Blogs from Brazil, South America - page 544

Illah Grande is an island off the coast or Rio. We caught a ferry over and enjoyed the views on the way.. this is where we were going to camp!! -- although i was not looking forward to it i promised Kate i would try my best!! The first morning i woke up extremely cross but it got easier over a few days......still put my foot down and said i wouldnt sleep in it again! It is a really beautiful island with many beaches, little stalls and fish restaurants. Usually it would be quiet here but we arrived on brazillian bank holiday weekend so it was packed! We got a little boat to a beach and had lunch on a floating restaurant! The beach was huge with white sand and huge waves..its known as the nicest ... read more

After a long 14hr flight into San Paulo then to Rio, Lou and l arrived into a rainy, overcast Rio de Janeiro. The weather maintained, how should l put it, crap (!) for the entire 3 days we were there (as you might be able to tell l was quite gutted about that), nonetheless we had a great few days toughin it through the tropical weather and doing the things we went there to do. l met up with Belinda and Chelsea on the first evening (friends from Aus that l hadn't seen for a long time who were joining us on the 'Los Loco' tour). So great to see them again. Unfortunately we didn't give them much time to even check in before Lou and l rushed them out of the hotel and into a ... read more

On a lucky buy (flash sale) from the local TAM airlines, I was able to get tickets to the city of Campo Grande for about 20% of the regular prices (which still came to about 300 bucks, but...). My good friends Marcelo and Genesis (no that is not his real name), jumped on the opportunity along with me. Already on the flight, the party began. We had like 5 inflight beer each, and it was like the good old days. Just being silly teenagers again. We arrived in Campo Grande, and took out our rental car. We were spending the night there, and driving the 200kms to Bonito in the early morning. Did some grocery shopping to save restaurant money, and off we went. 200kms of the straightest road I have ever seen. The pastures here ... read more

http://www.ilhagrande.com.ar/ Day 1: So... 3 hours on a fairly nice air conditioned coach, and we arrived at Angra de Reis, for our ferry trip to the beautiful, lush island of Isla Grande. No roads, only about 2 cars, very much like Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi in Thailand - Tranquilo!!. It was a brazillian bank holiday so quite busy with chilled out Brazillian families enjoying the fine weather, and amazing location. We decided to get stuck in with our first meal on the island... cheapo chicken, mash, rice, beans and salad, all for about GBP2.50 each!!! Day 2: Got up and did a spur of the moment trek, about 5 miles, up and down, round and round, soaked to the bone with sweat in the steamy rainforest! Only now do we both realise how unfit ... read more

Arrived about 6pm in Buzios, found a fairly nice hostel - all sharing one room (very cosy). Buzios is a very poular tourist destination, although this seems to be more Brazillian tourists as opposed to ´Gringos´. As such it is relatively expensive here in comparison to the rest of Brazil. The first night was a fairly drunken affair (I was slightly the worse for wear following an absenth). Excellent hostel, late night entertainment provided... Buzios is on a penninsular surrounded by lovely beaches, we went to Tatarunga (forgive spelling) which was very idyllic and had a nice meal together - very romantic setting, although we managed to only order one meal and so had to share. Very charming town with some crazy paving which requires maximum concentration whilst wearing Havianas. Not many photos here as the ... read more