Florianapolis- day 2- crusing around

Making the most of my car I got up early- had brekkie at the hostel which was quite good, with the view below.  Headed to Praia Mole, checking Joaquina on the way.  Paid the car park guy rather than leaving on the street.  Had 2 sessions and a chat with the bloke at the car park called Gabriel who was solid.  Got some alright waves- was getting used to the board so nothing too long.  The paddle out was quite hard work especially toward the end when I was tired. 

Eventually in the early afternoon I decided I should do more exploring.  Good timing because the wind had picked up and blown it out a bit.  The American girl I chatted to on the beach told me about oysters at this place called Ribeiro D'Ilha- so off I headed in that direction through the traffic.  When I got there the main restaurant seemed quite busy and there was a queue- also seemed a bit weird to be solo there so I headed off down the road.  Stopped at another place which was empty the people spoke no English.  I got the oysters- they recommended them cooked which was weird. They served them with chilli and lime which was quite qierd.  They tasted alrite but next time I think I will stick to normal oysters.

After this I went on the hunt for a place called Matadeiro- where I had heard of good waves in Southerly wind.  When I got there I saw loads of surfers heading in that direction- so I figured it must be a reasonable spot.  Parked the car in public- no tipping the guy before heading through the river and over the hill round the cliff.  Low and behold Brazil's answer to Hossegor- hollow, fast powerful waves and guys getting barrelled.  Would say it was a solid 4 foot.  At first I felt I was getting found out on a 5'10.  Got smashed.  Was also really crowded- Brazilians are generally such dicks in the water- so agro and drops ins everywhere.  Got a few short waves and was really stoked.  The crowd made it challenging though.  Got out and grabbed a few beers on the way out.

I have now left the hostel where I was staying in Barra da Lagoa.  The reason I left was mainly because it was far from the night and I cant drive there because of the stupid zero tolerance law in Brazil.  I met another guy on the bus and we headed to this Samba bar.  Had a few beers before heading back early- after 3 surf sessions was truly knackered.

 

Hot shower

Oysters

Matadeiro

 

Florianapolis- Day 1

Florianapolis- the internet and everything I heard suggested this place is some kind of paradise, full of beautiful women everywhere. The internet somewhat overstated it- Floripa is a nice island, good scenery but it is not idyllic, I am afraid. The traffic is bad and all this stuff about women everywhere- well its not really any different to anywhere else- so the internet guides could have a dose of realism. Having said that the beaches are nice, and they have different facing directions making the place flexible.

Day 1

I arrived at Floripa after and early morning flight from Sao Paulo most of which I slept through. The rental car agent I booked through never responded- so if your are reading this never book a car through Auto Escape- they are a useless French company. I wasted 9reals in the airport to check wifi to see if they sent a confirmation, but no response.  So in the end I rented a car from the airport for 750 R$ quite a luxury.  Only problem is doesn't seem to have the excess covered.  On the way I clipped a cyclist.  He was going mental making gun signs towards me and trying to chase me on his bike.  As he looked irrational I decided to shake him off, before turning back.  He was a prik.  There is not really a dent in the car fortunately

 

I got to the hostel in Barra da Lagoa fairly straightforwardly.  Had a chat with the guy on the desk.  The boards at the hostel were pretty terrible as expected.  I decided to make an investment in a board for the rest of the trip- after all I have a car and I like to surf.  They pointed me in the direction of the surf shop.  This could be a post in itself- I was in there for one hour chatting to the owner and then the guy who's board I had picked off the shelf.  Basically when I walked in  I saw this 5'10 (turns out to be a board from the Basque country).  Liked the shape but agonised over the size- a drop down from 6'4.  There was a brand new board for less at 6'2, but to be honest I did not like the shape.  So I took a gamble and went for the board. 

 

Got back to the hostel and toom it out at the local break at Barra da Lagoa.  I had seen the waves were fast and closing out although quite hollow.  They were not of great quality.  Caught a few and smahed.  Went for a second session later after chatting to Whitney an attractive American girl who was showing me bruises from when she was robbed on Rio for wearing jewellery.  The night on the hostel was not so social.  I was tired from getting up early so went to bed at 10:30- was woken up by the mother of all thunderstorms.  Eventually slept well- and woke up the next day.

