David:

Alas today we must leave beautiful Rio... with heavy hearts as we both feel we could stay here for longer....

Anyway, the now five of us have worked out that there are about 4 buses that go from the main street in Botafogo to the bus station. From what I have checked online, I think they all start and end at the station and just happen to pass our street.... they kinda go all over the place in between. We give ourselves plenty of time to get to the main station (rodovairio I think). The bus is a local bus, rough and ready. The roads are worse. Regina, Steffen and I all sit at the back of the bus, and it is like going on a rollercoaster for the half hour bus ride. The driver either doesnt see the potholes and speed bumps... or doesnt care. Either way we have the best bus ride ever!!!

The tickets to Mangaratiba (where we get the ferry) are purchased, a few post cards are written and posted... and off we go on a lovely air-conditioned bus. The journey takes us out of Rio and through the suburbs of Rio, which basically look like flat favelas. It is slightly disturbing looking since they seem to be houses built on top of houses built on top of houses for as far as the eye can see. Some of the photos show them but dont do them justice. They go on for about 10 miles out the road and dont seem to get any better as we go. In lots of places we have seen they have massive sweet stalls. Selling all sorts of sweets and chewing gum extra (not just for tourists benefit, the Carioca like their breads and cakes and sweets here). The bus takes about an hour or so (If i remember correctly), stopping in a few villages and towns on the way. We had been told there was a ferry to Ilha Grande from Managaratiba for about 7 Reals (3 Euro) but we cant find it, and someone offers to take us over on a nicer boat full of coke and cakes for the island (it costs us 20 real, but its worth it for the views). I think the boat took us about an hour or so out across the atlantic for a bit to the island town of Vila do Abbrao where we were to stay for 4 nights....