Arriving 4 days before Christmas after the excitement of the Transatlantic crossing meant that we had to concentrate very hard on the festivities. In 40 years it was the first time we were alone without the family for Xmas. 38ยบ and hot sunshine hardly helped the brain to get in gear for celebrating the event. We did manage to get a few decorations up as we felt we should make an effort.
To be fair to Salvador town they made a great effort and had a wonderful display of Xmas shows and singing. The best street displays we have ever seen, supported by a huge crowd. (Sorry no pictures. We were warned against carrying cameras. Such a pity!...). The Brazilian do know how to party. Being a family display there was not the alcohol consumption that normally takes place.
Xmas morning waking up to a bright blue sky and techno music seemed unreal. Not the elaborate Christmas affairs we had been used too. The great bonus for us was that Xavier had linked to Skype and we spent a lot of time via the videocam watching the girls opening their presents. We spoke to our other children at various times of the day and felt part of their celebrations. THAT WAS EXCITING!…….
Since then everyone in the family is skyping. We can converse and admire all for free
Delivering Xmas presents to the Rally Children
Christmas lunch: Australian/English style and the singing was good!
A few Rally members returned to Europe. We decided to spend January meandering around the bay of All Saints, Salvador and getting on, like most Rally boat owners, with the inevitable repairs and jobs needed to be dealt with on Scorch after the crossing.
The days approaching the New Year saw a great deal of activities and noise in the town. We contemplated buying earplugs, if that was a preview of Carnival….
First New Year on our own! We decided to moor at the point, to listen and watch the activities at a distance on Scorch. At 18.00 p.m. the crowd on the beaches was gathering, resolved to enjoy themselves. Few B&Q were lighting up, drinks were flowing, four different bands were setting up and we looked at each other aghast at the cacophony that might take place but very few boats at that time were moored by our side, so we breathed a sight of relief. Spoke too soon… by 21hrs at least 300 local boats of various shapes, sizes, colours arrived adding to the vibrant goings on. By 23hrs the bands started. What an unbelievable noise! The unsynchronised techno beats were deafening and painful to the chest. No to be defeated we hanged our hammocks and with champagne in hand we were determined to see the New Year’s in.
Year 2007 last daylight
Fireworks extravaganza
2007 went out with a real bang!
by 12.30 am all the boats had gone and the town was deserted. It looked like a blitz had happened.
The mooring was roly poly so we upped anchor and sailed for 4 hours to a delightfully pretty bay.
We did not move for 3 days
Peace and bliss………………..
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