Monday, September 12, 2011

Day 64 : Lower City of Salvador

Stopped by at a square near where I was staying to capture the “Three Fat Ladies”.

Three Fat LadiesThree Fat LadiesDSCF4922

Don’t need explanation why they are called the “Three Fat Ladies” but each lady is suppose to represent each of the three races that originated Brazil : African, European and Indigenous  Made in bronze and about three metres high, each one of the ‘girls’ is looking to its region of origin : Damiana to Africa, Mariana to Portugal and Catarina to North America.

Made my way towards the centre of the town subsequently, this time to visit the Lower City, since there was not enough time to cover it 2 days ago when I was in the area.

First impression was that it was a total contrast of the Upper City.  It was more backwards, slum-like and you tend to want to be on the alert and avoid walking in the quiet streets. 

There were some few interesting spots though, but no where as nice as the Upper City.

Mercado Modelo

Mercado ModeloShops at Mercado ModeloCachasaLocal Brazilian instruments

A huge “warehouse” like building filled with shops selling various handicrafts, paintings, Brazilian musical instruments, clothes, jewellery, cachasa (local Brazilian liquer made out of sugarcane and key ingredient of Capirinha!) etc. 

Fountain of the Ramp

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This is the famous sculpture in Salvador often seen in postcards or images of the city.  I thought this was a good angle with the Lacerda Elevator in the backdrop. 

Basilica of Our Lady of Conceicao Da Praia

Basilica

Interior of BasilicaLampCeiling of Basilica

This was one of rare churches which I entered.  There was a mass going on when I was there, but with very little people.  Interior wise this church is nice.  The “street lamp style” lights give the church an interesting touch and just check out the painted ceiling!

Lacerda Elevator

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The most famous elevator in Salvador and probably in Brazil, as it is said that it is the largest in the country.  Its main purpose is to connect the lower city with the upper city

Wasn’t too amazed as it looked more like a cargo lift that we get in Singapore and able to carry about 20 people at one time.  They charge BRL0.15 per person to take the lift.  Not a lot of money, but high traffic every day!

What I liked however, was the view of the city which you can get when you get off the elevator, but yet still within the compound of the Lacerda Elevator.

Upper CityPalaceView of CityIsolated FortressLower CityMercado Modelo

There’s a good ice-cream store just at the entrance on the level of the Upper City.  Definitely a good way to cool down from the afternoon sun!

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