Brazzil

Hi Max Bono .

I agree with on your report about Itaparica island, but you got to be kidding when you say"

"Do not take the little boat (lancha) in Mercado Modelo like most of tourists do. This is because these boats are very unsafe, maneuvered by unskilled people and you can seriously risk your life there."

You have know idea what you are talking about. There has been NO accdent with life loss that ever happen using the "Lancha" in its life time, and who maneuvers them are very skilled and licensed sailors. Limits on how many people board them are totally respected and you may have to wait the next one to board if full. It is also always on time because it is private run by independent owners that cannot get into someone's else schedule if they depart late. You have know idea you are talking about. I bet you never took one of them and are talking without any experience on it. It is also a much pleasant ride than the ferry you refer to .

I agree with Marcelo. The writer doesn't know what he's talking about. That small boats that leave from Mercado Modelo are perfectly safe.

A better island to go off of Salvador is Morro e Sao Paulo .Cataamarans from Salvador cost $15 each way and the isalnd is an undeveloped paradise. Do a google search to find out more

I loved this litle island. My sister and I spent a whole day there and ended up eating at these artists house, which was set up for us. It was very relaxing. I did spend several hours with a family, talking about history, race, and stevie wonder. Ths was real funny since I didn't speak the language and had to use my dictionary for every word. We enjoyed the dialogue though, especially the kids.

Yeah,,, you need to check yourself about the comments on the lancha. They are as safe as any little boat can get. I am glad you are promoting the island. It is good for the economy. I am a U.S citizen with a home and land there. Hoping that with more 'responsible" development, the situation on the island will continue to improve. There is a lot that can be done to assist locals in education and business development. Hopefully more interest promoted to the area will bring this about.

I would rather find a condo on the Vera Cruz side i.e. Arura. It's more homy and you can go to all the same places and return to a whole apt. rather than a room. The small boats are safe and you spend less time traveling.

I ride the lancha jest about every day when on the island and I love the little boats. I was talking with an owner and he told me that in 60 years of operation only one serious injury. A drunk man slipped getting off the boat and got his leg crushed.
I love Itaparica and bought a house in Barra do Gil. I plan to live there full time in the near future. Nice to see kind words about the island.

Reading your article made me happy and nostalgic; I was 13 years old when we visited my grandmother in Itaparica. Pensao Anita was her business, the only one there. My dad (her son) totally fell in love with the island and we left Sao Paulo and moved to Bahia. My dad built the Hotel Icarai and with my mom lived and worked there for many years untill retirement. He loved the island and was loved by many. The day they left Itaparica his slow death began. I spent the most beautiful vacations of my life there. Before ferry boat, cars etc. One day I will be back.

I have been visiting Itaparica for 10 years, and it is a delicious place to relax and become human again. The stress of the west doesnt exist much there. Happy, simple, natural place with nice people. The Launcha is safer and better than the Ferry, in 2008 the ferry boat capitain fell asleep and hit a Petro Braz feul tanker. Ouch!

We are building the first Micro-Brewery on the island called Karamuru. We will be brewing great world class beer from Brazilian ingredients in a tropical beer garden. I hope to see you all there! I am happy to show you the wonderful places of the island.

Just bring your smile and swim suite!
Felizidade Y Amor Pra Voces!

If any visitors wanna have a good beer (I know you do!) check us out at
www.karamuru.com

we should be brewing by the end of 08!

This is another article from this so called journalist. Max Buno is not a writer but appears to be a person trying to make a buck on worthless articles.
Max could you please stop writing and maybe you can read some of the comments. Can you read?