Ilha Grande is a jungle island about 1 1/2 hours from mainland Brazil. Its pretty small, although its translation is Big Island, and is known for its beaches.
After soo long on the truck and in hostels i thought it was time for a bit of alone time so that i can relax read a book and generally chill.
The day started off with a taxi to the dock where we were to get our boat. The ride was a nightmare, The taxi driver was a nutter and the American girl next to me was a complete twat. It really is true that only 40% of Americans have passports and those that do are wankers. I swear you must have to sit a test or something.
Anyway along the way we stopped at a roadside diner so i went and got a beer and sat outside where i met a group from another car. These were Steve, Andy, Stevo, Ida and Frankie. These guys were really nice. After an excruciating second half of the drive i ditched the Americans and others in my car and met back up with the 5 from the service station. The boat ride was really nice as we passed lots of tiny islands covered in trees.
When we got to the island I went and found a lovely Pousada (B&B) for 25 reais (9 pounds). After a bit of a wander i went and joined up with the others in their hostel, which cost more, and had a chat, drink, walk. In the evening their hostel was having a BBQ party so i went to eat with them and sink a few beers.
The following day I went on a trek. I had heard that Lopes Mendes Beach was the best on the island so decided to trek there. The trek took about 2 hours an passed a number of nice beaches on the way. The beach itself was really nice and tropical looking so i found a spot under a coco nut tree and had a lie down.
To get back i took a boat that took about 1 hour. after about 15 mins the guy next to me, Italian, started pointing at something. It turned out we were in the middle of a shole of dolphins. There were about 40 of them. everyone got a bit hysteric and grabbed the cameras, surfice to say i have proof i saw a dolphin but none are very good.
In the evening I went to a bar that served the nicest kebabs, more like a big chicken wrap, and the srongest G&T ever (Yes dad even stronger than yours) it blew my socks off. Have to say starting to get in to the old G&T's out here. After a chat with some other people on the same boat to the island i went to the others hostel for a night cap before bed.
The next day was just for me also. I went to a different beach this time and read my book, Girl with the dragon tattoo - its amazing. In the evening i headed back for another G&T and bumped into the 3 guys from the service station. They got a Kebab and then joined me whilst i had pizza. There was some live Reggae music in the hostel next to theirs so we all went there for the rest of the night.
The next day I was heading back to mainland and on to Paraty.
