so ive uploaded some photos.... you can get an idea of how pretty paraty is. but my camera isnt doing it huge justice im afraid and ud have to see it to believe it! im afraid im a little sunburnt... most of my friends wont be shocked at that. somehow i got burnt today and it was cloudy!! not looking forward to carrying my rucksack tomorrow........ anyway, time to leave paraty and our pretty little hotel. we're headed up the coast towards rio tho we're hoping to spend a day on ilha grande on route. by odd coincidence turns out a friend from home is in rio at the same time- fordham-to those who know who im talking about. so itl be nice to see him. time for one more ice cream sundae in the parlour in the old town this evening, where you pay by weight and theres enough flavours toppings and sprinkles to satisfy even me. we've been wandering aimlessly a bit today. didnt fancy another boat trip with the weather threatening a storm but the trip yday was amazing. we stopped in four bays where you could swim to shore and enjoy the secluded beaches. secluded except for the large group of french tourists that is! mum swam in a shoal of fish- didnt fancy that myself as i hate fish. she was feeding them lettuce as you'l see from the pic- dont ask me why! then last night we ended up in a gorgeous cosy bar being entertained by relaxing live music. i decided to try the local drink. rum made of sugar cane -cachaca, served with ice and crushed citrus fruit. was delicious but very strong! and you cant get drunk when u have to navigate uneven cobbled streets to get to bed! so we've had a lovely time, feeling very relaxed and looking forward to some more energetic nights in rio. keep you posted, take care everyonexxxxxxxxxxxx