Once on land, Rick and I began our own self guided tour around the small town of Ilhabela. It was still early at around 9:00 a.m. and the town was quiet and still waking up. Shops were not yet open and the streets were nearly empty except for the scattered ship passengers who began exploring.
The main road paralled the shoreline and had a sidewalk on the shoreside that we decided to follow. It consisted of a constantly curving, suddenly sloping cobbled path that was handicap impossible. The town, although quiet, was a lively sight with streamers above and colorful paraphernalia advertising the coming Carnival season.
As we ventured farther away from town the walkway ceased and we were left with a small, muddy shoulder of dirt and potholes next to a two lane paved road. It became very warm and humid as the sun climbed. I took photos of various sights along the way.
We decided to follow a group of motorcycles that had turned off the road and disappeared down a non de script street, we discovered a beachside bar complete with swimming area and freshwater showers. I changed into my swimwear that I was carrying in my backpack and took a cool dunk in the dark green seawater.
After a brief swim I rinsed off the salt in the refreshing outdoor shower with the "rainfall experience" shower head then had a frosty mug of beer with Rick in the shade of an umbrella topped table. Good find. Then we walked back to town.
Now the town was alive, traffic had begun to build and activity was everywhere. We scoured the few streets with their colorful store fronts and amusing local handicrafts.
By afternoon we were ready to try a traditional Brazilian lunch of Farofa (cornmeal like substance with diced hard boiled egg), yuca, greens, white beans, rice and meat chunks mixed with raisins and carrots. Pistachios along with green and black olives were also served as a pre-lunch appetizers. We washed it all down with cold beer which came in a very large bottle and was served with it's own ice bucket to keep it chilled.
Ilhabela celebrated their own Carnival and we were fortunate to see a few of their parade floats and decorations around town.
Full of good food and good adventure, we returned by tender to our ship.
At sail away that evening we watched the sunset as Ilhabela faded into the distance and we set our course for our next port of call.
Join us as we next venture into the Land of Tango...South American Cruise 2014
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