Ihlabela

 

Gabriella, our tour guide, speaks english with a California accent. She had studied some years in Santa Monica but then returned to Brazil and settled in Ihlabela for the lifestyle it offers. I understand why. 

The island, a short escape from São Paulo, offers all that one expects of a tropical paradise: rain forests, waterfalls, colorful vegetation, unusual animals, and one sandy beach after the next. Quaint boutiques and small cafes line the beach promenade. Exclusive hotels and private homes encapsulated in vegetation are hidden along the side streets. 

The Toca waterfall, a 30 minute drive into the hills, has been built out to handle large numbers of visitors in an organized manner. One can swim in/through the falls. Park rangers provide instructions for entering the water, and stand by should anyone have a problem. A number of our tour group took the plunge:  the number was one. 

Before returning to the ship, Eve and I ate pastels for lunch, a deep fried pastry filled with, in our case, beef and cheese. Quite satisfying. 

Tomorrow, Porto Belo.