Christmas On Ilha Grande

Ihla Grande

So to the avoid the depressing feeling of not being at home with my family at Christmas I have decided to spend a few days on the paradise Island of Ilha Grande!

Day 1- Today has been a tiring day, woke up at 4:30 in the morning so I could get a bus into to Rio from Terresopolis (3hrs). although tiring driving through the endless mountain ranges which surround us whilst the sun rises was like walking into a post card. After arriving in Rio we then another bus to Andra dos Ries (3hrs),  From there I was supposed to get a ferry but as for some reason the ferry wasn’t running I ended up getting on another local boat which was taking food the island, it was there I realised how touristy this place is as on arrival we met some Friendly French backpackers. Unfortunately it’s currently raining here on the Island, nevertheless on arrival you could already see the amazing beauty of the tropical waters and forest that the island presents, something which will be even more incredible when the sun arrives (fingers crossed). Arriving here at 4pm we got settled into our hotel which unbelievably bright with outstanding colours of yellows, blues and pinks, something you would expect from a movie! After getting settled I decided to explore the surrounding area. The area is filled with small shops, restaurants, cocktail bars and places advertising different tours, all in such a close proximity you can explore everything in 5 minutes. After exploring me and Joe decided to go for a nice sea food based meal in one of the restaurants, the meal the delicious (fried fish!) followed by a cheeky cocktail on the seafront (despite the rain). One thing I am anxious about is fitting in the snorkelling and time on the beach. It’s given rain tomorrow so thinking about going seeing the ruins or maybe a hike, depending on the weather J

Day 2 aka Christmas Eve! – Honestly it doesn’t feel a lot like Christmas, today was a small disaster, it was given thunderstorms all day and until now it’s been overcast but warm (probably a good day to actually get out snorkelling) however because we expected rain we went to see some of the ruins and sat by the beach having beers and another meal consisting of crab and four cheese pasta alongside a hefty breakfast at the hotel. Today we also had a dip in the natural pool! Which are nice and refreshing. It was also nice to see some of the island in the sun but I’m still looking forward to going out snorkelling and seeing some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, however likewise this is somewhat weather dependant, hopefully both Christmas day and boxing day! At the moment with it being Christmas Eve I have just opened the present which I packed before coming here! I love it! It’s so quirky and a lot, of thought has gone into it. I got a travel sized ‘4 in a row’, hikers sock, a buff head scarf, a bottle opener an awesome “climbers” key ring and a waterproof notepad so my field notes don’t get wet! Pretty much what every traveller needs! This morning I also got some good pictures of the hummingbirds coming down to the feeders J.  Tomorrow is going to be strange without my family so I’m going to try not to overthink it. Christmas here just have the same charm to it like at home. None the less Feliz Natal!

Day 2 aka Christmas Day!- Before arriving in the Brazil many people told me that Christmas Day would be one of the worst days as I would miss home, without a doubt I do still miss home but it has been quite the opposite in many ways,  so opposite in fact that it’s been the best day since I have arrived in Brazil! This morning me and Joe booked a snorkelling tour to visit 6 of the most beautiful islands Including the ‘Blue Lagoon’. Firstly the islands were astonishing and photos do not do it justice! To get to these beaches we went on a speed boat which was great in itself going fast with the wind blowing in my hair. We also had a great tourist guide who translated everything to English and made sure we was ok the whole time. I honestly just felt at peace! As being on the water will always be a second home to me. Secondly beaches were the most striking locations I have seen in my entire life so far. The water was a turquoise blue and Emerald green colour with many coral reefs; many islands or beaches surrounded by rainforest and therefore can only be reached by boat. Finally it took me a little bit to get used to the snorkel but once I got the hang of it! I couldn’t stop, seeing the majestic angel fish surrounding me was mesmerising, so many fish!! Although at one point we missed a fantastic opportunity, whilst pulling the boat up to one of the islands we stayed at we saw a sea turtle unfortunately it has swam away by the time I could get in the water with my snorkelling gear. Gutted! Other beaches we saw along the way included the lover’s beach and the witches’ beach (named after a woman who was burned for being a witch because she treated the slaves equally and slaves from surrounding areas would beg to work for her).  One of the beaches also had a river estuarine/man-groove feel to it. Which I obviously went swimming in! It was exquisite and felt like you were swimming in a river in the middle of the rainforest. Overall today has been an experience of a lifetime! I am honestly struggling to put it into words to describe this you. I could go on and on. 

