Breathtaking Brazil part 2 SALVADOR & PRAIA DE BAHIA
SALVADOR & PRAIA DE BAHIA
Wasn’t really knowing what expect of Salvador, but it didn’t disappoint. The first capital of Brazil where the Portuguese first landed and colonised.
The history and the cultural mix of the Portuguese and the African Slave trade is very strong here. A history that the people are very proud of. This is reflected in the buildings, and the people, and the art and music. An eclectic and vibrant mixture that you really feel.
The journey from the airport was even spectacular with one of the most beautiful airport entrance roads anywhere! Huge bamboos which arch over the road for a couple of miles.
The streets here are narrow, still with cobblestoned roads and pathways. Hundreds of churches and some stunning cathedrals with amazing stories behind the architecture. The Cathedral of slaves, built over many years, by the African Slaves, the San Fransisco Church which internally is all gold, with a huge golden altar, very spectacular.
The city is made up of many areas, with the streets all connecting to many squares, where you will find brightly coloured buildings and houses, with people selling paintings, jewellery, and street dancers, and the Oludum drums playing. These were made famous by Michael Jackson and his video “They don’t care about us”, his picture still hangs proudly on the outside of the house he stayed at, and really is one of the most colourful cities I have been to.
A funicular lift takes you down the old market area and stretches around the bay as Salvador is situated on one of the largest bays in Brazil, The Bay of All Saints.
Newly opened there is now a Zip wire for those wanting a bit of an adrenaline rush or you can party on the beach til the early hours, which the locals certainly do.
My hotel, or I should say Parador, was a beautiful old convent, converted to a hotel, was a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of the streets and was a fabulous place to stay.
A two-hour journey took us up to Praia de Bahia, a little town with a big heart. The beaches here, as with the rest of this area of Brazil, are amazing. Miles and miles of golden beaches, so if you want to have a beach break after a busy time in Rio and Salvador it is the perfect place to stay. The town itself is a fabulous place to spend a day or evening. Hotels are only a few here. If you want a traditional small guest house and really mix with the locals, you can do that. Or if you prefer there is one all-inclusive Iberostar hotel, which is where we stayed for our one night. Although it was a lovely hotel and ticked all the boxes and gives you this option I hope it doesn’t detract from the local area and local people.