Arrived

10 March 2013

At 7PM we dropped the anchor at Yachtclub de Bahia. It was already dark, and we had to search for a good spot to drop the anchor between a lot of small boats and moorings.  Because of the change in current we need enough space so we can swing round the anchor. At first daylight we can see more: we are close to shore, with view on a beach and an old church that is watching over the bay (and the believers). The rocks are covered with lush vegetation, just like one imagines when one think of Brazil.  A few high palm trees make it a perfect picture. Behind this nice view we can see high buildings, skyscrapers. Close to the sea we see a different side of Brazil. A group of huts and sheds together on a steep rock create a miniature favela. Behind us the Bay of Todos os Santos spreads out. The bay, with several islands in it, is full with big ships waiting to be loaded or unloaded. A big kingfisher is sitting high up the rigging looking out for his breakfast.
After breakfast I go to shore to see if I can arrange custom clearance. The first e-mails and talks with our agent were not promising. Despite the high rates he charges, he probably cannot arrange someone to work in immigration on a Sunday. It is hard to imagine in such a cosmopolitan city as this, but if we are unlucky, we’ll have to wait until Monday to be able to go ashore.