More than just sand and sun

Tourism is the lifeblood of Salvador. Carnaval here is referred to as the "biggest street festival in the world", and from what I have heard so far, I don't think they're exaggerating. Thousands of tourists from the South of Brazil travel here for the week long party, as do Europeans and Americans. Their money keeps this place running, and their money dictates how this place is run.

The environment of a tourist mecca is extremely interesting. The lucky sectors of society hold down professional jobs. They fight extremely hard for limited university spots and become the doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, etc. For almost all the rest, tourism is it.

Everyone has their own hustle. You see the guys hanging out on the streets looking for foreign girls. In limited English they sweet talk their targets. They offer to show them around the town, help them discover all the secrets that Salvador has to offer. Maybe they're trying to hustle some money out of their newfound blond haired acquaintances, or maybe they just want to get them back to the motel for a night. Either way, they're always working.

Vendors in the street hawk everything. Absolutely everything. If you're walking down the street and your thirsty, look no further than the closest corner for a man with any drink you could ask for. Maybe you want an ice cream. That's no problem either. Want some "authentic" Bahian jewelry? They definitely have that.

Bootleg goods? Obviously.

Then you have the kids. Too many hustles to even start describing now....

And of course, what is a good tourist town without good pickpockets.

So the next time you go on that vacation, take a closer look. Salvador, like any coastal city, is a lot more than sand and sun. If you just keep your eyes open you just might learn something.