Sandy Supposes....

Ciao and obrigado Rio!

Aug 9th our final day in Rio de Janeiro

Angra dos Reis Day Trip and Schooner Cruise
Adventure to the islands of Angra dos Reis on a 5-hour guided cruise
Enjoy a hot and cold buffet lunch on board the boat
Plunge into turquoise waters around Angro dos Reis for a relaxing swim
Following pickup at your Rio hotel, board your comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle for the approximately 3-hour ride to Angra dos Reis.
When you arrive in the picturesque town on the water, featuring architecture from the 1500s, board the schooner and set sail. Find a spot on the boat to relax and watch the idyllic tropical scenery glide by, including Angra dos Reis' almost 300 scattered islands.
During your 5-hour cruise, make several stops where you can choose to swim, snorkel, or stay on the boat. Stop at the Ilha Cataguases (Cataguases Island), a gorgeous spot with white sand beaches and clear, blue-green water perfect for water activities. Continue sailing to Lagoa Azul (the Blue Lagoon), Praia de Freguesia de Santana (Freguesia de Santana Beach) on Ilha Grande and the pier on Piedade Island.
During the day of exploring, enjoy a buffet lunch of steak, fish, chicken, rice and beans onboard your schooner. After the 5-hour tour of Angra dos Reis' islands is finished, return to land and board your vehicle for transportation back to Rio and drop-off at your hotel.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g303506-d11447456-Angra_dos_...
Dinner is at the hotel this evening because we depart early in the am.
RISTORANTE ALLORO Traditional Italian recipes with the healthy and light flavors of the Mediterranean. An extensive cellar with worldwide selection will delight wine lovers. HOURS Dinner: 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm (daily)


Day 9 still in Rio....sigh...

         There's nothing like an adventure abroad. Today, after a long, bumpy bus ride, our group boarded a ship, a schooner to be exact. It was like something from a romance novel, all gleaming white and sleek. It seemed to suit its backdrop of dazzling azure sky and turquoise ocean water. It beckoned and enticed. This was to be my first cruise about a sailing vessel of this size. Luckily, motion sickness has never afflicted me. Sure ,I expected to wobble about a bit, but then again my sea legs don't behave on dry land either. The trick is to make it appear as if I am dancing.

         As I climbed onto this marvelous vessel, I couldn't help but think of the SSMinnow, and it's supposed three-hour cruise. Was I Mary Ann or Ginger? Hmmm, and where was the Skipper and Gilligan? I'd been forewarned that we'd be seeing several islands today. How did the professor fashion that radio from a cocoanut?

         Oh, did I neglect to mention that swimsuits were the preferred attire today? I did decide to wear my new costume, and, no, it was not a thong. I am in Brazil, but my backside doesn't wish to advertise this. I needn't have worried. Swim suits of every description crowded together on this journey by sea. It was only fitting. I cannot report this about some of the suits though.

         The caressing ocean breezes and the sun's warmth relaxed me. Okay, maybe a few beverages helped, too. This is a party cruise; music, people, booze, and food. I wanted for nothing. This is how the wealthy travel, in style.

         WOW! The scenery was spectacular. The blues and greens were stunning. I'm a fresh-lakes gal. These beaches do not exist at home.

         I gave snorkeling a go, and I swam with the fish. Isn't that a Mafia term? At least, I didn't end up floating lifeless with those sea creatures. Their jewel colours are gorgeous. Swimming and basking on the beaches felt so decadent. I think I could be persuaded to adopt this lifestyle. Strains of that song, 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' echoed in my mind. It was bliss!

         One of the best aspects of travelling is the food. Tonight, we dined sumptuously at Alloro Ristorante. I confess, Italian cuisine is my 'mostest' favourite. Pasta, any pasta is fine with me. I enjoyed just sitting back with a glass of vino, and chatting about this incredible day. Ciao, and obrigado Rio!