 

 

Sao Paulo- last full day

My kind of a day around Sao Paulo. We headed to the main park which is kind of European in style with a nice Bridge across the lake. Crucially they also have workout bars- so it was time to do some exercise. This is where I realised how unfit I was- knocked out a set of 10 pullups followed by succesive sets of 5. They have outdoor weights, but I didn't touch those. The park is great for longboarding as well- but I was only watching that.

Later on after a taxi ride back we headed to University of Sao Paulo.The campus was massve and it was quite a long but interesting walk to the faculty of letters where we met Alexander.

Later we had a meal at a Brazilian meat restaurant which was good- also on the menu was plenty of beer and football- of course!

Sao Paulo- art and skyline

 

Headed to Banco Santander- Sao Paulo is huge

 

 

Street art and squat on the building- very interesting.

Visit to Jefferson and Hivy- Brazilian food and Skol beer a plenty.

Around Sao Paulo

Today was a day not spent on the road, but we actually took the metro of Sao Paulo.  This is quite new metro system, so nice to use, not like the London Underground.  Destination was the old centro for a wander.  There was a cathederal and the buildings older than around Paulista, also a bit more grubby.  This was a commercial area with lots of shops.

We headed to the Banco Santander tower- unortunately you need ID to go up so I sat downstairs while the others checked it out.  The rain began to pour outside- the poncho was not enough so I got a 10 real umbrealla- which did the trick.

There is a lot of cool street art in Sao Paulo- here is an example below.

Next destination was the central food market.  It is actually quite clean and expensive- more like a kind of Harrods food market.  They want the equivalent of 6 GBP for a guava which is rather expensive to say the least.  We had a wander sampling the freebies before heading upstairs to Brazilian sandwich bar.  This was an awesome experience- I can't believe nobody has tried this set up in London.  Huge sandwiches as below with plenty of beer.

Beer, or Chopp which is kind of a flat beer, is refilled automatically and they strike your card.  So me and my dad where lapping it up drinking heavily.

Later in the afternoon we headed to get a coffee, before Alexander's birthday party in the evening.

Beer, Steak, Brazilian football (in heavy rain) and pizza

The day started off with a trip up to the stadium of Sao Paulo Futebol Clube to get hold of tickets for the match vs Botafogo a team from Rio who lie above them in the League.  We were informed that it was not an important league match as they had a cup tie later in the week.  Nevertheless we got some tickets, for the non ultras section.  They were quite cheap at 10 reals each which is about £2.50 back home.

After the purchase we cruised back into town again seeing it from the road.  Sao Paulo is very car dependant- it seems without a car it is difficult to get around.  We headed to the restaurant- this was great a true meat feast.  We had great ribs and chorizo cut off beef, washed down with Uruguyan beer.   In the otilets they even have dental floss and listerine so you can clean you teeth afterwards- good idea.  For desert we headed to a bakery for coffee and cakes.  This fat boy (me) did not hold back- chocolate gateau and brazilian leite pudding- with great coffee.  Food is truly great in Brazil.  Post this drove down towards Paulista, had a wander and I got a tshirt in case the locals resented my Chelsea shirt at the match.

We me Alexander again and headed to the match a bit early.  It was impossible to get an official shirt- sometimes they are not that commercial.  Headed into the ground- I chatted a bot with the steward about football.  The stadium is really old and truly a classic relic- quite an impressive view.  The problem was the rain.  In the end everyone was wrapped in plastic ponchos.  I am sure my mother will never the get that I made her sit in the pouring rain for nearly 3 hours to watch a football match.  The ponchos were effective, but it really rained.  In case yo have not noticed, unlike in the UK they do not seem to have considered outting a roof on- this would help.

The match was very dramatic- Sao Paulo scored in the first minute almost from a set piece bundled in.  Later in the second half the Rio team equalised with a scrappy goal.  Sao Paulo hit the bar twice and had a few other efforts in the second half but ultimately could not undo the 1-1 score.  The atmosphere was jovial, generally not aggressive, although certainly there were foul mouthed Brazilians.  The match was a spectacle with fireworks before and after.  The stadium was far from full- in fact half was virtually empty.  The home fans sang and bounced all match.

