Primavera

This is the land of Jorge Amado. This is where Gabriela worked her magic, and for all appearances still reigns. The Cacau coast of Bahia, where once the ownership of the land was hotly disputed. The land of the Colonels.  For all who do not know the works of Jorge Amado all I can do is recommend that you read, read, read. Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon is the best known of his books that tell the story of this land, the land where he was born. It is set in the time that the author grew up, the Ilheus and Itabuna of his youth.  Other books that further delve into the tortured history of this region are Showdown and Golden Harvest.  These concentrate on the story of the battles for posession of the land that was so valuable, the fortunes that were made from cacau, and how they were later destroyed. It is Gabriela though, that is the love story to Ilheus.  Ilheus, historic jewel on the southern coast of Bahia.  Founded in 1534, and once the capital of cacau, Ilheus is a surprising little city with architectural beauty, miles of beaches and a laidback lifestyle.  This blog will be dedicated to the tales of life along this stretch of the coast of Bahia, an amazing coastline from north to south. Information about the region, events, and places to stay, as well as being a resource for those who want to explore the area in more depth, or who want to live here. It is Spring. The final weeks before the veraneo, summer vacations. The beach, which is still deserted, will be full. All the holiday cottages will be rented. Parties everywhere. Summer beach frenzy. Ciao. More later