Florianpolis, Brazil

Perhaps the best thing about our travels so far has been the lack of structure and pressing schedules. Our ability to change our itinerary at a whim has made for some great discoveries. Florianopolis was certainly one of those discoveries and has been a highlight thus far. We had not initially intended to venture into Brazil at this point, and had plans to spend more time in Argentina, but it made more sense to head toward the coast and work our way back south to Buenos Aires through Brazil and Uruguay.

Florianopolis (otherwise known as Floripa) the capital of Santa Catarina state, is an island situated on the south eastern coast of Brazil. It is not a small island and its proximity to the mainland (connected by a short bridge) coupled with its status as a top tourist destination have helped it to be the Brazilian city that has most increased in wealth over the last 3 decades. Leaving the busy city centre and heading to the east of the Island where our hostel was situated, one immediately started to feel the laid back island lifestyle. Our hostel, Backpackers Sunset, was situated on a hill overlooking the beautiful Lagoa Conciago (conception lagoon), a short walk from Mole beach where we spent most of our time enjoying the sunshine.

There are a few items of clothing that are essential to the wardrobe of any beachgoer in Floripa.
1. A pair of Havianna slops
2. For the ladies: The G-string bikini for every size and age!
3. For the men: The "banana hammock" / man-kini / speedo. Call it what you will, it is equally hideous.
Such is the popularity of the g-string, that Meg's attempts to find a new bikini were a real struggle, locating only one store that had any bikins that actually covered the bum!

Seafood is naturally a big industry in these parts and we enjoyed a seaside lunch of the most popular menu item called  Sequencia de Camarao, which is shrimp served five different ways accompanied by anchovette fillets and salad rice and chips.

Floripa served as a great place to take a break and just chill out. From here its back on a bus bound for Punta Del Este, Uruguay. Life is good.

The bar and pool area at Backpckers Sunset

The view from our room at different lights

Our walk to the point on Day 1

Sequencia De Camarao (bottom left)
We also attempted some homemade meals (top right)