Later we headed to get pizza and beer, before calling it a night.

Sao Paulo and Brazil- first impressions

I left Lisbon early in the morning returning the rental car, to get TAP flight to Sao Paulo GRU.  The flight was okay- I managed to get 2 meals and plenty of beer.  In flight entertainment was slightly limited and I always get pissed off when people recline their seats.

Arrived into Sao Paulo on time in the evening- first impressions of the airport are a bit shabby.  Had to get bus to terminal (long ride) before waiting literally ages in the baggage reclaim area.  When I came out Alexander and Anderson where waiting for me.  They drove me through Sao Paulo to Consolacao where they live near Centro.  We saw a few football stadiums on the way.  They are the nicest people and were great hosts.  We went out for pizza locally.  Pizza in Sao Paulo is awesome- this was one of the best pizzas I have ever had, the Bohemia beers was also great.  Consolacoa is a hip part of town,quite alternative Rua Augusta, but also quite a few strip clubs- this aea used to be the red light district although it is changing.

Woke up for a great breakfast with Alexander and Anderson.  We talked much including about England and english food.  They were great hosts.  Later my parents arrived from Rio.  Jefferson, Hivy and their son joined us for lunch.  We had great Cipirihana and I talked football at length with Jefferson recounting various goals from Maradonna to Drogba.  Much beer and alcohol was consumed.

We had feijoada for lunch which was great very meaty followed by passion fruit dessert.  Aso I had plenty of Brazilian coffee- excellent stuff.  I continued to admire the view and of Sao Paulo and talk to their cats.   Later we headed to the supermarket which was enjoyable.  Food is amazing in Brazil.  Got plenty of beer and tropical fruit.  Also started hottie watching- there was one stunner in the supermarket for sure.

We checked into the apartment which is fairly basic but serviceable.   I was keen to go out so had a wander down lively Augusta, had a Brahma beer (the average stuff- not special) and got some matches for the stove.  I would loved to have made a night out of it even though I was on my own, however I am staying with my parents in an apartment.  Athough spending no money, the compromise is ultimate freedom.  Still I think I experienced the scene just by walking around and also saw a bit more of Ave Paulista.  One thing I liked is that despite looking very Gringo I was barely hassled at all- just one guy from a strip club invited me in.

Day 15- Last day in Portugal

Funny day today.  Got up early- said goodbye to the Austrian girl.  Headed out of Peniche- quick check of Baleal central but it was a bot disorganised although sizey with all the North in the swell.  Headed down to Area Branca- where it looked small but really clean.  Agonised as whether to get in.  Drove further down the beach and diid a quick repair on the board.  There was a few people in and it looked fun- really clean with not much wind for a change.

In the end decided to get in although the current was quite strong, which meant a wander down the beach.  Did not have that much time as I had to drop my board in Lisbon today and my expereinces of Lisbon driving are not great.  Had a few short rights which where clean and hollow but got out and de finned the board.  Packed the stuff and headed to Lisbon.

I stopped at Pingo Doce supermarket to get a bottle for the friend of a friend looking after my board in Lisbon- that was so slow.  Headed into Lisbon on the motorway with a brief stop for sime uninteresting Portuguese snacks.  Parked up and found the flat really easily.  Had a chat and admired the view from the window before heading into Lisbon for a town wander and some shopping.  Grabbed a tosta mista at a local bar and later a nice ice cream, before heading back.

Had a clean of the car at a petrol station (exciting times) before crusing around Lisbon (hard work) to burn some of the excess fuel.  Have checked into Hotel Ibis by Vasca Da Gama bride- at 68Eur this is way beyond what I normally spend but hey its comfortable and I need to dry my wetsuit before heading to Brazil.
So the Portugal trip part 1 is almost over- need to wake up early tomo to return car and grab that flight to Sao Paulo.

Day 13 and 14- Peniche continued

I am still in Peniche. The night before last night after the pork curry I tried and failed to get the rabbit at the hostel drunk.

