Ep 5. Salvador de Bahia

Waterfront Cities of the World is a travel documentary series that highlights the unique and vibrant waterfront cities around the world. In season 2 episode 5, viewers get to explore Salvador de Bahia, a city located on the northeastern coast of Brazil.

The episode begins with a stunning aerial view of Salvador de Bahia's waterfront, which sets the tone for the rest of the show. Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the city's vibrant culture, history, and activities.

The host starts by introducing the city's rich history, which dates back to the 16th century when it served as the capital of Portugal's empire in South America. The city is known for its colorful architecture, which is heavily influenced by African, European, and indigenous styles. Viewers get to walk through the streets of the Pelourinho neighborhood, which is a UNESCO heritage site, and see the beautiful colonial buildings that line the streets.

The episode then takes a turn towards the city's unique Afro-Brazilian culture. Salvador de Bahia has a rich tradition of music, dance, and food that is deeply rooted in African culture. The host visits a local percussion school where students learn to play traditional Brazilian instruments like the berimbau and atabaque. Viewers are treated to a live performance of the samba-reggae, a musical style that was created in the city and is now popular all over Brazil.

Food is also a big part of Salvador de Bahia's culture, and the episode highlights some of the city's famous dishes. One of the most popular dishes is acarajé, a deep-fried bean fritter that is stuffed with shrimp, onions, and peppers. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at how acarajé is made and get to try some for themselves.

The episode then shifts focus to the city's beaches, which are some of the most beautiful in Brazil. Salvador de Bahia has over 50 miles of coastline, and the host visits some of the most popular beaches, like Porto da Barra and Farol da Barra. Viewers get to see the crystal-clear water and white sand beaches that make this city a popular vacation destination.

At night, the city comes alive with music and dance. The episode takes viewers to a local bar where they can see a live forró performance, a style of music and dance that is popular in northeastern Brazil. The host also visits a samba school, where he sees a performance by the city's top samba dancers.

Overall, the episode does an excellent job of showcasing Salvador de Bahia's vibrant culture, history, and activities. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the unique and exciting waterfront cities of the world.