I think I've a mosquito bite on my face

Ilha Grande, Brasil

April 12th - 14th, Thurs-Sat

Lopes Mendes

Ilha Grande is a small island (not Big!) about 150km south west of Rio. The trip there is a well travelled backpacker route because the hostels are good at arranging transport and making it nice and simple for you. We set off on Thursday morning at 11 and reached Conceicao do Jacarei about two hours later and waited around on a lovely picturesque pier. I have learnt that in South America it’s always best to expect people/services to be late, excellent news for me. An hour and one turtle sighting later a schooner picked us up and delivered us to the island where Lost was filmed. Not really, but it’s a good way to set the scene. No ATMs, cars, plenty of power cuts, very little phone coverage and dodgy wi-fi. It was lovely to be back in island life mode. More trees, plants and wildlife than the English language has words for. Vila do Abraoo is a bustling village, mostly home grown produce in the supermarket and restaurants, everyone super friendly and eager to show us to our pousada without any hidden business agenda.

Two nights, one boat trip, one trek, 16 mosquito bites, 1 fly bite and some serious sunburn later and we’re on our way back to Rio. We arranged our transfer home with a company called Speed Connection. Yes, Speed Connection. Our lovely bus driver drove at 110 miles an hour in the dark on a busy highway in an old, beat up mini-van. He overtook on the inside whilst going around a corner and ended up driving on the hard shoulder, right beside the pedestrians. The van was over packed with gear, backpackers, Brazilian holiday makers and AND one local pal who was catching a free ride didn’t have a seat. All shouting and cursing at the driver every time we flew over potholes (frequently) as everyone was uncomfortable and our bums hopped up and down continuously as we hurtled our way back to Rio. The French and Portuguese boys seated in the back seat apparently asked the driver to slow down at the petrol stop. I had my head resting against all the bags beside the side door and was asleep for most of the chaos, unbeknownst to me I was sharing my rucksack as a pillow with our standing friend who had fallen asleep on top of the excess baggage in a very awkward 45 degree position. In my sleep I did attempt to jostle for prime position, even gave him a sly dig with my water bottle but when his head hit mine about 3 times going over the potholes I surrendered and let him have my rucksack as a pillow. He had scars on his face and they weren’t from chicken pox or hockey balls to the face, just sayin’.

On to Itajai and the Volvo Ocean Race next. After that Florianopolis and then the Iguazu Falls. The last few pics are from Anna's camera as some of my photos disappeared of my SD! Sad.

Old coconut shell

View from boat of Ilha Grande on way home from beach