Day 13

Got up late and hung around a bit.  Headed into town- we got some ice cream- was not that great.  However then went to a local cafe for some Tosta mista coffee, before a stop at the bakery and the best pastel de natas.

Headed to Supertubes in the afternoon.  Was really windy and had a surf with the German guy who work at the hostel.  Got a few waves- nothing amazing though.

Chicken and chips for dinner, wahed down with plenty of beer- standard.  Portugal also qualified for the world cup- but did not see so many celebrations when we went to the bar.

Day 14

Got up a bit earlief this morning.  Checked Baleal but it was a bit windy so headed back to Supertubes where it was small and clean.  Had around hour and a half surf on some fun small waves at low tide before heading out.  Went back to the hostel for some tea and a snack as well as a dry of the wetsuit.  The forecast looked more promising for the afternoon so I headed back to Supertubes.  Looked poor so I slept in the car a bit.

When I woke up I saw the German guy who worked at the hostel.  His car key had been ripped out of the key pocket of the wetuit (note to self never use those key pockets).  So I gave him a ride back to the hostel so he could pick up his spare key and we headed back to Supertubes.  It still looked crap in fact at high tide on small swells there is too much backwash.  There was only one guy out.  We chatted surfing before I decided to head to Baleal.

Wind had dies off and the left looked really good but crowded.  At sunset I paddled out to the left  Was a steep take off before fattening out- was surprised by the quality of the wave.  Think the really Northerley swell direction made it good with less swell getting in at Supertubes.  Got a few nice drops before heading out.

Just had a chicken and chips again but so far only one Super Bock. My last night here in Peniche- packing for Brazil.  Going to surf somewhere exposed tomo before heading to Lisbon.  No Sintra on this trip unfortunately- need to drop off my board and clean up my car.

Day 12- Another Day in Peniche

I'm still in Peniche as you've probably guessed from the title.

This morning actually woke up a fair bit earlier which made a change from the day before.  The weather was quite sunny in the morning which meant it was a good shout.  Surf forecast did not look great again for today plus with the wound paranoia surfing was not as much of a priority as it is normally for yours truly.

I headed for a longboarding session again- I am quite enjoying longboarding, even though I never liked skateboarding.  Like the other day we headed down towards the park and stadium, cruising around.  Also stopped for coffee and then some fresh orange juice.  It was great weather for pavement cruising but as has been a constant theme there was still a lot of north wind.   Also grabbed a new hat- wahoo, a break from the wind in the ears.

In the afternoon surfing was now on the agenda.  I checked the north part around Baleal with one okay looking left.  Went back to supertubes, to check that, even though there was one body boarder out it was as good as flat.  Headed back up to Baleal and jumped on the left.  I was nt out for that long, but it was a bit better than I expected with a few little lefts- maybe I should have stayed out longer. On the way in I realised why it kept its shape- it was a reef not a beach.  On the negative side as I got out I nearly dinged up the board because I thought I was coming in on sand- idiot!  Also checked out that Pukas npard- still on my mind.

There is a pull up bar in the car park, which if you know me is something I get quite excited about.  So did one set (I am so lazy) before heading back.  Got back quite early and so far have had a bit of lazy evening, rinsing my gear, catching up on these blog posts and hopefully finalising my last few days.  Sintra is on the agendsa, some Lisbon and maybe Nazare, but the latter looks unlikely now.  Also keen to surf (obv) a bit more but lets see how the forecast pans out.  Typically it looks great around here after I head to Brazil.

After booking a flight from Floripa to Rio I wanted to get some more of that chicken, but the chicken place is closed on Monday. So I had to settle for pork curry cooked myself- washed down with loads of Super Bock as standard.

Day 10 and 11- More Peniche

Ahh Peniche what aplace.  After my last post I met up with Luis- it had been a while and it was good to see the guy again.

Day 10

Woke up and headed down to the Prison.  Second time I have been there as I went last time.  We walked around the place and checked out the cells which did not take that long before heading back.  Following this I decided that I would have a drive around and check the surf.  Headed down to Supertubes where there was a few waves- but fairly small.  Decided to head down the coast to check a few other spots.  Stopped at Consolacao point (see below).  Take off looked okay but afterwards the wave just fattened out quite quickly and didn't really see anyone catching much out there.  There was a shallow left with a bodyboarder on it, but looked too shallow.

