From partying in Paraty to Ilha Grande - a very big island

So after cycling and taboganning down waterfalls, we finally had a chilled out day off everything...although I would like to say this was more forced than out of choice. A huge tropical storm descended over Paraty and called off our day at the beach (admittedly I think Sheryl and Lucille were secretly pleased...as they already have interesting shades of sunburn from our first days´excursion to Ipanema). The girls returned to the hostel and I, and my stubborn British-ness persevered and in my endless attempts to get a tan...by refusing to leave the beach despite getting rained on repeatedly and running for cover in the trees, shielding my book and my bikini-clad body beneath my sarong. Eventually, after doing this 4 times I reluctantly realised that the odds were not in my favour and went back to join the girls.

The next day, though, I had the pleasure of a lovely day kayaking with Sheryl, Lucille and 4 other people, along with Mattieu (our guide) for a fantastic 8 hours! It was very tiring (considering I haven´t kayaked for about 12 years and then it was only on an adventure holiday with school!) but brilliant. Something I think I will definately do again and again (although not for a while as I am still struggling to lift my arms above my head!) We went to three different little islands and through a mangrove swamp - looking at the little crabs running up trees. It was excellent - pure magic! And resulted in us all adding to the zebra tanning look - brilliant!

We were all a little sad to leave Paraty, and headed to Ilha Grande. There is not much to do here, except walk and trek through forests to beaches...but well worth it! The first day we trekked 10 - 12 kms...although I am not sure exactly how much. It took about three hours in the blistering heat, climbing steep mountains in flip flops (moral of the story - when a Brazilian says its fine to do something in flip flops....don´t trust them!) we arrived at a beach which rivaled Alex Garland´s infamous Thailand version. White sand which was so fine it squeaked under foot, clear blue crashing waves and palm trees brushing the rocks. It was stunning, and well worth the trek.

And tomorrow we leave here, and head (unsuprisingly) back to Paraty, before travelling north to Sao Paulo. We feel we have unfinished waterfalls trips in Paraty, and are at a lose end for a few days...and again I leave you with the promise of uploading pictures, when I am back in Paraty anyway! :)