Salvador: The Heartbeat of Brazilian Culture

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeTchau
  [chow]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/dee nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado/Obrigada
  [oh-bree-gah-doo/oh-bree-gah-dah]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kom lee-sen-sah/dee-skool-peh]
• How are you?Como vai?
  [koh-moh vah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [beng/eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [voh-seh fah-lah een-gleh-s]
• I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-oo now en-ten-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEu gostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah jee ver ooh kahr-dah-pee-oh/por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo now koh-moh kahr-nee]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-oo-dee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEu gostaria de pagar, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah jee pah-gahr/por fah-vohr]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-zhoo-dah]
• Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah ehm-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a polícia!
  [shah-meh ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-meh oom meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [eh-stoh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-stoh doo-en-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Eu gostaria de comprar...
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah jee kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só olhando
  [eh-stoh soh oh-lahn-doo]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwahn-toh koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh mwee-toh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Você pode baixar o preço?
  [voh-seh poh-dee bah-ee-shahr ooh preh-soh]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahs sah-oo]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Dez e meia
  [deh-ees ee may-ah]
• MorningManhã
  [mahn-yah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-chee]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zhee]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mahn-yah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [say-ees]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [deh-ees]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ohn-jee fee-kah ooh/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh ooh ehn-deh-reh-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Você pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [voh-seh poh-dee meh moh-strahr/naw mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [kwahn-doo eh ooh proh-ksee-moh/ohn-ee-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)
  [oom bee-lyet/par-rah]

Founded by the Portuguese in 1549, Salvador was established as the first capital of Brazil, serving as a strategic port and administrative center. The city was named São Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos, reflecting its location by the Bay of All Saints.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Salvador thrived as a hub for the sugar industry. The fertile lands around the Recôncavo Baiano provided ideal conditions for sugarcane cultivation, making Salvador a crucial part of the transatlantic slave trade, which provided labor for the plantations.

Salvador is renowned for its Afro-Brazilian culture, a result of the large population of African slaves brought to work in the sugar plantations. This heritage is evident in the city's music, dance, religion, cuisine, and festivals, including the famous Carnival and the practice of Candomblé.

In 1624, Salvador was invaded by the Dutch West India Company. The occupation lasted for a year before Portuguese forces recaptured the city in 1625. This period of conflict left a lasting impact on the city's fortifications and architecture.

Salvador played a pivotal role in Brazil’s independence from Portugal. In 1823, the city witnessed significant battles between Brazilian forces and Portuguese troops, culminating in the Siege of Salvador. This struggle ultimately contributed to the proclamation of Brazilian independence.

Pelourinho, the historic center of Salvador, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene. It was once the commercial and social hub of the city, and today it stands as a living museum of Salvador's rich history.

In the late 20th century, Salvador underwent a cultural renaissance, embracing its diverse heritage. The city became a focal point for Brazilian arts, music, and literature, contributing to its reputation as Brazil's cultural capital. Initiatives to preserve and celebrate Afro-Brazilian traditions have also gained momentum.

Salvador is served by Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (SSA), located approximately 28 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights are available from major cities in Brazil and international destinations. Upon arrival, you can reach the city center by taxi, ride-sharing services, or airport shuttle buses. Alternatively, long-distance buses connect Salvador with other major cities in Brazil.

Salvador has a variety of transportation options, including buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber. The city also has a metro system, which is limited but useful for reaching certain key areas. For exploring the historic Pelourinho district, walking is the best option due to narrow streets and pedestrian-only zones. Car rentals are available but navigating traffic and finding parking can be challenging.

The official currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, but it is advisable to withdraw cash during the daytime and in secure locations. Smaller businesses and local markets may prefer cash payments, so it is wise to carry some local currency.

While Salvador is a vibrant and cultural city, it is essential to be cautious. Avoid high-crime areas such as the outskirts of the city and certain neighborhoods like Nordeste de Amaralina, Calabar, and some parts of Fazenda Coutos. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. Keep valuables out of sight and be cautious when using ATMs. Always use registered taxis or ride-sharing services.

In case of emergency, dial 190 for police assistance, 192 for medical emergencies, and 193 for fire services. Major hospitals like Hospital Geral do Estado and Hospital Português provide emergency medical services. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do be aware of your belongings and avoid displaying valuables. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a cheek kiss, which is common in Brazil. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like acarajé and moqueca. Don't refuse an offer of food or drink from locals, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Salvador like a local, visit the Feira de São Joaquim, a bustling market where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Attend a capoeira performance, a traditional Afro-Brazilian martial art. Don't miss the sunset at Farol da Barra. For an authentic culinary experience, try dining at traditional Bahian restaurants and enjoy a meal of acarajé from street vendors.