Hi everyone,

Grant and I met our group on Wednesday in Rio. There are 17 people on the tour of all ages and backgrounds, which is really interesting.

On Thursday we set of in the morning and we had a 2 hour bus ride then a 1 hour boat over to Ilha Grande, a small Brazilian island (so small there are no cash machines on the island!). We got to stay in a small wooden cabin, with a hammock at the front door.

In the afternoon on Thursday we lay in the sun for a while and then the group met at 8 for dinner and drinks in a pizza place. Nice chance to get to know the other people that are going to be on the tour.

On Friday there was an optional boat tour around the island and everyone in our group decided to go on it. We were on the boat from 10.30 until 5. We stopped once for swimming in the sea and a BBQ on the boat. We then sailed a little further and stopped for some swimming again before we got back to the island. We had a free night on Friday. Grant and I ended up in a little restaurant on the water front having some pasta, which was lovely. Just got to take a torch with you as the electricity on the whole island cuts out sometimes at night time!

Saturday we had a free day again and Grant and I went to see the old prison ruins on the island. We then walked round a little further to a very quiet beach, got a whole bit to ourselves. We are wearing factor 35 here, which all of you will know is not like me. However, it is so hot and even with it on you have to cover up between 1 and 3. The sun sets early over here too at around 4pm most days. We went back to the lodge for a sleep and then met the group for dinner at 8. This time we went to a Creperia which was good and then we had a drink before heading back to the lodge. Think the sun drains all the energy from people over here. I´ve just been drinking soft drinks and water, all they have here is beer or Capinhas, which are a really strong local spirit.

Sunday we got the boat and bus again and we are now in a small colonial costal town call Paraty. From what we could see this afternoon there is not much here, so not sure what we will find to do tomorrow! A lot of places were shut here today as well as it´s a Sunday.

Hope you are all well

Love Jillian & Grant xx