The previous night out of São Paulo was still stuck in my bones the next day. I had hardly slept at all. Basically I went from the club straight to the airport. I felt nauseous. Luckily my flight lasted only 2 hours and then I reached Salvador.
African influences and the biggest party in the world
Salvador, is Brazil's third largest city after São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. It is an internationally recognized trade and economic center with an oil and sugar refinery as well as cotton, tobacco and cocoa processing. It lies in the northeast in the country in the state called Bahia. The city differs significantly from the rest of Brazil, because you can feel an African influence here because the city was the first slave port in the Americas.
The Portuguese founded the city in the 16th century which makes Salvador one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. A sharp escarpment divides its Lower Town (Cidade Baixa) from its Upper Town (Cidade Alta) by some 85 meters. The Elevador Lacerda, Brazil's first urban elevator, has connected the two since 1873, so it is the oldest public elevator in the world. In the old town you can still find many examples of Portuguese colonial architecture and historical monuments. It was listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.
Furthermore, it is the most famous place for Brazilians to celebrate Carnival. It has been reckoned as the largest party in the world.
Exploring the old town
Salvador has a beautiful old town in Portuguese colonial style. However, it is also somewhat run-down and known for its crime rate. There are many lonely alleys and adjoining slums. This is also the second time I have been framed to some extent. I was told that the friendliest Brazilians live here, so I was a little more trusting here. I had approached a local and showed me a few buildings of his city for a few minutes. I thought out of pure politeness, because his English and Spanish were shitty. I understood almost nothing. But as the guy ran after me, I let him know that I prefer to walk alone. I gave him 10 Reais (about 3 €). But he wanted 50 Reais. Well, kiss my ass! I did not even want him to show me all this!
Trouble before take-off to go back home
In the evening I flew from Salvador to Lisboa, the capital of Portugal. Shortly before landing, excitement was spreading. The plane was already on the runway when suddenly some people started shouting at each other and had already unpacked their fists. The trouble maker was a 30 person Brazilian canoe team from the city of Salvador, who had already made a lot of noise before and thought they were quite important. I don't know exactly what had happened, but at least the stewardesses were screaming and half the plane was involved. Probably only because some people changed their seats and the captain made an announcement, the plane could take off. Only a few minutes later a Brazilian woman started to make a phone call and to cry. Again the captain had to admonish the passengers! Finally the plane took off and not even 10 hours later I arrived back on the old continent after almost 13 months.
Summary of my stay in Brazil
Although I spent almost 2 months in Brazil, I didn't even see half of the huge country, which is almost the same size as the continent of Europe. In Brazil, too, a clear European influence can already be felt, especially in Sao Paulo. A city you should only visit if you like to party or if you already have friends there. Also the prices are higher there than in other parts of the country. In general, Brazil is slightly more expensive than, for example, Peru, Colombia or Bolivia. However, the further north you go, the cheaper the prices become.
In Brazil I had such a good time mainly because I already had local friends in many cities. My three absolute highlights of the trip were:
First of all, of course, Rio de Janeiro, which combines the advantages of beach, mountains and big city in a relaxed atmosphere. It was a long cherished dream of mine to visit this city and it fulfilled all expectations completely!
The second is the Iguazu Waterfalls, the largest waterfall system on earth. Although I had seen Niagara Falls a few times before, they can't even remotely compete with the giganticness of these South American falls. Here you really feel the power and energy of nature.
And last but not least the absolute highlight: Carnival. Without a visit to this crazy party a stay in Brazil would be incomplete. Everyone should experience the mad mood of this folk festival at least once in their life. The Brazilians love their carnival and their sociability makes it possible for everyone to fully enjoy the party. In the end you might be surprised, like myself, how much beer you can actually drink and how many women you can actually kiss in such a short time.
