Sure Travel Journey Vol 5.2 Autumn 2019 | Page 45

Previous page: Transformation mask,
Olinda. Clockwise from left: Things get wild
during carnival time. The quieter, charming
side of town is easily found in Olinda’s
cobblestone streets. Baroque architecture
dating back to the 17th century is a
cornerstone of Olinda’s identity. The Igreja
do Carmo Church.
was time for the cleansing and blessing.
The mãe de santo took a lit candle to
each visitor, tracing the ame around each
body, sometimes in silence, sometimes
murmuring (oh, to understand!). It was
a remarkably practical exercise, with
no theatrics. I would love to say I felt a
weight shrivel away to lightness or had
a ash of clarity, but it would be untrue.
Nonetheless, I felt transformed.
The lights came on, and we were herded
to a kitchen table. Children crowded
round, expectant; bottle after bottle of
Fanta and lemonade were cracked open.
A large, at cake was carved up and o ered
about, and voices lled the corners of the
room. Even mothers of the saints have
birthdays, and it turned out that today
was hers. We toasted her with lemonade,
and I sank back in inarticulate wonder,
marvelling again at how travel scrubs the
mind, washing out all preconceptions and
prejudices. There is more than one way to
be cleansed.
© SILVA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
PLANNER
Q TRAVEL
WHEN TO GO: September to
February are drier months with less
humidity, making travel more comfortable
around Olinda. December and January
are the busiest months, as is March
when the Carnival of Olinda takes place.
VISAS: South African passport holders
get visa-free entry valid for 90 days upon
arrival in Brazil.
GO THERE WITH SURE: Sure Travel
offers an 11-night Best of Brazil package,
taking in the best of what this dynamic
South American country has to offer. We
can also tailor-make any itinerary to suit
your needs and timeframe.
Visit www.suretravel.co.za to find your
nearest agency, or call 0861 47 48 49.
MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE // 45