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 6th 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
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