Arriving back on the Island Abraão, Both me and Joe realised we have burnt BAD! I mean when I say bad I look like a lobster and can’t move! One of the worst (if not the worst ) I have ever burnt in my entire life! (Hint Tropical Island means you need at least factor 50 suncreamL).  To top the evening off we went for Christmas dinner on the beach front and had the most delicious meal since arriving on the island, Tai Prawns with celery for starters followed by Isla Grande traditional meal of Banana, fish, tomato dish! (as seen in the picture below) Not your traditional Christmas dinner but delicious none the less. Finally finishing with a cocktail of Cachaça (traditional Brazilian drink) with Ginger and Honey! One thing today has made me realise that even though I love and appreciate the Rainforest and where ever my career may lead me. My true passion will always remain in marine biology.

Day 3 aka boxing day: Despite being in pain from intense sun burnt today has been a fairly good day. With the sunburn in mind it’s been hard as it’s been the sunniest day’s since we arrived and I was already in agonising pain. Being a trooper none the less we decided to visit the Lopes Mendez beach which has been voted the 6^th most beautiful beach in Brazil! After a nice calming boat ride, on arrival Joe went for a wonder as he does and I lost him for the entire day. Not a problem though I made it down the beach and found a nice shaded spot to sit down. The beach was as beautiful as expected! With a long stretched beach with soft white sand and green sea J. Whist there is chilled by myself with my iPod listening to some Frank Turner and Paramore alongside playing with my camera.  I guess you could say I was finding my “Inner Chi” ;). However the beach was described as having decent surf and as expected all the surfers were out, but to me the water was pretty flat! If they think them waves are considered good surf they should visit Cornwall!  To reach the boat back I had to walk a 20-30 minute forest trail which included huge sectors of bamboo, too my surprise I saw two groups of marmosets, some local people were feeding the primates some banana and offered me to have ago.  It was a fantastic experience having these wild primates feed from my hand and has been a highlight of my time here so far.  Arriving at the other beach I was reunited with Joe, funny enough he spend the entire day on the beach next to the one of the most attractive beaches in the country! What an absolute wally :P.  On return we had some nice crepes for Tea with Palm Heart (A Brazilian dish) followed by a Tequila Sunrise and a Pina Colada by the beach.  It should be noted that even though the beach was beautiful! As stated in previous blogs the view alone just doesn’t cut it for me. I prefer British beaches with the cheesy shops, freezing waters with great surf and rock pools, playing ‘creeping along the beach with my dad’ :P (even if I’m 21) together with body boarding, rock scrambling and sand castles. No matter what spectacular beaches I see around the world, nothing will ever live up to Newquay to me. I guess I will always be British at heart.

P.S. Happy Birthday Dad! Miss you every day!  

My advice is for people who are considering travel abroad, make sure you book somewhere special for Christmas and keep yourself busy :) also avoid social media as much as possible. Theres no point depressing yourself with people sharing pictures of them with there loved ones! Christmas doesn't have to be depressing 

Frank Turner - <If I ever stay> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kXAAtTRp3Y

December in Brazil!

It’s crazy to think that since I was about 5 years old I wanted to save animals and see the world. Now I’m 21 conserving wildlife and the environment in a rain forest National park in Brazil.  It seems surreal. I've never been that clever growing up especially struggling with dyslexia my entire life, and many teachers and people I knew growing up never expected me to go far or never thought I’d ever cut out for even college and now I’m doing what I've always been so passionate about and undergoing a bachelor of science degree. Safe to say I've already exceeded my own expectations.

