Living In Bahia - Cafe da manha

Americans, we are so rushed for everything, especially in the mornings. We get dressed, get the kids dressed, have coffee, maybe work out, throw microwaved food down our throats, pop tarts or a crunchy granola bar as we roll headlong into out hectic day. Then there are manic people in cars who wait in a drive through line at Dunkin Donuts, or rush into a WaWa for coffee and breakfast sandwich. The more refined are at Starbucks, with double and triple shots of expresso in double lates. Ahh, the start of an American day, caffeine and sugar!

On the weekends, well forget Saturday. Saturday is really an extension of Friday just no official work. However, Sunday mornings are more of laid-back. Church, sports events usually start later so there is an opportunity to have a relaxing breakfast. Go to the Waffle House, IHOP or just some home easy cooking at home.

In Bahia, Brazil breakfast is called Cafe da manha. It's a Portugueses old world influence that is very rooted in the Brazilian culture. First some context. In Bahia, the sun is very strong shortly after sunrise. Most in people Bahia rise very early. When I first came to Bahia, I would do my typical American thing. Get up, have coffee and start working. Oh no. Did you have breakfast first? Cafe da manha? You must have breakfast first American. Well, I learned there is another pace to life. It feels civilized to have breakfast at 7am because it doesn't impact workflow.

Cafe da Manha is a cultural norm in Brazil, you can expect breakfast offerings at hotels. It is standard; however, the quality and diversity of offerings does vary from hotel to hotel. Cafe de Manaha is included in your hotel price, and sometimes it is an extra price. When you have luxury perks (through me at FORA Travel, hint. hint.), it's even better!

You may be thinking, hey Howard where are the eggs and bacon? Pancakes? Chicken and Waffles? Eggs and bacon, yes. Pancakes, chicken and waffles, no. It's very hot in Bahia. Those items will slow you down. You don't want to pass out before noon. Lunch (almo?o) is the heaviest meal of the day. We will discuss in later section.

Thank you for reading my article. I am honored to be your guide. As my travel companion, I will be introducing you to sights, sounds, people and culture of this incredibly amazing and diverse country of Brazil.

To learn more about Bahia, visit my travel blog Living In Bahia

Abra?os,

Howard