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Published: January 3rd 2013
Florianopolis from our hotel window
Though not raining, the skies were very dark. The city is very busy, and many people live within the CBDAfter our fabulous few days in Iguassu, both on the Brazilian side and the Argentinian side, we flew to our next destination Florianopolis - Floripa for short. We didn't realise what a large island it was - we landed on the eastern side of island and it looked very rugged and mountainous. We were at our hotel within half an hour and were on our way into the main part of the city shortly afterwards. The old part of the city has large areas of markets, and a very large bus station where we headed to find some information about buses around the island or tours. Well we didn't really find either, but we did find a nice man who spoke some english and he adivsed us to get a taxi to take us around to some of the beaches etc. He had the right man - unfortunately he didn't speak any english. Well after some organisation the next day, we decided that this man Eduardo was our best option- and what a genial man he turned out to be - he took us to all the main tourist spots - the television towers overloooking the city, the main city square,
Florianopolis
one of the many beaches on the southern part of the island. and then out south along the beaches. We perused the beaches, we wandered over the bridges, we watched the birds following the fishermen's throwaways... we had lots of fun - lots of gesticulations and hand waving to be understood and lots of laughing... we eventually found a restaurant selling oysters - the main oyster breeding grounds of Brazil are here on this island. And what wonderful tasting oysters they were!! Finally after spending the whole day out, we returned to the hotel - happy and satisfied with our tour.
The following day we were picked up by Dani and her mum and dad, Zelia and Renato. We drove to Criciuma and it took about 4 hours. That same evening we were picked up at 7.30 to go to the first event - the Ecumenical service. This started at 8 and finished around 10 after which time we went to dinner. The first of the late nights. Dani was dressed in an orange mini and of course looked gorgeous. Her boyfriend Fabio is really nice, and also a doctor.
The second night was the actual presentation and Dani had to be ready at 5 pm for the photoshoot, but
Helicopter rescue at Campeche
While we at one of the beaches, we saw this rescue of a swimmer. The helicopter rescuer came down to the water and helped the swimmer into the basket. we arrived for the 7.30 start. Of course, many photos were taken, mostly by the professionals on hand for such an event.
The presentation was fantastic, and even though we couldn't understand a word, we enjoyed the hoopla that went with it!! Dani's dress was flesh-coloured, and her mum Zelia added handstitched pearls to enhance the overall effect - and it was fabulous!! The evening went on to about 10.30 and then a gala dinner followed at a nearby restaurant.
The final night started at 10.30 pm when we were taken to the Ballroom nearby. Obviously, lots of photos before we entered the venue, on our way in, and inside at every opportunity. The evening began with the graduants being escorted down to the dance area by a parent ( dad for the gals and mum for the boys) and then they performed a waltz for the audence. Then we all danced - either on the smallish dance floor or near our table. Lots of alcaholic drinks with lots of small edibles and lots of dancing into the wee hours followed. We left at about 4.20 but the dance finished at 5. But we had an excuse -
Armacao Beach
Lovely little fishing village. we had to get up to pack and we were leaving by 11 that morning!!
We were picked up by friends of Zelia's - Vera and Luis, neither of whom spoke much english. But they worked hard to chat, even using the ipad to translate at times. Lots of photo showing, and lots of hand waving to get meanings across!! We went to lunch ( late) near Joachina Beach - place called Lagoa de Conceicao - restaurant Chico - apparently a very chic little fish place. We had a lovely lunch with them plus a friend of Vera's whom she hadn't seen for 6 years. Finally, we arrived at Joachina Beach - Cris Hotel. Nice spot, but more for the surfing crowd. Nevertheless we wandered along the beach and took lots of photos before retirng for the night - who needed food after all we had eaten and drunk?
Early rise the next morning to leave on the 9.30 flight to Sao Paulo and then Buenos Aires. What a wasted day!! I hate the travel bits in between!! We arrived in Buenos Aires at about 6, and then went out to explore - luckily we were not far
Armacao Beach
This group of men were pulling in the fishing net after a morning's fishing from the historic part and had a good look at the Pink Palace of Evita fame. We booked ourselves a fabulous tour ( or 3) for the next day - a morning city tour, an afternoon tour of the river ( Tigres area) and finally a Tango dinnershow. All well worth it!! We saw aspects that if we had not done all three , we would definitely not have got the insights into llife in BA!!
Unfortunately, we had to get up the next morning and do the same for Santiago!! All day travel before arriving at 4, then a wander around the city - but then it started to rain, so we were pretty exhausted so after a late lunch, we called it a day and retired to our hotel - our worst choice - a hostel where our room ws so small that we could hardly squeeeze around the bed - and cold water in our bathrooom the next day - a battery died. We showered in the girl's showers ( no other people in the hostel). We picked the Hop on and Off Bus which took us around the city - a very large city which
Vultures
These birds seem to be found everywhere in Brazil. They are carrion eaters and were doing a great job of finishing off the remaining bits of fish. comprised an old section - where we stayed and a new city area - with big new high rises and flashy looking buildings. The outlook was lots of heavy cloud, so we didn't see the ANdes just behind the city until the next day when we were leaving!! Oh what a shame - I would have loved to go to the Andes - only one hour away - but with the heavy clouds - there was no point!!
That was the end for us - after that - 13 hours to Sydney with 2 hours until the Perth plane and then 4 1/2 hours to Perth. EXHAUSTED!!!
And now I will finish off but not before saying a very LATE
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year but also a not so late Merry Christmas - and that's because this Sunday is Orthodox Christmas Eve.
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Thelma
non-member comment
Your Travels
So glad you finished your blog. I found it all very interesting. You certainly had a wonderful holiday,and I can appreciate your disappointment at missing the Andes. You'll have to go back again to see them !! And I must make a comment on Dani. What a beautiful looking girl !! Where to for your next holiday ? Merry Christmas, Happy New Year from Judy Wegg's Mum