Finally Myself and Joe have begun collecting data on our own research which means going down the trail for 2500m all the time and my legs/knees are already killing me! Especially on the last 400m which is just horrendous climbing at least I’m getting in shape. Although even though it’s early days I've had some amazing experience despite the hard-work, this includes seeing beautiful birds including the Manikan as seen on the new David Attenborough programme, parakeets, LOTS of hummingbirds and even a baby frog in my hair. But best of all we saw the endangered southern Muriquis!!! One thing I have learnt working in a rain forest is that insect’s including mosquito's are a pain; plus some flies following me and Joe around like we’re cartoon tramps. Vines also may look amazing and pretty in documentaries but in life are serious tripping/strangling hazards; especially for me whom is extremely clumsy. At the moment admittedly I do feel a little bit like Steve Backshaw :P. 

Although conservationist’s worst enemy is unpredictable weather. As it stands 27/11/14 I have woken up another day early in the morning to find the weather is rain to go out in. The trail we collect our data from is extremely slippery during the rain and the river too high to cross making it too hazardous to work. Plus wildlife often shelters from the rain anyways. Very annoying at the moment when were currently in the rainy season. 

Since my last blog I have also moved into new accommodation here as well, the accommodation is larger which is good when sharing with another person. Although the kitchen is smaller and lots of rangers come in and out. But best of all is that the Capuchin's are always right outside out room, which are super interesting to observe. Other new experiences include another event here which I love because it means we get tons of free nice food including the Brazilian beans which taste delicious. Although generally I am not keen on the Brazilian food, it’s too bland and no spice. Although the Acai drinks here are incredible, it’s like a thick fruit, sugary smoothy. Yum!  And let’s not forget the Caprinhas!, made from cachaska (don’t know how to spell it). Also at the event we saw a strange tradition where at this time of year people from Rio come in wearing costumes representing different animals and playing the drums. I thought this was a very odd tradition.  Another experience includes trying out the local nightclub. Not something intend to repeat that’s for sure.

It’s a strange experience being here in December, its warm here and it’s difficult to feel very festive, especially knowing that I will be apart from my Family this year. I am trying to make the best of a bad situation though.  It’s nice being in a warm country but in honest truth I miss the cold days at home.  Nothing beats the rush of Christmas, finding presents for everyone and listening to Christmas songs for weeks. Unfortunately I will miss that this year.  I am also still struggling a lot with the culture here and Brazilian people often consider the British to come across as very cold people. I guess because were not as expressive and overly friendly like the locals here.   

The Third Installment!

This month as consisted of preparing for my research project, this include marking trees with ribbon every 10m for 2400M so plenty of work. Then we need to conduct a couple of pilot studies. My report consists of doing  reconnaissance  transects using a standard sampling protocol, this includes collecting data on what birds and mammals we see each 50m alongside additional data on Reptiles, amphibians (as we have seen plenty including some pretty snakes). In conjunction with collecting fruit from the forest floor in order to monitor seasonal changes in fruiting trees. In January we are also collecting data on Butterflies something I am looking forward to. Even though it’s a lot of hard work and lots of hiking I enjoy it as the trail is beautiful especially when it’s not been raining. After a couple of pilot studies which will be taken this week. We will be ready to begin our actual study and contributions to the biodiversity monitoring project come December. So far we have seen plenty of wildlife including Moths, Butterflies, Snakes identified as Neuwied's False Fer-de-lance , (Xenodon neuwiedii) which we almost stood on, Large Monitor lizards, Large frogs, and Coati babies!

For a week we had another English person come to the park, however he was not a researcher but a language student wanting to do some extra volunteer work. It was interesting as he lived in the favelas in Rio and was a lot more involved with the culture than us. This was a pretty good learning curve and he explained a lot of the different cultural difference. This is one thing I've been struggling with whilst here. People in Brazil are very social and expect me and Joe to be equally as social, this wouldn't be a bad thing if the language barrier wasn’t so difficult. Although given the opportunity I want to try as hard as possible to get involved with the unique culture here. To help I’m doing a spot of traveling, on my last blog I mentioned I want to travel whilst I’m here. So far so good as for Christmas we are booked to go the beautiful island just of Rio called Ilha Grande which is apparently full of beautiful beaches and marine wildlife. And in February for a week we are booked to go to the well-known festival which is Carnival for a week in Rio.  Super excited! I plan to book more trips in the near futureJ. Yesterday (23/11/14)  I went to one of the most famous beaches worldwide, Copacabana beach and to be honest even though it had nice soft sand, to me it was a little overrated. They didn't have the cheesy beach shops like in England, the sea was to calm to do anything but paddle and the sand was too soft to make sand castles (Big Kid I know). To be honest it just lacked the charm English beaches have with the rock pool to explore and the good surf. Though I think Ihle Grande will be better especially for the snorkeling aspect.

