Heading east to the coast, Paraty awaits. It is known as the Emerald coast and easy to see why as we descend through the clouds amongst lush green jungle, with hundreds of islands just revealing themselves through the mist. It is hot and humid, but with torrential downpours arriving at a moments notice. Negotiating switchback after switchback we finally arrive at the campsite, which has been flooded and is drying out.
Paraty was built around the 1600's and in the 1800's the city made its mark when gold was found and it began to prosper. African slaves built the cobblestone roads, still seen today to transport the gold to the harbour and which are protected with a no drive zone. It is a step back in time as countless colonial houses are preserved and infact many being refurbished. In short it's maintained it's charm and is a tropical paradise. For almost 100 years Paraty was forgotten after being isolated from the trade routes of the country. This was the main factor in the preservation of its buildings, streets, culture and traditions. A beautiful area surrounded by numerous beaches, islands,waterfalls and trails we are here for three days to relax and explore.
Up at 0600 Geoff and I are on the beach heading into town to catch the sunrise and have a wander. Infact later on we stroll around the cobble streets exploring the quaint shops, hidden courtyards and coffee houses. A tiring day mainly due to the heat we head the three miles back to camp.
The following day the group go island hopping on a cruise with music, dancing, snorkelling and lots of other activities. Myself, I take the opportunity to cruise the islands on a dive boat and head off on my own for a couple of dives which was a very relaxing day out, and of course any opportunity to get wet.
In all Paraty was a little gem en route to Rio de Janeiro.
Christ the Redeemer is waiting for me !
Chau
Tony x
1. Coming down through the cloud forests
2. Paraty, river inlet, early one morning
3. Sunrise
4. Paraty
5. Ditto
6. Ditto
7. Ditto
8. Marmasout monkey inhabiting one of the many courtyards
9. All aboard the dive boat passing one of the many beautiful islands
10. Dive boat from the water
11. Fugly
12. Coming out of a tunnel
13. Farewell Paraty.
'Jonner's' posting - having unashamedly hacked into Judith's account. Tee Hee.
ReplyDeleteTony,
Have to say we are following your blogs and photo's with dropped jaws and undisguised envy.
Speaking as a newly qualified diver who's greatest joy now is to (in the phraseology of PADI) 'go down', I have to mention that you appear to be wearing an 'XL' BCD. Is this because you have been enjoying too many Brazilian sausages?
Lots of love from J and me.
Jonners