Salvador

We arrived late last night and this morning had a walking tour of the historic district. They say Salvador has a church for each day of the year, and St Francis is the jewel in the crown. The cloisters have around 35,000 azulejo tiles in the panels that surround it. There are also some inside the church but you could be forgiven for missing them amongst the gilt and gold leaf decor that covers almost every surface. It's definitely got that Wow! factor but I couldn't describe it as beautiful - ostentatious or opulent but not my idea of beautiful.

Our walk covered sites including the Terreiro de Jesus, the Pelourinho, Thomé de Souza Square, Lacerda elevator and the view down to the harbour.

Salvador is the centre of Afro-Brazilian culture and this is reflected in the food and the music. The Olodum Band were formed as part of Salvador's Carnival and went on to achieve worldwide recognition appearing with musicians such as Paul Simon and Michael Jackson.

This afternoon we visited the Carnival Museum and the then took the funicular down to the port area and the Music Museum. As we were having dinner in the Mercado Modelo there was the most almighty thunderstorm. When the rain let up a bit we headed to the lift to get back up to our hotel but the storm put paid to that with the lift and the funicular closed for the night. Eventually, with the help of the police, a young man who was concerned for our safety, and Google translate we were able to get a taxi. Another soaking in Brazil. This is becoming a habit.