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[Odler]

In exactly ten months from today, carnaval will start in Bahia, Brazil.

Salvador da Bahia is the repository of Afro culture in the Americas. That is for one. But also in Bahia, life is different; the people are different, the traditions are unique. The year-round warmth of the air and of the ocean also resides in the heart of the Bahianos.

It just feels good to be in Bahia.

Partying would easily come as a middle name for all Bahianos. The city of Salvador offers a choice between more than 300 churches named after 300 saints. On everyone of these saints? day, a street party is held, a mini-carnaval. Meaning, in this coastal city of Northwestern Brazil, at least 300 parties are thrown in every year of 365 days!

The biggest party is carnaval week. It is the biggest, largest, warmest street party in the whole world. It comes in February or March, when it is cold in the western hemisphere, when summer is at its peak in Brazil and everywhere below the equator.

The 2003 Bahia Expedition will depart for Bahia on Wednesday, February 26, 2003. The mission will last 12 days. After a week in Bahia, the expedition will fly to Rio de Janeiro, where among other (many) things, the members will attend the Saturday carnaval parade called Parade of the Champions, at the Sambadromo.

It takes more than words and pictures to describe Bahia, Rio, and Brazil, with their music, their pretty girls, their football, and their beaches. It takes you to be there.

The 2003 Expedition has so far seven candidates. Five have already placed a monetary lien. That means they are already committed. Dead committed! Ready to paaaaarty?

And for 2003, the Expedition will not be distracted by any event, including terrorism?

No more post 9-11 syndrome! Priority is to party, parrrrrty, parteeee, and paaaaarty?.

Will you join? Will you prefer to spend your winter break in the snow? Or will you choose to party with the most beautiful people, the most vibrant culture in the world of God? I am talking to you. Answer me?

Ten more months, and counting?.

(The Traveller, Friday, April 26, 2002)