WhatsApp Amigos- Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

Eai? Tudo bem? (What’s up? All good?)  I’m back again to blog about my unforgettable summer – technically, winter – in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. (Disclaimer: unfortunately, my phone took a dive in Hawai’i a few days after I returned from Brazil, so I sadly lost the hundreds of photos I took to share the marvelous time I had in Brazil. I scrapped together some photos I had shared with friends and that’s just how we are gonna roll…)

I can’t talk about my time in Brazil without stressing again how welcoming and friendly every single person I met and worked with was. My exploration of Salvador would have been impossible without friends to show me around. I was and still am so blown away by the warm, neighborly attitude that seems to be programmed into Brazilian DNA. (I didn’t even experience the android discrimination I’ve been facing in medical school since the entire country uses WhatsApp and there is no Apple vs. Android war.) Inclusivity is automatic, practically second nature in Brazil.

Salvador, nestled in the heart of Bahia, holds a special place in Brazilian history as the country’s first capital. It’s known for its rich, Afro-Brazilian cultural history is evident in its vibrant music, mouthwatering cuisine, and deeply-rooted traditional practices.

I stayed in the beautiful, beachside neighborhood of Barra. My Airbnb was a 17^th story apartment with a breathtaking view of the ocean. Known for its stunning beaches – among the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world – and lively atmosphere, Barra is a prime spot to experience the vibrant energy of Salvador. It’s also the home of the original Salvador Carnival, a world-renowned celebration that transforms Barra into a kaleidoscope of color, with live music and exhilarating dance performances. While I wasn’t in Brazil during Carnival season, the spirit was still there in frequent weekend festivals showcasing Brazilian music, dance, and the “work hard, play hard” mentality.

A short drive away from Barra is the equally enchanting neighborhood of Rio Vermelho, where I had some of the best food I’ve had in my life and learned about the Afro-Brazillian religion – Candomblé. One of the neighborhood’s most significant cultural figures is Yemanjá, the Yoruba goddess of the sea. There is a shrine dedicated to her, and early in February, thousands of people come to offer her gifts to reflect her beauty and femininity – such as flowers, mirrors, and combs.

North of Barra, is a UNESCO heritage site and neighborhood tied into one. My visit to Pelourinho was nothing short of captivating, brimming with historical significance and remarkable, stunning religious architecture. I felt like I was going back in time walking up and down cobblestone streets adorned by well-preserved 16^th century architecture. Pelourinho reflects Bahia’s intricate blend of European, African, and indigenous influence.

I cannot do Salvador justice without talking about the food. I had to definitely go out of my comfort zone as I’ve never been a huge fan of seafood and Salvador, if you haven’t noticed realized yet, is a coastal city. I tried everything from acarajé, a deep-fried fritter filled with shrimp and spices to moqueca, a fish stew cooked with coconut milk and dendê oil and enjoyed with pepsi. While I enjoyed trying the seafood dishes, I miss the steaks the most. Kind of scared to see what my cholesterol levels are after how much red meat I enjoyed in Brazil. In fact, my last meal in Brazil was at Outback Steakhouse – a meme restaurant in America, but a beloved, high-quality restaurant elsewhere around world. It was especially luxurious in Brazil and I am not even kidding when I say my mouth waters and my stomach grumbles thinking about the burger I ate there.

I truly wish I had more photos to share. I don’t think my words can do any justice describing the beauty and fun that courses through Salvador.  Writing about my time has helped solidify the memories in my own brain, but man I wish I had the photos too….

Maybe this means I have to go back 🙂