Salvador: Sweat, Salsa, and Seriously Weird Vibes
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and questionable street tacos. 3653403 and 1218997966… honestly, those numbers just keep swirling around in my head like a bad dream. it’s like the city itself is trying to communicate something, but it’s all just static. the temp is 28.81, feels like 34.42 - yeah, that’s… intense. pressure’s 1010, humidity’s 81, sea level’s 1010, ground level’s 1007. basically, it’s a sauna with a slight breeze. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
I landed in Salvador da Bahia yesterday, and let me tell you, it’s not for the faint of heart. it’s like stepping into a fever dream painted with every color imaginable. the architecture is… intense. crumbling pastel buildings crammed together, overflowing with bougainvillea and the scent of something frying. i’m talking serious sensory overload. i’m staying in a little guesthouse near the Pelourinho - it’s called ‘Casa da Lua’ (House of the Moon), which is a bit dramatic, but the owner, Dona Maria, is a legend. she’s got this whole thing going on, you know? like, she knows everything about the city.
I overheard gossip at the bar last night - someone told me that the best acarajé (a deep-fried bean fritter) is at the stall run by a guy named Zé. apparently, he uses a secret family recipe and sings to the beans while they’re cooking. wild, right? i’m skeptical, but i’m definitely checking it out tomorrow. i also heard that the Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim (Church of Senhor do Bonfim) is haunted - not in a scary way, but like, full of good vibes and wishes. people tie ribbons to the railings, hoping for good fortune. it’s beautiful, honestly.
I spent the afternoon wandering through the Mercado Modelo, a massive crafts market. it’s a chaotic mess of textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. i almost bought a ridiculously oversized straw hat, but then i remembered i’m trying to pack light. i did snag a hand-painted wooden mask - it’s… unsettling, but cool. i’m thinking it’ll look awesome on my Instagram. (don’t tell anyone I said that).
Speaking of Instagram, the lighting here is insane. everything is bathed in this golden, almost surreal light. it’s perfect for photos, but also makes me feel slightly disoriented. i’m starting to think Salvador is messing with my perception of reality.
I’m trying to keep a schedule, but honestly, it’s a losing battle. i’m planning on checking out the Farol da Barra lighthouse tomorrow - apparently, it’s a great spot for sunset. and then maybe a capoeira class. i’m not exactly coordinated, but i’m determined to try.
If you get bored, Recôncavo is just a short drive away. there are tons of beautiful beaches and colonial towns to explore. i’m thinking of heading to Praia do Forte tomorrow - it’s supposed to have amazing coral reefs. i’m a sucker for a good snorkeling trip.
I’m also trying to learn some Portuguese. it’s… challenging. i’ve managed to order food and ask for directions, but everything else is a struggle. i keep accidentally saying things that make no sense. like, yesterday i tried to ask for a glass of water and ended up asking for a small dog.
Seriously, this place is a trip. it’s loud, it’s chaotic, it’s sweaty, and it’s utterly captivating. i’m not sure what i expected, but it’s definitely not this. i’m starting to think i’ve stumbled into some kind of parallel universe. i’m going to go find some more tacos now.
Check out TripAdvisor for some decent restaurants: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g304567-Salvador_Bahia.html
And for local events, this board is pretty good: https://www.facebook.com/SalvadorBahiaEvents/
If you're looking for a good place to grab a bite, Yelp has some solid options: https://www.yelp.com/directory/restaurants/salvador-bahia-ba
Don’t forget to check out the Pelourinho: https://www.pelourinho.com.br/
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/kuala-lumpur-where-the-humidity-sticks-to-your-clothes-and-the-roads-curve-like-satay-sticks
- https://votoris.com/post/tokyo-where-the-wifi-dies-and-the-strana-cola-lines-up
- https://votoris.com/post/crdoba-etiquette-how-not-to-piss-off-the-locals-and-maybe-make-friends
- https://votoris.com/post/lost-in-lisbon-a-whirlwind-of-pastel-colors-and-unexpected-encounters
- https://votoris.com/post/sneaking-through-the-hidden-corners-of-camp-lejeune