Our South American adventure began with a slight detour. Originally, the pristine white dune beaches of San Luis in northern Brazil were calling our names. My friend and I, Fulbright scholars enjoying a winter break from our teaching posts in Montevideo, Uruguay, were desperate for sun and sand. Plane tickets in hand, or so we thought, we eagerly anticipated escaping the encroaching Uruguayan cold.
However, fate, in the guise of a budget Brazilian airline, had other plans. San Luis became a no-go. But, in a last-minute twist of travel serendipity, a surprisingly affordable flight to Salvador, Bahia, popped up. Vaguely aware of Salvador’s beaches, we impulsively decided, “Why not?” Tickets booked on Thursday, we were en route to this “random beach town” by the following Wednesday, completely unaware we were about to dive headfirst into the heart of Brazil Dance culture.
“Hilarious Chaos and Unexpected Rhythms”
Three flights later (Montevideo → Buenos Aires → São Paulo → Salvador), we arrived in Salvador at 2 a.m., navigating to a budget hotel near the airport we’d booked online. Let’s just say, online booking platforms can be deceiving. Our map directed us down a dimly lit gravel road to a decidedly inconspicuous house. Even our Uber driver raised an eyebrow at the location. Yet, Booking.com and TripAdvisor stickers proudly adorned the gate, and it was the dead of night. We knocked.
A sleep-disoriented man answered, clearly just roused from slumber. We were greeted by his equally sleepy wife and two nursing dogs. Portuguese was their only language, and our combined vocabulary was laughably limited. Nevertheless, they showed us to a bedroom in what was apparently their makeshift guesthouse, gave us the Wi-Fi password, and wished us goodnight.
Door locked, we exchanged that classic traveler’s look of amused disbelief mixed with mild panic, a “this is hilarious but also are we going to die here?” moment. Then, exhaustion took over, and we slept. Our hosts woke us far too early, proclaiming it was noon and checkout time. Still tired but eager to escape the awkwardness, we gathered our belongings and made a hasty exit.
As we drove towards our actual Airbnb in the city, the scale of Salvador began to dawn on us. This “random beach town” was huge. Our new Uber driver informed us Salvador was Brazil’s third-largest city after São Paulo and Rio, home to over three million people.
Thankfully, our real Airbnb was a vast improvement. Showers taken, travel mishaps momentarily forgotten, we ventured out to explore. Travel, if nothing else, teaches resilience, humor, and the comforting truth that things usually work out.
The Undeniable Pulse of Brazil Dance
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Salvador! It quickly became apparent this was no ordinary city; it was a city pulsating with life, music, and most importantly, dance. Serendipitously, we arrived on Bahia’s Independence Day, launching us straight into non-stop celebrations.
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, boasts a rich history as a Portuguese colonial port and a significant hub in the transatlantic slave trade. Its historic center, Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a vibrant tapestry of colorful colonial buildings, winding pedestrian streets, and bustling plazas.
But the true heart of Salvador beats to the rhythm of its music and dance. From the moment we stepped into Pelourinho, we were enveloped by sound. Street corners erupted with impromptu drumming circles, complete with dancers, conductors, and a vibrant energy that vibrated through the cobblestones. These weren’t amateur acts; these were skilled, coordinated groups showcasing the incredible depth of Brazil dance traditions.
And the dancing! While I consider myself comfortable on a dance floor, the dancers in Salvador were on another level. Their mastery of isolated movements, energetic twerking, and lightning-fast footwork was breathtaking. The dance standard here was incredibly high, both humbling and inspiring. We were delighted to be immersed in such a rich dance environment, even if it meant our own moves needed a serious upgrade. This was Brazil dance in its purest, most captivating form.
Immersed in the Rhythms: Exploring Salvador
For the first couple of days, we were happily overwhelmed by the constant celebrations. Street music was everywhere, all the time. Our morning alarm was the sound of drums and shouts from the street before 9 a.m. How anyone managed to get work done amidst this perpetual festivity was a mystery.
Our two weeks in Salvador unfolded in a delightful rhythm of its own:
- Wake up to the sounds of Brazil dance music spilling from the streets.
- Coffee and exotic fruit tasting sessions.
- City exploration, beach walks, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
- Sunbathing and reading on the beach.
- Swimming in the warm, turquoise ocean.
- Caipirinha breaks.
- Indulging in delicious street and beach food (açaí addiction initiated).
- Sunset watching over the Atlantic.
- Evening strolls back to Pelourinho, often leading to spontaneous dance sessions in the plazas.
- Rinse and repeat.
A truly strenuous itinerary, indeed. Here are some highlights from our Salvador experience, beyond the constant lure of Brazil dance.
Beaches and Brazilian Beats
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Our daily walk from our Pelourinho Airbnb led us to Praia do Farol da Barra. Considered one of Salvador’s best urban beaches, it offers something for everyone. We spent hours basking in the sun, but at high tide, surfers flocked to catch the waves. Even on the beach, the influence of Brazil dance was palpable. Street vendors often played music, and capoeira practitioners could sometimes be seen showcasing their artful blend of martial arts and dance on the sand.
Sights and Sounds of Salvador Dance Culture
While beach days were tempting, Salvador’s historical and cultural sights were equally compelling. Cathedrals, plazas, forts, and the labyrinthine colonial streets of Pelourinho offered endless exploration.
Pelourinho itself felt like a city within a city. Hours melted away as we wandered the cobblestone streets, admiring the brightly painted buildings and pausing to absorb the ever-present music and dance performances. Every corner seemed to hold a new band, a new dance troupe, a new expression of Brazil dance.
Street Food Fueling the Dance
Each morning, we visited the local market to sample new fruits. Our discoveries included:
- Guava (a new favorite).
- Cashew fruit (learning the cashew nut grows inside was mind-blowing).
- Sugar apple (a heavenly coconut-apple fusion).
- Cocoa (raw chocolate in its wonderfully bitter form).
- Coconut (freshly opened on the street, pure tropical refreshment).
On the beaches and throughout the city, we feasted on:
- Açaí bowls (long before they became trendy in the US, they were a staple in Brazil).
- Corn on the cob.
- Grilled street meat skewers (we embraced the street food adventure).
- Grilled cheese skewers with oregano.
- Acarajé (a flavorful fried dough ball filled with yams, spices, okra, and shrimp).
- Tapioca in endless forms – sweet dessert crepes, savory tortillas, cheesy bread, and even sprinkled as a topping.
Smart Stays in Salvador: From Budget to Boutique
Learning from our initial accommodation mishap, we booked a proper hotel near the airport for our departure. This “real” hotel, blissfully dog-free, included breakfast, a gym, and airport shuttle service. Remarkably, it was only slightly more expensive than our first, shall we say, “rustic” lodging. It highlighted the range of options in Salvador, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious Airbnbs and reliable hotels. You can easily find the perfect base for your Brazil dance adventure in Salvador.
Travel Insurance: Dance Through Uncertainty
Travel plans can change unexpectedly, as our initial San Luis detour proved. Embrace spontaneity, but also be prepared. Travel insurance is essential, protecting you against cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, and lost belongings.
Get a quote at SevenCorners.com or contact a licensed agent to find the right travel coverage for your Brazilian dance-filled escape, even if it’s as spontaneous as ours was.
