Salvador......Rich and Poor

Last night we left the Britannia restaurant early to attend the first show at the Royal Court
Theater. Saw a Las Vegas type performance of a male vocalist, Paul Emanuel, who sang some of the oldies. He started out by asking the audience, "Who remembers Al Jolson?" A few of us raised our hands. I was the only one who actually saw Jolson perform live at the Palace in NYC in the late 30's when my dad took us there. Jolson acted in the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer. He sang, Sonny Boy when I saw him....."Climb upon my knee, Sonny Boy". My mother, Fannie, began to call me, sonny boy from then on, even when I started high school in 1938.
He also sang," Be sure it's true , when you say I love you, it's a sin to tell a lie", a big Jolson hit.

Toured Salvador this morning. Our guide was, Bodo, a tall German fellow, who used quite
good English. He married a Brazilian girl and was trying to earn a living here despite the high
cost of everything. He claimed that the taxes were too steep especially since most people
were poor and items you buy were highly taxed to make up the shortfall in revenues collected
on incomes. Somewhat like a VAT in Europe.

We walked up and down the hills. The streets in the Old Town area were cobbled and
walking was difficult but Annabelle was game, so off we trod with Bodo in the lead only
stopping to take us to the usual tourist traps along the route. The city is grubby and
large piles of trash were scattered on both sides of the road. For those who think that
Brazil is a developed country, you are mistaken. Even Bodo had to admit that the streets are
much too dangerous at night and advised the group to avoid most of the city after dark.
Of course, that could be said about many places in the US as well. We asked Bodo about
the schools and he said that his daughter attended a private school where the teaching
staff was excellent and had to perform well while the public schools lacked accountability.