There was a time, a handful of years ago, when I briefly lived in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. I knew minimal details about the region prior to the trip, and what I encountered both shocked and changed me. Bahia is recognizably poor, dangerous and eternally happy. As the third largest city in Brazil, it doesn’t lack excitement. The combination of fast-paced and island lax make it unique and unpredictable. While finding yourself on the side of safety, don’t be afraid to indulge in its essence.

I could write a novel about this place, but I’ll just tell you this: the smiles are real, the sentiments genuine and the sunsets, undoubtedly the best I’ve ever seen.

‘Sorria você está na Bahia!’

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