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Following our antics in the favella the previous night, it was surprising how early we rose to begin our journey to 'Ilha Grande' (Big Island). Unfortunately, due to yet more staff blunders, our 10:30A.M. transfer failed to materialise! At 12P.M. a taxi rolled up outside and Jess, Ruth and I (along with all our bags) bundled into the back to join an nefarious looking Brazillian woman. Apparently, the normal shuttle bus that ferries people between Rio and the port was stolen the night before! Two hours of driving which could put Lewis Hamilton to shame, a drug "stop and search" on the roadside by state police and we had to sprint for our boat. All aboard, Alice, Liat, Ruth and I sheltered under an umbrella as the boat pitched over wave after wave causing a spray to whip the boat. Surprisingly, we got the wettest when the cap came off our vodka bottle...suitably cocktailed, we disembarked onto a jetty (of which I was not the greatest fan due to the inherent fact I seemed incapable of standing safely upon it!). A short walk followed and we found ourselves in our hostel overlooking the bay, it was beautiful, especially as the sun sunk behind the mountains. We wiled the rest of the day away, had dinner and a Caipiriniah and off to bed!
Our view across the bay.
With a good start to the following day, breakfasted and refreshed, we took a little trek along the shore line around the bay and through a little jungle toward a secluded beach. Along the way we picked up two feral and extremely smelly dogs and three Irish guys. We spent the day on a beach being harassed by not only the dogs but also some of the most offensive smells I have ever encountered! Swimming was unappealing due to the seas sub-zero temperature (maybe a slight exaggeration!) but also due to the bizarre behaviour of the sea life, fish were sporadically launching themselves out of the water - a sign I believed to keep my distance! Another day infused with sand, a little pink, Jess and I head back to the hostel to freshen up. The others followed shortly after and we settled in the bar to watch Brazil's first World Cup outing against Korea, with the promise of a free beer for all each time Brazil scored, we were on the edge of our seats! A scoreline of 2-1 to Brazil satisfied our thirst and with a delicious home-made stir fry and another chilled evening we slunk off to bed.
Becky teasing the local wildlife!
Attempting to brave the crazy fish and the icy waters.
Our final day in Ilha Grande was what the whole trip was really about, having checked out and ditched our bags, we made our way to a jetty a short walk from the hostel where we boarded a boat. Forty minutes later and we disembarked said boat and began our half hour trek through the jungle.
Jungle critters!
Our trail ended on "Lopes Mendes Beach", apparently one of Brazil's most beautiful beaches. I'm not going to lie though, I've seen nicer beaches. I think I have quite a strong aversion to the Atlantic Ocean...We spent the day on the beach, Ruth and I made the rookie error of going for a swim in the rip current on the beach - as invigorating as it was, it did get a little hairy! With half our day gone, we cracked out the camera and began our photo shoot of standard beach antics.
Beach Pyramid...DONE!
With our pyramid done and a bizarre conversation with our crazy old yank photographer, 3P.M. rolled around and we had to make our way back to the boat. Nicely toasted and fully relaxed, we began our slog back to Rio. A boat and a death/rally bus later and we found ourselves back in where we located Rodrigo (of Buenos Aires fame!). We had some drinks in the bar of Che Legarto and one by one slunk off to bed.
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