cheers to new friends

A view of Abraao and her boat studded cove, the only town of any size on Ilha Grande.

After Rio we headed for the island of Ilha Grande, only a short scoot away from the city but a world away in terms of what it has to offer its visitors. With zero cars on the premises, this place is a peaceful oasis of green with an endless amount of trails and beaches...unfortunately, the sunshine only decided to come out our first two days, and then thereafter we got nothing but clouds and rain. Being the sun-worshiper that I am, it wasn't easy being on an exotic island with muddled skies, no it wasn't...but we did meet an humorous bunch from England who made our dewed experience on the island quite the experience.

Col, Chris, me, Susie, and Neil.

They were all a bit older than Col and I and had already clocked in years of backpacking it around the world on a budget, and now- they were simply enjoying holiday. We penny-pinching Americanas were taken in by these 30-something, English holiday-makers... and the good times just kept comin'.


Enjoying the reggae tunes with a few of the Englanders at the only nightspot on the island... Sarah, Susie, Sebi, me, and Col.

The day after we met them we boarded their private speedboat that they rented for the day and we had the otherwise impossible opportunity to explore the ceaseless skirts of this seemingly uninhabited island (only pockets of tiny communities, other than that, only dense swaths of jungle...it was precious!) The laid back vibes of Ilha Grande were a hit, and although the sun failed on us, the company was priceless and the laughter was constant.


Sarah, Neil, Susie, and Sebi kickin' back on the boat.


With foliage as our only refuge, Col and I found ourselves on a deserted Lopes-Mendes, the 7th prettiest beach in the world.




Coller stoked on life with a delicious bowl of acai in hand- we never seemed to get sick of it!



Let me also add Ilha Grande to our "Most Romantic Destinations in Brazil" list...we seem to be hitting all of the dreamy honeymoon spots, so if you are in need of a worthwhile coastal getaway for you and your lover, come talk to me...