Oi Galera,

We´ve moved on from Recife, after four months. In the end it was a very enjoyable experience, and we made a lot of friends, not to mention played a lot of capoeira. The group had a roda de despedida for us at Prof. Pitbull´s academy. Good times.



Now we are in Salvador da Bahia, known for it´s African roots. A large number of Africa slaves were brought here by the Portuguese from about 1500-1900, and it is said to be the place in the new world that most retains African culture. We are staying in a hotel on the Largo do Pelourinho, which is where slaves where bought and sold (and beaten... Pelourinho means whipping post).



It´s under debate where Capoeira originated exactly, but the modern forms led by Mestre Bimba and Mestre Pastinha originated here in Salvador. Last night we went to a class at the Associação de Mestre Bimba, which is headed by Mestre Bamba, who in turn has a group in Edmonton led by Prof. Reni.



Tomorrow we are off to Ilhéus, and then to Itacaré to see our friend Shandy!

mike and leanna