Our brief Brazilian jaunt took us north to Salvador and a much deserved holiday. Salvador wasn't quite what we had envisaged. To be frank, the city is not in the top 100 in terms of appearance nor for that matter security. That said, we found our way to the historic, if overly touristy area of Pelourinho. Two nights was to all intents and purposes sufficient. We followed the road further north to the upmarket Praia Do Forte beach resort. This is geared to the wealthier Brazilians and their rather attractive girlfriends. If the member of the allseven team were to further comment on the speedo clad men on the beach, then cover would be blown on the writer of this particular update. OK, the men looked like idiots. The girls were complete babes. And Sue is washing, conditioning and straightening her hair as I frantically try to bring this site up to date! To be fair to Sue, she does recognise that I am not as sharp as I once was. Bless her, she offered regular tip offs of ladies in a G's bending over on the beach, just out of my line of sight. These prompts were of course appreciated. No other note worthy moments to report other than our combi bus ride back to the airport. The 55km stint involved us paying over the odds to be dropped at the terminal, rather than a town 5km away where we would need to find a taxi. I say over the odds. We talking 5 quid each. The locals paid nearer a quid for the 90 minute ride. Two police check points and at least one bribe from the driver later, we were heading down an unmade road. Then practically across a field. When we bumped and bounced up on to the dual carriageway ahead, it all became apparent. We had avoided paying a toll. A whistle blowing policeman was ignored and we sped towards the airport. Heres the good bit. When we arrived at that town near the airport we heard an almighty bang. I thought someone had driven into the back of us. We stopped. All the passengers alighted. Posh word huh. Except that is for us. We were made to stay aboard. We had suffered a blow out. The tools came out and the two guys running the bus started repairs. I complained and asked for a partial refund so we could take a taxi the last 5km to make our flight. They spoke no English, and I precious little Portuguese! Rather than give me a fiver back, they hopped back in the bus and hurtled us to the terminal. One tyre down. We just couldnt believe it. Felt quite bad really. Can't have done the rim any good. Now in Chile. PaS