One thing you don’t expect when traveling abroad is how hard Visas are to sort out. Getting the visa was difficult in itself, with the Brazilian consulate in London being the most disorganized governmental organisation ever. Everyone I have spoken to who has acquired a Visa from there has had a nightmare with it. It was even worse when we got here. The consulate said I have 30 days to register by “just going to a federal office”. Well 9 trips later to Rio and an all day trip to Niteroi (a city over the bridge from Rio) alongside trying to understand Portuguese websites and paper work, being fined for being late despite being told no information about how to organize this and I have finally registered my Visa. My advice is if traveling abroad is getting as much information as possible on how you’re Visa on both sides.  On the other-hand this has helped me come along way, to think a few weeks ago, I was scared to take a 20 minute bus into a small town to get food shopping, and now I can have a 3-5 hour bus ride into a major city, get a taxi and stuff. Bully for me.

Today 18/11/14 has been a good day overall, but it’s also made me come to the realization that my entire life has changed this past month and not just for the 10 months I’m living in Brazil. When I come home at the end of July I will be coming home to a new house as my house is up for sale. All my friends at university will be graduated and I will have to settle in with new people and friends when returning to university. Finally my boyfriend Joe will also be finishing his master’s degree and will be looking for work or further education which doesn't necessary mean somewhere close to home, which understandably I fully support like he has supported me during my career choosing. So in short my entire life has changed in the space of a month, this isn't necessary a bad thing but it’s definitely going to take some adjusting too.

You know you have reached another level of maturity when you realize your best friends are actually your family. For me my best friends would be my mum , dad,  my sister Sarah , her partner Jake  and my partner Joe who to me are also part of my family.  Alongside other members of my family which have also been supportive. People told me that living abroad would divide my real friends from the other people in my life. I can happily say that so far I have not experienced this, as every single person in my life at home have all been there for me during my time here. Admitting this is a big step for me.  It’s no secret that I didn’t really have many friends during my school years and a good group of friends was something I craved for years. I feel that now I have really hit the jackpot and have the best friends and family in the entire world. It just had to take something as big as moving away to make me realize this.  A friend I would like to particularly mention in my blog is one of my best-friend’s Hannah Woolhead, who has gone above and beyond that of a friend, and has done everything in her power to be there for me like my family has and I hope that in the future I can return the kindness that she has shown me.

As you can probably tell from the blog entries so far, being in Brazil has made me soft (with also help from half a bottle of wine whilst writing this). In all honesty being here has really made me realize is life is too short to be too embarrassed and hard-faced about expressing your feelings. With that in mind I am glad that this experience has helped me open up to my family and friends so much more and how much every person means to me. I realize now that I have got everything I wanted in life so far, and I am so glad I can share it with the people I love the most.  Internet however is still being very temperamental, and Sometimes it feels like the worlds against you For example this morning I managed to get internet access all morning, but it always seems to happen when people are working or busy, and then as soon as you no everyone’s free to talk it no longer works. 

Survived the first month!

So since my last blog everything has changed here, as the other English student Joe B arrived. For starters me and Joe B share a room which feels really odd never having had a housemate before or live in such close quarters with someone which isn’t my boyfriend Joe (same name, confusing I know) or my family. This was something I was really worried about as me and Joe B have completely different personalities but so far it’s been better and we haven’t killed each other yet.  We both agree that even though living together is not ideal, but it’s a small sacrifice for free privileged accommodation within the national park. And I guess is just part of being a researcher.  It also means I have someone English to talk to and we can share movies and TV shows, Thank god for my Brainy sister at home who makes sure I’m never stuck without British TV, very useful since Joe B has brought a TV into our room, not that I’m complaining.  Also the day Joe B arrived we got invited to a house party where I tasted some of the local alcohol including some home-made sugarcane stuff. (Getting drunk really helps you get settled here). Me and Joe B are also going to try and arrange some stuff to visit Rio during carnival and we want to visit the Pantanal (the largest wetlands worldwide) at some point and maybe even an island at Christmas (to keep our mind of the fact that were not with our families and friends during the festive period). Something I very much looking forward too. Nathan the student whom came here last year did a lot of traveling and has really set the bar high.