I carried on towards Area Branca checking a few non surfing beaches on the way.  When I got there it looked awesome with overhead barrel sections, however with the wound I just did not fancy it as it seemed like a lot of duckdiving and I was trying to keep the damn thing dry.  Instead I headed back to supertubes.

I got a couple of short waves at Supertubes without getting too wet (only a couple of duckdives), before heading back home.  Ended up having quite a lot of beer.  We cruised round a few bars in town for what was a fairly lively Saturday.

Day 11- No surf but visit to Obidos

Less happened this morning as woke up really late.  Headed over towards the north of the town penninsula with the Austrian girl to check some of the rocks and the lighthouse there. Also grabbed one of the local cakes which was pretty good.  Checked a couple of spots, but Supertubes was as good as flat and the northern breaks around Baleal where a bit messy.

Given lack of surf we headed to Obidos and wandered round the town.  There was some castle walls with no railing and a few nice views across the land.  It was a bit touristy but I guess that was expected.  There was also this local liquor which you can try- was not too bad- as well as a nice chocolate pastel de nata.

In the evening had a few beers- less than Sat- night and went to one of the bars, where I chatted football with the bartender guy, before calling it a night

Day 9- No surf day around Peniche

Had some awesome chicken and chiips last night followed by loads of beer with the Austrian and the Dutch.

Woke up v late this morning- at 11.  Got some brekkie in before heading out on the longboard with the Austrian girl.  We cruised a bit around the industrial area near the harbour.  Longboarding was really fun once I picked it up- quite smooth.

I debated going surfing but decided it was best not to- the waterproof plaster the Dutch guy gave me was not quite as covering as I expected.  So I headed out on the Longboard again.  In the town I met the guy from the other hostel who I had a beer with.  he was heading towards the old prison for a smoke so i joined him.  We sat on the rocks overlooking Supertubes in the distance and chatted for a bit.  Afterwards he headed back into town whie I admired the old fishing village.

Hungry I grabbed some sugary treats at the bakery (not wise)- before more longboarding this afternoon on my own.  Now just having some beers- might catch some of the Portugal Sweden game.

Day 8- Blood but no barrel

After my last post last night I has a long chat with a Dutch guy staying here and a beer with the guy who runs the hostel which I stayed in last time.

This morning I woke up and grabbed some brekkie and loaded up the car.  Headed to the surfshop along the penninsula to check out how much I could get for my board if I was to sell it.  They said it would be around 75 euros which is what I paid for it in England.  However they had a Pukas Pseudo Mix 6'0- I love this model of board from last San Sebastian.  A 6'0 would be a step down but Im really considering trading plus cash for this board- still.  I also noticed that my board had a ding letting in water which I missed.

After the surf shop I checked a sheltered break opposite but it was not doing much- a few guys out but avro.  So I headed back to supertubos.  Fixed my ding and then jumped in.  Got some nice waves avoinding the crowded main peak but all quite small.

I got out, had a snooze in the car then a mint tea.  I saw the Dutch guy in the car park suited up and was going to head in for my next session anyway so good timing.  We paddled out- got a few waves.  This right came through (again not the main peak).  It was nice and long and I caught it to the inside before bang- board smashed me right above the eye.  I touched the impact point and there was a bit of blood.  Checked woth some locals and they informed me I was indeed bleeding.  They told me to go to the bar to get some stuff- so I did got cotton wool and Iodine.  Went to the car to check it out in the mirror (got a pic as below) before applying the iodine.  After this I got changed.

Didn't go back in- instead had a burger at the bar and watched the waves go off.  In some ways I was lucky though.  I left soon after but was later informed a load of cars near where mine was had been broken into- including the Dutch guy's.  He lost his wallet and jacket amongst other things.

I headed to the supermarket and chemist, after crusing the Peniche peninsula.  Got some disinfectant and waterproof plasters (I have spent loads in pharmacies this trip). Now with beer at hostel- debtaing whether to stay in Peniche for a few days, but a new board or head to Lisbon via Sintra.