As Seen On Splendora..........

A Travel Idea: Salvador (NE Coast of Brazil) with Vai Brazil

The country of Brazil is definitely included in my top favorite places I've traveled over the years. And to think that I only covered a minute percentage of this country which is roughly the square acreage of the continental US leaves a substantial amount left of the country to visit. I visited Rio and traveled down South along the coast to experience the SouthEastern Brazilian experience, however one of my girlfriends, Tenaya, whom shares a love of traveling (and whom I coincidentally met while studying/living abroad in Barcelona, Spain during college) is now heading up trips to the NorthEastern coast of Brazil with her mother who lives in Salvador, Bahia. Their two week "Vai Brazil" trips tour around the city of Salvador, known for it's soulful music, animated dance and rich Bahian food, as well as a visit to Boipeba, an island off the coast with desolate beaches (think: your toes are making the only footprint on the entire beach). The tours are led by bilingual Salvadorian natives to maximize a legitimate cultural immersion and minimize the touristy aspect of traveling. The idea of traveling to non-touristy places with locals is key considering Brazil is one of those countries that keeps getting more and more tourist-populated, so now is the time to hop on board. Think: amazing beaches, Brazilian-cut bikinis, caipirinhas, capoeira and more! More info. at: VAI BRAZIL TOURS.

Jessica Stout (Profile) on June 19, 2007 | Comments(3)

New Brazilian Restaurant / Lounge - BOSSA NOVA

The latest project from the Maktub Group is Bossa Nova, a lounge and late-night restaurant that opened in the end of July in SOMA. The menu is comprised of tasty Brazilian dishes including creative appetizers, meat skewers, traditional dinner plates and delightful desserts. The drink menu is even more extensive with Leblon Cachaca caipirinhas made with your fruit of choice. Last night I had appetizers and cocktails there, all which were very tasty. Unfortunately we showed up at the same time as a large party, and since Bossa Nova is TINY we had to stand at a table near the bar. But, the staff was friendly and attentive and made us feel comfortable at our little bar table. Apparently they are opening a dance floor/lounge area downstairs so I will definitely be going back to check that out. In the meantime though, I highly reccomend stopping in for some tasty bites and smooth bossa nova music. Go early if you want to sit at a table and I don't think they take reservations. Ask for Carol (my cousin) - she's adorable and sassy and will have a drink in your hands in under 2 minutes.

139 Eighth St., between Minna and Mission Streets
San Francisco
415-558-8004

Sambada in Northern California

Afro-Brazilian Samba Funk Dance Music! Check out this local band at their upcoming Northern California shows - they put on a great show! To see when they are playing near you go to their website: http://www.sambada.com/

See you there...

xo

Vai Brazil

The site!

Check out our website:

www.vaibraziltours.com

Saudade

After working on www.vaibraziltours.com for the past 6 months I realized I have been practically eating, sleeping and breathing with thoughts of Brazil....going to Brazilian dance classes, bars, restaurants, shows, stores, etc....I'm starting to feel a little obsessive. But, I think anyone who has been there can relate. It really is an amazing country, the type of place that grabs hold of your soul and doesn't let go. No matter where I am come Carnaval I get the most intense feeling of nostalgia. That's when I go on an all-Acai and Caipirinha diet. I also turn on Samba loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear and dance around in my living room. This helps a little bit. An occasional living room dance session bides me about 6 months and then I just HAVE to get down there. For anyone that hasn't been there yet, I highly reccomend making the trip. But, consider yourself forewarned - you may also start drinking Brazilian rum and dancing around in your living room when you get back. :)