Brazil's "little Africa"
Written: Feb 14 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beaches, food, non-stop partying.
Cons: Poverty, people are lazy!
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| Raf_K's Full Review: Salvador da Bahia |
Salvador seems like it has nothing to do with the rest of Brazil: the notoriously lazy people don't fit in the Southern part of the country profile, nor does the architecturally rich city have anything to do with its recently-planned Northeastern counterparts.
The Pelourinho is the city's main tourist attraction, and deservedly so. Recently renovated, it has gotten back all the glory from it's past. True, the souvenir shops have flourished at nearly every corner, but who cares, when the atmosphere is so great and all the people look happy.
The people from Salvador are friendly by nature, not the most helpfull though, because of a chronic syndrome of lazyness that deserved them the bad reputation throughout the country. But who cares about efficiency when you're on vacation? Providing you're not too picky about a two hour delay on your guide's part, or on room service, you'll have a wonderful time.
Lazying around is what Salvador is all about. You can watch a Capoeira fight, a percussion session by Olodum at the Pelourinho or, most preferably, just lie on a beach. Speaking of beaches, avoid those within city limits; the best options are Guarajuba or Praia do Forte (about 80km north, very feasible on a day trip, hire a van for that) or take the ferry across the bay to the beautiful islands of Itaparica and Ilha dos Frades - the latter is a semi-desert island very close to what my idea of paradise is.
Finally, don't forget to eat typical food from Bahia at "Yemanja", the city's best restaurant. Casquinha de Siri (Crab) for starters followed by Bobo de Camarao (a dish made of shrimps on a coconut milk "soup", can be easily shared by two) would be a perfect dinner. If you feel brave, eat one "Acaraje" sold from a Bahiana (one of those fat ladies dressed in white) off the street, but beware, it's VERY spicy!
Whatever your preference, Salvador has something to suit everyone's needs in entertainment, so go for it!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Raf_K
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Member: Rafael K
Location: London, UK
Reviews written: 101
Trusted by: 49 members
About Me:
Back after a long work-inflicted absence.
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