Floripa!

This weekend while Helen was visiting, we ditched the city in favour of some sandy beaches in the South of Brazil in Florianopolis. Floripa did not disappoint. Beautiful white sand on these beaches, lots of green jungle and gorgeous tropical flowers. Plus, cute little towns that make you want to stay longer than a couple brief days. And we finally escaped to a bit of sun after all the depressingly constant clouds and rain we have had in Sao Paulo.

Best day of the trip, we had quite a marathon day at a place called P12. This beachside pool "bar" could be compared to some of the South Beach locations like Nikki Beach or the Sunday pool party at the Raleigh. Except filled entirely with Brazilians. And us four girls: 2 Canadians, an Argentine and a Mexicana. Who, by Brazilian standards are apparently all four of us, Gringas. Different than other parts of Latin America, Brazilians use the term gringo for foreigners, no matter where they are from, and not just for Americans and the rest of us um, paler peoples. Interesting.

But, I digress from the very exciting day's itinerary at the beach bar. It went something like this:

Suntan, swim, drink
Suntan, swim, drink
Is it time for a bottle of pink champers? Sim, claro!
Suntan, swim, drink
Oh wait, we better eat something? If we must.
Suntan, swim, drink
Oh now there’s a DJ. And dancing. Isn’t it only 4pm? Sim, otimo! Let's do it.
Swim, drink, dance
Everyone arriving now looks like they are dressed for some swanky club. We are damp and covered in sunscreen. Who cares? True.
Swim, drink, dance
I think we’ve been here 12 hours...? Yes, we may have reached our expiration date.
Swim, drink, dance
Maybe one more?
Swim, drink, dance
Okay we are really leaving now!

At any rate, we lived the life for the day. And, I’m happy to report that I look slightly less white now.

PS - Bad news to report following Thursday's post. Ambien is no longer sold over the counter without a prescription here. So, you can hold on those shopping lists!