Welcome to Ilha Grande

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Heh all,
We left Rio behind at 7 this morning after having a fab time. Stayed in a great hostel run by an aussi -The Mango Tree-would recommend it highly. Met lovely people there-all diff nationalities and a good few Irish as well (as expected). What A city!!! so much to do! Party central! We had an unreal experience in the Maracana (Flamenco football team´s stadium) last night watching Flamenco (black and reds!!!!)play. We were put in the middle of the local supporters-to call them flamboyant would not to them justice in any way. The whole time throughout the match ´-singing, dancing, playing drums-the passion and colour-unbelieveable-(definitely Flamenco fans for life)-a whole new experience of football! Friday night we headed to lapa to dance samba-another unreal expereince-every friday night a street party (mini carnival) goes on until the early hours (7am at earliest). The bars play all kinds of music and everyone just dances on the street-you can buy food, drinks -all on the street without ever going into a bar. Overall, we loved Rio and there was so much more to do so we will definitely be back!

Arrived in Ihle Grande this afternoon and have been on the beach since. It´s an island 4 hours by bus plus 1 and 1/2 by ferry south of Rio. What a chilled out place! No cars allowed-lovely small beaches-a real Jamaican feel to the place-Pearse is out on the balcony 'swaying´´ to Bob marley at the moment. We´re planing to stsy here for 3 nights and then head further south to Paraty.....hope all is well at home...Estellaxx

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