Angra

This is an area between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro on the coast of Brazil. The city itself seemed more like a college town then a resort community but just west of town is a fantastic string of pousadas ( small inns). I think any of these would have done but the Mer Verde, green sea was were we hung our hats. The had the best water heater arrangement. Wow you say. Well travel in Brazil long enough and you too will learn to ask about this. An endless stream of luke warm to just damn cold showers gets old. Brazilians do not highly prize hot water where as I do. Also the fact that our room was 5 feet to the beach and had huge windows that opened on to it, were the clinchers.

They have no insects to speak of and the lapping of the waves with a nice breeze really turned this into paradise. I am not one to sit around but this was the same trip as Paraty so I was more then happy for some hours on the beach. This being their winter we were lucky that the beach huts were open. you can get a beer, chips or a five course meal. I have no idea how they do all that they do but it is fantastic. And this is one of those places where you really see the price difference between Brazil and the US. Hanging out in a group, we were eating and drinking. I think the whole day of beer and food was less then $20. You start a tab and they just keep it coming until you say stop. Swim in the calm bay or lay on the beach looking at ilha grande, big island. This whole area has great scuba and snorkeling. I did some snorkeling and it is pretty close to the Bahamas or Cancun. Not quite as lush in the diversity but still add in the excitement of being 5k miles away and it makes up for it.

The only thing that detracts from this side of the bay is that the evening dining is limited. Ilha grande has more to offer in this regards or so I heard as I have yet to visit. Next trip. :)

Rio De Janeiro / Paraty / Angra / Copacabana / Buzios / Coba Frio / Ilha Grande