Day 129
The Island of Morro De Sao Paulo, Brazil
Just when we were starting to think that beaches in Brazil were swarming masses of colorful bodies where it was near impossible to find a place to lay your towel.......we found this: It turns out....you just have to work for it. First, take a two hour flight to Salvador. Next, crowd onto the two hour ferry to The Island of Morro. When you get off the ferry, you will quickly realize there are no cars. Probably a result of the fact that there are no streets. So, as a solution to the luggage problem, guys with wheel barrels line the port and load up your stuff. You then do your best to follow them down the narrow sand alleyways through town, across two beaches and finally up a cobblestone road. Here a huge Hummer greets you to take you 30 more minutes into the trees. Then and only then.....will you be graced with the words "Welcome to Hotel Anima."

If you are looking at the pictures......you know its worth it.

However, today after a relaxing morning....we decided to check out the rest of the island.

The Island is made up of four parts.

Town: which is found along 1st beach is a charming and eclectic mix of artist shops, cafes, clothing boutiques, and various tourist huts.

We had a great time here strolling, shopping, and having lunch. To our pleasant surprise, Morro does not seem to subscribe to the Brazillian obsession with fried food and we found an excellent organic restaurant where we dinned on fresh fruit crepes and avacado salad.

Next is Second Beach: This is the hip beach spot. Filled with lazy loungers and beach huts serving fruit drinks and various sweet liquor contraptions....this is the place to be if you want to party. Bryce quickly made friends here.

Third Beach gets a bit quieter......this is where you find the bigger more glamorous pousadas and higher-end restaurants.

I made a friend here:

On the final 4th beach....is us. Just our lovely little pousada with a world class restaurant, pool, and nine stylish bungalows sitting on a deserted beach where you could sit for hours without seeing a single soul.

If you ever wished you could have gone to The Caribbean before big hotels and shanty towns. If you ever wished you could choose to sit on a coconut lined beach by yourself or chat with the locals under the stars while eating gourmet food. If you ever wanted to dip your toes into crystal clear water and listen to drumbeats from the tikibar......Morro De Sao Paulo is for you. I know its for us!