Ilha Grande, where we took a boat to after Sao Paulo, is an island located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. Literally translating to 'Big Island', Ilha Grande has been home to a leper colony, a high-security prison, and most recently a popular tourism spot. The entire island is a protected area, with largely undisturbed Brazilian rainforest and endangered species of monkeys, sloths, parrots and crocodiles. The island's one hundred and two beaches include Lopes Mendes beach, voted one of the top three most beautiful beaches in the world.
On Ilha Grande we stayed two nights in a hostel overlooking the beach. On the first day we went snorkeling in Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon).
I'll be honest - I didn't snorkel. I'm not a huge fan of fish. Okay, I hate them. I don't care how colourful they are, the thought of swimming with fish completely creeps me out. The mere thought of one brushing my leg is almost enough to induce a panic attack. But it was a beautiful lagoon, so I got into the water and had a bit of a swim around the boat.
At one point Claire told me that I should put on her goggles and go under to see the fish, just for a second.
"They're beautiful," She said. "You won't regret it"
I disagreed. Fish to me are slimy and googly; at best interesting, but not beautiful. However I felt that it was silly not to do it, seeing as we were after all meant to be here to snorkel and see the fish. After three attempts ("Okay, here goes. Now. Oh I can't! Okay, okay really, now") I put my head under the water.
I would love to say I enjoyed it. The truth is, as soon as I saw the fish swarming around me I was seized by a slight hysteria and had to return to the boat.
Nicola
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