Beach Towns = Chill Time, Also

Sooooooooo, we are still in Itacaré. After all that smack I talked about guidebooks lying to us and shallow party tourists and overcrowded beaches we fell for the place in spite of ourselves. Maybe it was meeting a woman who runs a multi-lingual book shop and volunteers for an enviro non-profit. Maybe it was finding winding paths through dripping jungles that led to less crowded surf spots. Maybe it was laziness. Whatever it was, here we are, nearly a week later in the little town south of Salvador de Bahia on the Atlantic Coast in the Southern Hemisphere. And we like it. A lot.

Part of the change of heart came when we found a less expensive pousada at the far end of town where people actually stop and chat and the vibe is more local and mellow. Last night we happened upon an amazing traveler find: while trying to escape the millions of Brazilians on vacation we wandered off the strip into a neighborhood and heard drumming and singing. Score! Some sort of celebration was parading itself through the streets, complete with dancing children and scary people dressed up in hairy devil-looking costumes. We had a great time fruitlessly guessing the meaning behind it all and felt especially privileged because we were the only white faces in the crowd.

Took an amazing yoga class and a kick-butt beautiful and moving capoiera class and now can´t walk. Fell ill because of dehydration but feel fantastic now. Looking at maps and talking to travelers to figure out where we want to go next. We keep hearing "This place or that place is the Prettiest Beach or the Best Town or the Nicest Reef ever." I find I´m inclined to go where ever people DON`T mention. What are we all looking for anyway? What do travelers hope to find besides themselves, every time?

Still seeking answers on that.

k.