Today was the second of our two days of relaxation before all the hard work begins. Russ and I went on a tour with the Parkers. A bus picked us up at 8:30 and we rode through Salvador, learning about the various beaches. Then we stopped at a little park for thirty minutes. There was a beautiful lagoon and a playground for the kids. After that, we headed out of town, going north on the Coconut Highway. We drove through several towns, finally arriving at Praia do Forte (Fort Beach). This area is home to a renowned sea turtle conservation effort. It was fascinating and there were so many animals to see. Lauren got to touch a starfish, a sea cucumber and some other sea creature we never found out the name of. There were sharks, tuna and, of course, lots of turtles to look at. My favorite was the tank of baby sea turtles. When we’d had our fill, we headed back out into the town to find some sorvete (ice cream), checking out the various kiosks along the way. At the sorvete shop, you get a bowl and fill it yourself. There are tons of different toppings and sauces as well. At the end, they weigh it for you, and you pay based on weight. Even with five different flavors of ice cream (for Russ and I to share!) my bowl was still only 4,36 reais (about $1.65). While we were eating, Keith discovered little monkeys in the trees! We left Praia do Forte around noon and headed to Guarajuba Beach, one of the best beaches in the region. We were given three hours there, to eat, swim, tan or just sit under an umbrella in the sun. There are tables right on the beach, and you can place your order and then go swim until it is ready. Russ and I had carne do sol and of course lots and lots of water. We had a great time, and it was fun to play with Lauren and Brock in the ocean. It’s all so new to them, and very exciting. Finally, at 3:30, we loaded back up and headed back into town (about an hour). What a great day.