Fernando de Norohna

February 24, 2009

After 7 days inthe middle of the 2nd largest street Carnival in Brazil (Olinda!), Greg and I escaped to one of the most beautiful places in Brazil, and quite possibly the world.

We were lucky to spend 9 days on one of the most spectacular islands in Brazil, Fernando de Norohna.

The island is located 500 kilometers off the coast of Recife in northern Brazil. It has 3 of the best beaches in Brazil (there are 5 total). The island is know for it's world class diving and hosts surf competitions that bring surfers from around the globe.

We spent the first few days snorkeling with sea turtles, swiming in a naturaul coral pool with sharks and tropical fish and indulging at an all you can eat sushi restauraunt.

Life was pretty good on the island. You can walk everywhere, the beaches are breathtaking and the water is cool, fresh and electric blue. I was pretty sure I was notever going to leave.

We had staumbled upon a great pousada called Leao Marihno (in case any of you are considering booking your flight soon) that served us breakfast filled withe fresh fruits, homemade breads and delicious coffee all while housing us in a serene room with a hammock out front.

We fell into a serene routine that left us sleepy eyed by 10pm everynight. The quiet streets saved us from the crazy 6 days we had expereince in carnival and we werethankful for the slow pace and relaxed atmosphere of the island. Even the rain was beautiful and swimming with Greg in the ocean during the rain was memorable .

Greg and I took surfing lessons from a local guy, Yappa. Greg took his first lesson during one of my naps and our second lesson was together. It felt epic to be surfing in a place that any surfer would drool over. The second time we went out we rented the board and played in the water as the sun set. The third time I went out solo with Yappa and caught tons of waves but the fun came to an abrupt hault when the board smacked me in the head. In the end, we are addicted and can't wait to surf again in Peru.

Fernando de Norohna is heaven.