Salvador da Bahia Travel Forum

Hey!

I'm a 21 year old female who's going to end up in Salvador from roughly the 5th of February to the 9th--with time to use everyday as I get there early on the 5th and leave late on the 9th. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to spend my time?

A lot of people who when on the trip I'm going on last year are traveled out of the area for the time we're in country. (Some are going to Rio, others Leconis (I'm sorry if I'm misspelling that) etc.) I'm kind of leaning to staying in Salvador but haven't decided yet.

So any suggestions? I won't have tons of money, but I like music, books, art, and cultural experiences (as I'm a anthropology major). Likewise, exercise doesn’t bother me, and I mainly would just like to try new things. If possible I'd like to avoid the more touristy things if possible.

Also, on a side note, what is the transportation like? I won’t be renting a car so on foot and public transport (taxi’s, bus, etc.) will be my main way.

Despite being assaulted and robbed -- my fault for wandering into an area I knew to be dangerous -- Salvador is among my favorite Brazilian cities:

+ Its Pelourinho district holds the largest concentration of colonial era buildings in the Americas. Included are homes, churches, museums and other public buildings. Several excellent restaurants are also located in the Pelourinho. Musical groups often play in the main square or, as with world-famous Olodum, in their own theaters.

+ As the "most African" city in the Americas, Salvador might be of especial interest to an anthropologist. From dance to cuisine, from street customs to museums, the African influence is omnipresent.

Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Bus service is also extensive and cheap.

I've been to Salvador twice and hope to visit the place again. I recommend it highly.

I learned from your external page that you are excited about taking a long semester study cruise. I know a young adventurous lady who did the same thing and loved it. Vicariously I share your excitement. I also appreciate that you seem to have a independent streak, are attracted to hearing guest lecturers and do not feel the need to be with the crowd.

I do not know Salvador da Bahia, Brazil but as you are new to VT let me give you some unsolicited advice:
1. Since you are traveling to so many different places, you can not very well buy a guide book for each stop. What you can do is create your own "Do it yourself" VT guide book by clicking on save tips or save forum posts found throughout VT to guide book and then printing them up later. Of course, this will not create a comprehensive book with complete history and cultural comments but it should give you some neat ideas for special things to do or see.
2. Cruises usually include a lot of travel time. Even if you have classes you will have time to read and relax. In my opinion, you should not spend this time reading science fiction, pulp fiction or old classic English or American mysteries not related to your travel! I would highly recommend novels by authors of the countries or areas you are visiting. I have alway found that this type of reading enhances my ravel experience and the travel enhances the pleasure of the reading.
Although I am sure that your cruise ship will have a library, if I were you I would not want to leave to chance that it or your fellow travelers would have the type of books I wanted to read. One of the advantages of cruise travel is that you do not have to carry your luggage wherever you visit.
I will not presume to suggest to you the books to buy; naturally our tastes and interests are somewhat different. Some travel guide books include a list of recommended reading that might be helpful.
3. If you like to draw, take some basic materials so that you can do it while you travel. If you like to make music and can find a cheap very portable instrument, take it with you or take money to buy one. If you like to take pictures take a camera and lots of memory or film. If you like to dance, take your dancing shoes. . . .OK you get the idea -- There are things that you like to do that can help you connect with the people of the places you will be visiting.
4. Lastly, let me say that I agree with your feeling that spending more time in Salvador da Bahia or other port stops may be more rewarding then traveling off for brief visits to other perhaps more famous sites. It will give you a chance to look, smell, taste, listen and even join in with the life of the city. You will be able to visit the small museum, gallery, market or neighborhood restaurant missed by most other visitors. Not only will you have time to smell the coffee, you will be able to drink a cup while you scan a Brazilian newspaper with no train or plane to meet.

Have a good trip, bob

Salvador is great but I must warn you it's incredibly hot and humid there in the summer months -it's actually quite difficult walking around in the heat and there's lots of hills and uneven cobblestone streets - just makes it harder. Fortunately, a lot of shops close down in the afternoon and re-open in the evening when it's much cooler. Salvador is great for the cultural, historical and architectural experience.