Cultural and Family Adventure in Salvador, Brazil

Sights and Sounds of Salvador

Today was a day of deep dives into the heart of Salvador, a city that continues to surprise and enchant me. From the bustling energy of its markets to the awe-inspiring artistry of its churches, every moment felt like a vibrant brushstroke on the canvas of our family adventure. Come along as I share the day's discoveries, flavors, and unforgettable encounters.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Ristorante La Cucina. It was a surprising find—a little slice of Italy right here in Bahia. Priya was particularly thrilled; she’s always up for a good pasta, a little reminder of home and the delicious Indian-Italian fusion she sometimes whips up in our Toronto kitchen. Devon, of course, went straight for the pizza. It’s fascinating how certain comforts transcend cultures, isn't it? [I'm still trying to figure out the address of this restaurant, but I know it is behind the Fonte Nova stadium].


Savor authentic Italian flavors at Ristorante La Cucina in Salvador's Nazaré neighborhood – where every dish tells a story.

Fueled up, we headed to our first destination: Mercado Modelo. What a place! The energy was palpable, a whirlwind of colors, sounds, and smells that instantly captivated all of us. It's housed in a beautiful old building, originally a customs house, dating back to the 19th century. From the outside, you could see the Porto de Salvador and the Lacerda Elevator.


Explore Mercado Modelo: A cultural haven in Salvador, offering handicrafts, local cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Inside, it was a treasure trove of Bahian arts and crafts. Stalls overflowed with vibrant textiles, intricate beadwork, and all sorts of curiosities. Devon was fascinated by the capoeira dancers demonstrating their art. Priya, ever the shopper, dove into the stalls selling *fitinhas do Senhor do Bonfim*, those colorful wish ribbons that are so iconic here. I haggled for a beautiful, hand-carved wooden bowl, something to remind me of Salvador when I’m back in my Toronto condo. The saying goes:

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

It’s easy to get lost in the sheer variety of goods, from paintings and clay dolls to musical instruments and tribal masks. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way, a true immersion into Bahian culture. The stall owners are notorious for offering high starting prices, so I had to put my haggling skills to the test.

After the vibrant chaos of Mercado Modelo, we sought a bit of tranquility at the Church and Convent of San Francisco. This place is truly something else. The friars of the Franciscan Order arrived in Salvador in 1587. The original structure was destroyed by the Dutch, but construction of the present-day church and convent began in 1708 and was completed in 1723. It's considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World. It’s hard to describe the sheer opulence of the place. The interior is covered in gold leaf, a shimmering testament to the wealth and artistry of the 18th century. Every surface seemed to be adorned with intricate carvings and baroque paintings.


Discover the architectural splendor and rich history of the Church and Convent of San Francisco in Salvador's Pelourinho district.

Priya, with her keen eye for detail, pointed out the azulejos, the blue and white tiles that depict scenes from the life of St. Francis. Devon, surprisingly, was captivated by the sheer grandeur of it all, whispering about how it felt like stepping into a movie set. The church has the largest number of azulejos, 55,000, of any church in Latin America. We wandered through the cloister, a peaceful courtyard that offered a respite from the city's bustle. The stone columns and arches provided shade, and I could imagine monks meditating here centuries ago.

After soaking in the history and artistry of the church, we were ready for lunch. We headed to Solar Gastronomia | Rio Vermelho. Rio Vermelho is known for its bohemian vibe, and this restaurant fit right in. The food was delicious, a modern take on Bahian cuisine. Priya and I shared a *moqueca*, a traditional seafood stew, while Devon opted for a crepe named after a local landmark. What a great way to sample the local gastronomy.


Experience authentic Bahian flavors at Solar Gastronomia in Rio Vermelho, where traditional cuisine meets modern culinary artistry.

Our next stop was the Feira de São Joaquim, a sprawling open-air market that’s a true reflection of Salvador’s soul. This market is massive in size and history. Its corridors form a large maze where visitors can take a deep dive into the Bahian culture. Before settling in the current location, this outdoors trade already occupied the city. In the 1930s, it was called Feira do Sete. In 1964, the place suffered a fire that completely destroyed it.


Discover the vibrant heart of Salvador at Feira de São Joaquim, a market bursting with local flavors, crafts, and cultural treasures.

It’s not a tourist trap; it’s where locals come to buy everything from fresh produce to religious items. The market is known for its low prices. It’s where most of the products reach the city and one of the main suppliers of the simplest to the most expensive restaurants in Salvador. We wandered through the maze of stalls, taking in the sights and smells. Heaps of colorful spices, exotic fruits, and handmade crafts competed for our attention. I picked up some *pimenta malagueta*, those fiery little chili peppers that are essential for Trinidadian cooking. Priya found some beautiful fabrics for a quilting project she’s been planning. Devon, predictably, was drawn to the stalls selling sweets.

The energy of the market was infectious, a vibrant mix of commerce and culture. I chatted with vendors, learning about their lives and their wares. It was a reminder of the human connection that travel can bring, a chance to step outside my comfort zone and engage with people from a different background. One of the vendors told me:

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”

Before dinner, we visited the Monumento à Cidade de Salvador - BA. It's a tribute to the city's rich heritage and vibrant cultural identity. The monument features intricate designs and sculptures that tell stories of the city's history. It was constructed to honor the resilience and spirit of the Salvadoran people.


Discover the rich history and breathtaking views at the Monumento à Cidade de Salvador, a must-visit landmark in Bahia's vibrant capital.

Finally, as the sun began to set, we made our way to Restaurante Mistura Contorno for dinner. Located on a hillside overlooking the bay, the restaurant offered stunning views. The food was exquisite, a blend of Bahian and Mediterranean flavors. Priya savored a seafood risotto, while Devon devoured a steak. I opted for a traditional *moqueca*, wanting to soak in every last bit of Bahian cuisine before our trip comes to an end.


Experience the finest seafood dishes at Restaurante Mistura Contorno in Salvador – where Bahian flavors meet culinary excellence.

As we ate, we watched the city lights twinkle below, reflecting on the day’s adventures. Salvador had once again exceeded our expectations, offering a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights that had enriched our family bond. It’s these moments, these shared experiences, that make travel so worthwhile. The sunset casts a magical glow over the monument, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Tomorrow is our last day in Salvador, and we plan to make the most of it. We’re heading to Ilha dos Frades, a beautiful island known for its beaches and tranquil atmosphere. We’ll also visit Praia de Amaralina and the Irmã Dulce Memorial. And of course, we’ll cap off our trip with a final taste of Salvador’s nightlife at Hype Bar Salvador.

As I sit here writing this, with the sounds of the city drifting through the window, I feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. Salvador has welcomed us with open arms, offering a tapestry of experiences that will stay with us long after we’ve returned to Toronto. From Princes Town to Toronto, and now Salvador, life is a journey best shared with family.

Until tomorrow, *axé* from Salvador!