23rd January -29th January
Ilha Grande, off the coast from Rio, reached only by boat. This was paradise for our travelling group. Now comprising of the Dutchies (Yvanka and Marco), with new additions of the beautiful Argentinians (Lucila, Mikaela, Flor, Guadlupe)
Having rushed to catch a private bus from our hostel in Rio, then board a private boat headed to the island, we anchor ourselves in the amazing pousada Aquarius run by the ever friendly and accomodating Fred. I greatly recommend this place to anyone, but book in advance! Our rooms were overlooking the sparkling rich turquoise blue waters. the pousada had a pool created with water from the sea feeding it and tropical fish contained within. filled with hammocks and supplied with a generous bar...what more can one ask for.
Like something out of a romance novel (i promise you i have never read one...but after my experience, i can probably right you a best seller!)....and so this is where the love story of Lucila and I started. If I ever catch up with any of you, then i would be only to happy to share you the amazing
story that eventuated from our time spent together in Ilha Grande. It was where we fell in love... (alright enough mush mush!)
The days were easily spent absorbing the glorious sun and discovering the islands beautiful beaches, if our lazy heat striken bodies ever made it past the closest beach! one beach that must be noted is the stunning Praia Lopes Mendes beach- long and clean. it was spoilt with white sand, and crystal waters with gentle waves lapping the shores and providing a gentle change to the generally calm waters that i had come to associate with most of the Brazilian beaches.
We had so many laughs and enjoyed each others company. admittedly, most of my time was spent in the company of Lucila, in our own little world, generally ignoring whatever movement or distractions existed around us!
The nights were spent wondering through the small town. i would be dancing with Lucila in the streets, on the beach, in the square in front of the church, in the middle of nowhere...anywhere. there were random parties popping up each night of the week, often last minute notice, very chilled
and always alot of fun! we had too many great nights on the isalnd. so many great memories and so many great moments. our 3 day stop over became 5 days, and even then it was hard to leave the island!
...dancing with the old lady with no teeth and making Lucila laugh so hard
...marco behaving like a crab and then proceeding to dance with it
...Yvanka wanting to crawl into bed, but lifted onto marcos back and dragged out
...Jessie just being Jessie!
...Flor and mika dancing crazy on the dancefloor
...Guadlupe and Freddie...well that's another love story waiting for an ending!
...and stalker mountain! and an actual stalker!!
...so many great memories...
one special point of mention needs to be made. you cannot go to Ilha grande without experiencing its sweets. it is catered for every sweet tooth lover out there. walking through the town, there would stand vendors standing next to a a glass encased shelf of sooooo many sweets and cakes. the problem was always deciding which cake to try. given we were there for a few days, we manged to try most of them!
and
so our time came, our groups were to part. But no, plans change!
me and the dutchies end up following the Argentinian girls to a place we had never heard of and definitely out of our way. next stop Trinidade!
Brazil's Flag
Map of Brazil