Florianopolis

Florianopolis

Another fourteen long hours on board a bus and on a Saturday morning we had arrived in the city of Florianopolis, the southernmost point we would reach in Brazil. Having gotten off the bus, we were the only passengers, we were greeted by Jenilson, an enterprising tour guide who offered to rent us an apartment at reasonable rates. Having sat down at the counter of a bar under the constant gaze of our guide, we had breakfast while deciding whether or not to accept Jenilson's offer. All in all it seemed like a reasonable solution to us, both as regards the price and with regard to the location of the apartment situated in the eastern part of the island: Barra de Lagoa. The positive thing was that our guide also offered to give us a ride and would also offer us the possibility of renting a car at a modest price.

Having gotten into the car we crossed the island from west to east while our guide continued to bombard us with information of every kind. Having arrived at our destination we became acquainted with our new home: two bedrooms, a bathroom and even a kitchen that although it could not be considered five-star, for our needs was more than sufficient. We immediately set off to explore the island focusing near Barra Lagoa (the area where we were staying) since we were without a car to go further. The center of Barra Lagoa was quite characteristic made up of little houses constantly swept by the wind, a main square where the restaurants for us tourists were concentrated and a suggestive rope bridge that crossed the canal that connected the ocean to the lagoon.

We also ventured beyond the bridge climbing among the numerous little houses perched on the hill and then arriving, through a path that wound along thick vegetation, as far as Prainha and the natural pool, an inlet that enormous rocks protect from the violence of the sea. Having returned home, after a hot shower, we headed toward the center for dinner which we ate at a kiosk along the main street. The evening continued at Latitudine 27, a venue not too far from our house strictly reached by a regular bus; convinced we would find Brazilian popular music, we instead came across European and international music: disappointment!

The following morning while we were having breakfast out of nowhere Jenilson popped up and after the usual useless chit-chat he again offered to rent us a car, something that to tell the truth we already wanted to do before his arrival. So we took advantage of the opportunity and had ourselves escorted to the rodoviaria (bus station) where a shiny Fiat Palio was handed over to us. On board our vehicle we used the rest of the day to drive around the island a bit visiting the commercial area and then lingering in the center of Lagoa where we then returned to eat our little dinner.

The next day called for an intense program of exploring the entire northern area and part of the eastern area of the island. And so having woken up early and picked up the laundry we headed toward Praia do Ingles one of the most renowned in Florianopolis and then continued further north to discover many other beaches beaten by the ocean. Having rounded the northernmost point of the island we began the descent to head toward the surfers' beaches which were by the way near our little house. Particularly fascinating Praia Mole and Praia Joaquina, undisputed kingdom of boards and waves: a marvel! The time at our disposal was running out since a few hours later we would have to hand back the car and catch a bus for the next destination.

Having scrounged a quick shower at the apartment and loaded the backpacks into the car, we were again at the bus station where we returned the vehicle and plopped our little bottoms back down on the seats of a bus for fourteen long hours; our next destination was a city on the outskirts of São Paulo: Santo André.