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Salvador da Bahia

I know this is a site where we discuss issues pertinent to Colombia, but if you are like me we're interested in all things South American. I've been looking for a place that's got some old school charm to it, yet has nice beaches and I've stumbled across Salvador da Bahia en Brasil...anybody on this site ever been there? Would you recommend spending a couple of weeks there being a tourist? Thanks for any help.

By riverplate on Mar 2, 2006, 20:57 in Friendly Talkzone.

pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Mar 3, 2006, 10:43:

. Yeah, Salvador has a lot to offer.

Usually people either love it or hate it. Sometimes both at the same time.

The best and worst thing about Salvador is its people. You'll find out what I mean if you stay a while. I like to visit but would never live there.

There is a wealth of nice beaches in Bahia state. City beaches in Salvador are OK, but worth checking out the nearby north coast beaches, and the island of Morro de Sao Paulo. You could also head down to Itacare (about 7 hours) for great surf beaches.

Take care to go at the right time of year. Salvador gets a lot of sun, but you don't want to be there during the rainy season (around June, July). Carnaval time is packed and more expensive.

Music in Salvador is wonderful, of course. And there is no better place to check out capoeira and other folklore stuff. Nice architecture in the old town. Some people rave about the cuisine of Bahia but it doesn't do much for me.

que nota!

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riverplate says on Mar 4, 2006, 22:12:

thanks Pedro Thanks for the help...I'm intrigued by your comment that the people of Bahia are the best and worst thing about that city...care to explain a bit more?

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Mar 5, 2006, 10:54:

Sure Baianos by reputation are seen as laid back and happy go lucky. Many people in that city come across as kind of childish.

That can be good and bad, depending on the moment. The party spirit and openness of the people can be great when you go to a concert or something.

Travelling in Salvador can be hard work though, cause there is a defined tourist district and many hustlers and generally annoying f*cks congregate there. There is a fair bit of street crime and some of the city's citizens are not that educated or polite to say the least.

Ever heard the abbreviation SNAFU? The Brazilian word for that in many regions is "baianada" ( = "Bahia style" ).

que nota!

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Markaveli says on Mar 14, 2006, 14:32:

Bahia I've been to Salvador twice. And it has a love/hate relationship with people from what I've found. Some people I found, sold their homes in their home country and relocated there. Others can't stand it there. Depends what your preferences are.

Personally I love it there, it's a beautiful city that's not too commercialized towards tourists a la Rio de Janeiro. There are dozens of beautiful beaches in this city.

I've heard it's dangerous there, I would think moreso if you're a "gringo" as they call it, because I heard tourists from Europe complain of attempted muggings during the carnaval. I am black and I was held at gunpoint by 4 cops down there, just for walking in the upscale Ondina neighbourhood at 1am.

People here are right, the beggars are annoying and it's best to avoid spending too much time in the Barra district of the city as they can follow all over the place. And in the historical district of Pelourinho too.

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Markaveli says on Mar 14, 2006, 14:32:

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JMOON87 says on Mar 14, 2006, 14:48:

IMO I have been there twice with my ex whos famly was from there - the last time in 2002 so maybe it has changed but ..the beaches are beautiful and the city does have alot of history but it was very run down and overgrown when i was there ... IMO colombia is more well kept and maintained and clean in general especially in the tourist areas.

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