Also Since Joe B has arrived it’s also means I’ve managed to get out onto the trails more, this has been fantastic and we have seems some breath taking views and wildlife, including mountain ranges, Humming Birds, Butterflies and Black Horned Capuchins. And noted these mountain ranges and trails are sure keeping me in shape.

Last week was the researcher’s event and no doubt this would have been fantastic apart from the fact it was all in Portuguese and no matter how much I listened none seemed to be going in. although on the week of the researchers event many of the researchers went for a meal at a local restaurant, ate some nice food and even tried to learn how to samba (however to dance the samba you have to be a little close for comfort) which is often noted that the English are not keen on human contact.

One thing that has been a nightmare is the Brazilian Federal office and registering our VISAS, so there was hidden costs and stuff that we have not been told and about and so far has taken me 6 trips to the airport to try and get things sorted and yesterday (5/11/14) made another unsuccessful trip into Rio. On the other hand visiting in Rio yesterday really showed the large poor/rich divide of Brazil. With beautiful buildings at one side of you and the favelas (slums) on the other side.

Recently internet has not been working properly. And with a lack of internet and entertainment we have had to improvise which has included me and Joe B wandering around in a thunderstorm and attempting to survey moths at night (which has yet to be successful). I really hope they get the internet fixed soon as I really would like another skype call with family. Another recent bad point has been me flying onto my face the other day, I got overly enthused about seeing the capuchins near our room that I went flying, nearly broke my camera and IPod, luckily the only thing damaged was me with a very bruised hand at the minute and scrapes all over me. But like a true trooper I patched myself up and went back to take pictures and videos and I’m just grateful it’s only me that was damaged.   

We have been discussing research projects and even though a lot of details still need to be worked out it seems I’ll be surveying mammals, birds, butterflies, fruit and primates including the Endangered Marquis. In short calculating if there are seasonal differences and the best surveying method in relation to consecutive days and random days each season (I think) but everything is up in the air at the moment.

Today (6/11/14) was my first day checking out where we are going to be collecting data for our research and it sure came as a shock. This consists of hiking through loose-ground and scrabbling across many slippery rock in dense rainforest for 2400 KM (6 hour round trip) and its pain strikingly hard work.  Many people think working in research in conservation is fun, easy and glamourous work. I mean why not you get to see tones of cute animals and get to look at the pretty trees, right? When really it is long hikes in unpredictable weather! (No lie I was stuck in a thunder/hail storm today, where is hale were the size of bricks), Rainforests are also high diverse habitats but are also very dense, Which means you could be hiking for hours and days without finding any data. As far as staying glamourous goes when working in these conditions, you have to develop a mutual understanding with colleagues that your all going to sweat like pigs, you’re going to have to shuffle on your bum through mud and rocks, and there’s going to be many occasions when you’re going to fall on your face and arse. Safe to say there’s no way of remaining a classy and beautiful lady in this field of work. On the other hand though all the blood, sweat and tears, a long hike is very rewarding and even if you see one tiny little frog you have never seen before makes all the hard work worthwhile. Conservationists are easily satisfied.

 Since my last blog my cooking has improved a lot, I’ve managed to get more inventive with my cooking, yes me getting all domestic and stuff!! My parents would be proud. I have also become good friends with my Portuguese teacher has he’s fun to hang out with and is a good teacher. However the last couple of weeks I’ve been busy and I am well overdue another language lesson. 

Even though I feel a lot more settled here, I still miss home like crazy. I miss my boyfriend Joe so much. I guess it’s something that some people don’t really understand much. When you have been living and spending almost every day with someone you care about so much for 6-7 years (which being only 21, contributes the a large chunk of my life)  it becomes familiar and apart of you as a person and its hard finding my feet independently. Also unlike many other students I have also lived at home during my time at university and honestly I’m not used to spending long periods of time alone. But with constant support from family and friends at home I am slowly adjusting but still excited for the end of July when I see them again. Even though there’s Skype, it doesn’t come close to speaking to someone in the flesh.  I’ve accepted here that Homesickness never goes away, It’s just something need to live with it and try and keep myself busy enough here working with the amazing wildlife.

