Paradise
Trip Start
Feb 15, 2011
1
3
24
Trip End
Apr 19, 2011
Where I stayed
Pousada Cachoeira
Ilha Grande, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sunday, February 20, 2011
But the Ilha Grande is a bit of paradise that has been used variously as a pirates' retreat, a slave colony, a prison island, a quarantine station for European settlers and now holiday destination for us. Equally as beautiful as Rio but without the mad buses...there are almost no cars on the island. Only the local constable has a moped but we haven't seen that yet. Also much cheaper than Rio so we may escape destitution that was threatening us the longer we stayed in Rio.
Staying in a Pousada which is like a large B&B. We have a room in a
woodland annexe with a stream about 10m away. We have a veranda with a
hammock and a shower with hot water. Marvellous! Also humming birds flit through the trees. Could stay here for a while.
It has the 8th best beach in the world apparently but as its a 3 hour treck from here
through thick forest and over towering mountain passes I'd guess just
about any beach would look good by the time you had walked to it in 30C
heat. The beach did live up to expectations as did the treck to get to it. I didn't know I had so much water inside me trying to get out!
Only down side is the cruise ships which sail down from Rio and anchor offshore in the morning. They send there cargo of tourists ashore in little boats who then swamp the islands best beaches and boat trips. But our tour guide found us a nice little trip which wasn't on the cruise company lists so that was good. Visited a few snorkelling beaches then lunch. After this we were getting back on the boat when I managed to drop my sunglasses between boat and jetty. The beautiful Brazilian captain (more Baywatch less Birds Eye) dived into the water and resurfaced a couple of minutes later holding them triumphantly while the crowds cheered. Meanwhile Geoff thought I had just lost my hat which in his mind was no great loss and was completely oblivious to this deed of great courage and display of manliness.
Comments
How cool are the Quickes!!!?? xx
Hi Sue and Geoff
Yes you are sooooo coooool. Wow. Technology at its sharpest. So glad to be able to read your comments and see your photos! I had heard that only children aged 7 could do technology ....! I must review my sources of info. Yes I do wish I could be there with you - it looks amazing.
Enjoy yourselves. Lots of love.
xxx
Hi Sue and Goeff
hope this works as I am new to all of this. It was lovely to hear from you. It truly looks like Paradise. How to make others envious, here I am planning for school. I know where I would rather be. Enjoy the rest of your adventure.
Love Jean & Jimmy x