Salvador: Sweat, Salsa, and Seriously Weird Vibes

okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and questionable street tacos. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 23.65 degrees, feels like 24.55, pressure 1010, humidity 95 - basically a sauna wrapped in a slightly damp hug. i landed in salvador yesterday, and honestly? it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. i’m talking like, full-on assault on the senses, you know? the air smells like salt, exhaust, and something vaguely floral that i can’t quite place.

my flight landed at jose avanti international airport - which, let’s be real, looks like it was designed by a committee of confused pigeons. i hopped in a colectivo (basically a shared taxi) and headed straight for the barrio amor. it’s… intense. like, the walls are covered in murals, music spills out of every doorway, and people are just living. i swear, i saw a guy juggling mangoes while arguing about soccer.

i’m staying in a little guesthouse near the plaza menor - it’s called ‘la casa de los sueños’ (the house of dreams), which is a bit dramatic, but it’s actually pretty chill. the owner, raul, is a retired percussionist who mostly just nods and offers me strong coffee. he told me someone told him that the best churros are at ‘el rey de los churros’ - i’m on it.

i spent the afternoon wandering around the historic center, a Unesco world heritage site. it’s a maze of cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. i got hopelessly lost, which, honestly, is half the fun. i stumbled upon a tiny little church, the iglesia de san seduco, and it was just… breathtaking. the gold leaf was insane.

i overheard gossip at a little bar called ‘el escondido’ - apparently, the local fishermen are convinced the ocean is haunted by a giant squid. seriously. someone told me that they’ve been leaving offerings of shrimp and beer on the beach. wild, right? i’m not saying i believe it, but i’m definitely keeping an eye out.

*gear list (because i’m a mess):
worn-out sneakers (essential)
a ridiculously large hat (for sun protection and general coolness)
a portable charger (because my phone dies faster than my motivation)
a phrasebook (my spanish is… rudimentary)
a bottle of sunscreen (seriously, don’t skimp)
a notebook and pen (for capturing all the chaos)

i’m planning on checking out the ferdinando centenario stadium tomorrow - it’s a bit of a trek, but apparently, the atmosphere is legendary. i’m also hoping to take a salsa class - i’m terrible at dancing, but i’m determined to at least look like i know what i’m doing.

i found this amazing little spot for coffee - ‘cafe la luna’ - they make a mean cafe con leche. it’s a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away down a side street. check it out: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-la-luna-salvador

if you get bored, [guatemala] are just a short drive away. i’m thinking of heading there next - i hear the volcanoes are epic.

i’m also trying to find some vintage clothes - salvador is a treasure trove for unique finds. i spent a couple of hours at a flea market today and scored a beautiful embroidered shawl.

i’m seriously considering buying a hammock and just hanging out in the plaza. it’s that kind of place.

i heard that the best way to experience salvador is to just get lost. embrace the chaos, talk to the locals, and eat as much street food as possible. seriously, don’t be afraid to try everything.

Apparently, the local legend says that the city was founded by a pirate who buried a treasure somewhere in the hills. nobody’s ever found it.

Someone told me to watch out for the guerreros*, the street vendors who are always trying to sell you something. they’re harmless, but persistent.

I heard that the best time to visit is during the carnival - it’s a massive party with music, dancing, and costumes.

check out some more info on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g291989-Salvador_El_Salvador-Vacations.html

and for local events, try this board: https://www.facebook.com/SalvadorEvents/

okay, i’m off to find more tacos. wish me luck (and maybe send coffee).

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