Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/10149
curriculum includes the discipline of learning to play the drums, dance and team work. But, it goes even deeper. It’s about building self-worth and a sense of wellbeing, as well as a sense of satisfaction and inclusion. If you’re into arts and crafts and want to get a great deal on some authentic pieces of Brazilian art, be sure to visit the Mercado Modelo, a spacious indoor/outdoor marketplace. Great deals are sure to be had! When visiting Bahia, don’t limit yourself to only tourist attractions. You want to see and become familiar with the real Brazil. Immerse yourself into the Bahian Afro cul- ture. Visit Acaraje da Cira, located at Largo de Itapuã as well as in Rio Vermelho on the Largo do Mariquito. It’s a restaurant where locals and visitors chow down on the acaraje, which is a deep-fried bread that’s made with mashed beans that have had the skins removed. It’s a sta- ple in the area. Senhor do Bonfim, a famous celebration held annually in January. Legend has it that the number of churches located in Bahia is 365 – to match each day of the year. It hasn’t been verified, but there does seem to be a church on every cor- ner. One of those is St. Francis Church (1708-1750), done in baroque and decked out with gold leafs. It’s considered one of the most beautiful churches in South America. Religion is a major part of the Bahian culture. While Catholicism is dominant, so too is Candomble, an Afro- Brazilian religion originated by the Yorubas in West Africa. A local and tourist favorite is the 110-sq. meter Buccaneers Restaurant is only a ferry ride away. The shrimp, pineapple and orange appetizer, fish entrée and ice cream with gin- ger are all too delicious to adequately describe. Another great place for dessert is Sorveteria Da Ribeira for some of the most incredible ice cream/gelato your taste buds have ever experienced. It truly is not to be missed. Once your palate has been sufficed, be sure to check out The Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, which is the most famous of the Catholic churches in Bahia. It was built in the 18th century on a hill in the Itapagipe peninsula and is the subject of deep religious commitment by the people of Salvador. It is believed that the church has curative properties and that those seeking divine intervention often leave replicas of body parts or photographs of the infirm inside the church. It’s also the site of Festa do Dique do Tororó, a lagoon decorated with 12 large “Orixas” statues, by artist Tati Moreno. Orixá is a divine figure that, in life, establishes a connection with certain natural forces such as thunder, wind, water, ocean, or the exercise of certain activities such as hunt- ing, working with metals, the knowledge of properties of plants and its use. Other landmark highlights include: Saint Lazaro Federation, São Joaquim Fair, Ponta Humaitá and Modelo Market. WHERE TO STAY After all of that sightseeing, it’s time to rest your head and relax at one of many hotels and/or resorts. Each has its own personality and offers something unique to its clientele. The GRAN HOTEL STELLA MARIS RESORT, which is only seven kilometers from the International Airport of Salvador and the Convention Center of Bahia, is the first five-star all-inclusive hotel of the Sol Express Chain in Salvador. It has 334 apartments, including a pres- idential suite, one master suite, two special needs apart- ments, plus triple and conjugate apartments facing the sea and the garden. Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 17