January 13, 2008

We were up early on Sunday, and met at the Shell station. We were told we were going to a beach on the river. We all headed out, but had to stop at a restaraunt to wait for one of our crew.

Marilyn looks pretty natural, holding Simone´s son Otavio Jr.We stopped at a boat launch/restraunt. Very beautiful.Arlaine, Gwen, Chris, and Adenilson

We boarded a boat, which took us up river past some mangroves, and some beautiful houses to a sandbar which is only above water during low tide.

Adenilson, Carla, Chris, and Ana looked after us on this river paridise. We went for walks n the sandbar and for very warm swims. People continued to arrive through mid afternoon, but it never got crowded. We snacked on Shrimp, and many other treats.....
When we got back to the mainland, we went to a very interesting restraunt, run by a fisherman who built the restraunt up from scratch. The name of the restraunt translates into something like "She had a very small bikini, which blew away in the wind". The food was excellent. They had a sort of fish gravy, which came with the main dish. The main access was via a back alley.

Sheila, enjoying a coconut juice!

Carla was a bit tired.....

But came back to life when the food was served.

On the way home from the beach, some of us stopped to watch some Kiters. There is a kite school on the beach. Great place to learn, as there are hudge areas on the beach to launch with nothing in the way - and miles of sailing with almost no swimmers.

That night, Paulo (from my host family), and I walked to the Carnival. It was very crowded, but lots of fun. Great music - and dancing. Paulo seemed to know every other person. Lots of kids and parents in the crowds.

At one point is was so crowded that we couldn´t move in any direction.

We worked our way to his sisters condo, where we met the rest of the family. We watched a few of the bands from the street, and then others from her condo on the 8th flow. The whole building rocked with the music. I guess you either enjoy Carnival, or you move out for four days!!!