Salvador

      Salvador, Bahia is is a city with a great past. It served as the capital of Brazil for almost two centuries. It began construction in 1500 on two different levels. On the first level, forts, docks, and warehouses were contructed and on the seond level (in the hills) buildings for businesses, homes, and government were built. The city has stayed on the same two levels through the years, but in the 1940's, an elevator was erected to make transport between the two levels easier. From the 1500's to the early 1800's, Brazil's major exports were sugar, gold, and diamonds and since Salvador was one of the busiest ports in Brazil during these times, many of the buildings and homes were built in that time period.
      The African influence strongest in this city. Foods such as cararu, vatapá, and acarajé have kept their African names and still call for African ingredients in their recipes. Many of the Salvadorans also practice an Afro-Brazilian religion, like Candomblé or Umbanda. Another African-derived aspect of Brazilian culture is the acrobatic and exciting form of dance/fighting called Capoeira.