046 Cycle Touring Brazil - Part 2

(^94) Nazare – Mar Grande - 61 km

With the new bank card safely in Amanda’s panniers, we set out in the direction of
Salvador. Again, the weather was tropical, but Amanda was in high spirit and biked
well. I still had to convince her perspiration was typical under those circumstances
and she wasn’t coming down with a deadly virus.

Mar Grande was reached around midday and a guesthouse was sought instead of
crossing the bay straight away. For Amanda, crossing the bay was a primary
concern, and we made our way to the port to check it out. The fact the sea was
rough didn’t do much to ease her fear. Our guesthouse was somewhat unusual, and
although basic, it remained a fascinating setup providing a considerable garden,
plenty of arty things, and a swimming pool. The pool was a blessing to cool off and
escape the pursuing mosquitoes.
Mar Grande – Praia Stella Maris - 31 km

First thing in the morning, we were on the ferry across the bay to Salvador.
Salvador, the first capital of Brazil, from 1549 to 1763, turned out quite a charming
colonial city, revealing a history dating to the slave trade.

So, we pedalled on, following the coast with its endless beaches until reaching Praia
Stella Maris. At a petrol station to use their toilets, a guesthouse owner gave us his
card, and on checking it turned out quite a nice place so we stayed the night.