I have been told that the hardest time here would be the first month and I have conquered it, although I am expecting more hard times to come I think now they will continue to become less and less frequent. I hope that on my next blog entry I can tell you more about my research and my new adventures here in Brazil. 

First Few Weeks in Brazil

I have decided to make a blog as myself have been reading blogs about other people who have lived or are living abroad and I have found it really helpful. I am hoping by starting a blog here it could also help me reflect my time here as well as maybe helping other people who are considering living abroad themselves. When people hear about living abroad, they often here only the positive aspects such as the amazing views, beautiful wildlife and a once in a lifetime opportunity, but my aim is to discuss the full scope of what its like to move to another country including both the ups and downs.

I like to consider myself a very organised person and I spent months preparing for this placement. Despite this no amount of preparation and organisation can prepare you for the emotional aspects of moving abroad. For starters it took over 24 hours almost to arrive at my destination. When I got here due to an unfortunately due to bad traffic caused by a car accident I was left at the airport for an hour in a foreign country, this was nobody’s fault, but I had almost gone 24 hour with no sleep, I was tired, scared, really thirsty as the my body had yet to adjust to the humidity here and also very emotional. This immediately put me in a negative frame of mind and all I wanted was to go home. 

The first 48 hours here was the hardest, with still suffering from jet lag I also quickly released that no matter how many books or programmes I used to learn the language over the summer, it would never be enough to actually have full conversations with people here. Feeling very down I felt I had no one to speak to and I felt more lonely and homesick than I have ever felt before.  On a positive note upon my arrival I quickly learnt that internet here would be a lot more accessible than I thought. This was extremely good especially on my first few days here where I was so close to considering a flight back home.

   

Internet is something which can easily be taken for granted and I was so lucky to have access to it. I was able to keep in contact with my family and friends. The support from family and friends I have received whilst being here has been overwhelming and amazing. I never expected this many people to be so concerned about my welfare and be so supportive, even though I may have been difficult at times. People told me when moving abroad it will change me as a person and even though I have only been here for 3 weeks I already feel that change. From this experience I already appreciate my family and friends so much more and I no that even though were apart now its going definitely going to bring us closer together.

Every simple task you can do at home is a big hurdle to overcome here for example going to the shops to get the food shopping is a scary experience. I was lucky that on my first week here I made friends with another researcher here, I was so lucky to have met her as she helped my settle in so much easier, she showed me the shops and showed me a couple of the nature trails. Seeing the nature trails was just what I needed, I got to see the fantastic biodiversity that Brazil has to offer and reminded me the reason I wanted to come in the first place. Since being here the highlights have been seeing the amazing wildlife. When I was at home I talked about how lucky id be if I saw a sloth the whole time I was here and I managed to see one on the first week, I have also seen baby rescued armadillos and opossums and I helped re-released a porcupine alongside seeing wild primates.  Although the researcher I met is no longer here I am continuing trying to make friends with other people here.

I also quickly learnt that the culture here is completely different to at home and I trying to adjust. I language barrier is the main problem but I am taking lessons here to try and overcome them and my teacher is very supportive. Also noticeably people here are a lot more polite than at home, strangers talk to each other like they have known each other for years. The food here tastes a lot different and people cook a lot of scratch. This has been a major hurdle for me whilst being here, being vegetarian there’s less option for me here and I am a terrible cook but I’m trying to learn and be more inventive.

 At the moment in time there’s no work for me here which has made things harder as I have a lot of spare time, I am too worried to stray too far, so I’m spending a lot of time on the internet and trying to learn the language as its one of the only things to do at the moment. Thankfully the other student from my university arrives on Wednesday which is good as I can start to discuss research projects and begin having more structure to my weeks which hopefully will make things easier.  Overall even though its really hard being away from home, days here are improving and I know that in the end its going to bring huge benefits for my career. I have overcome every challenge in my life so far and this is another huge challenge I am going to complete.