Floripa

Since setting off two months ago we have crossed the continent from the Pacific Ocean in Lima to the Brazilian Atlantic Coast. It's seen us gain 13 passport stamps (and nearly lose them), pick up some useful Spanish and a little less Portugese!

...Our search for the sun took us to Florianopolis and the Isle de Santa Catarina. Floripa as it's known to locals has been ranked the best place to live in Brazil, and it's very easy to see why! The north of the island is a second home for many of Rio and Sao Paulo's richest residents (think The Hamptons of Brazil). Fortunately a bit further south the price is a bit more affordable, 20 reals (£7) a night with the beach right on the door step.

Floripa is home to some of Brazils best beaches and the 50km long island is home to over 40, plus two laguna's. Floripa is also home to some of the best surf in the world and hosts the surfing world championships.

So where better to learn a new trade.... The hostel we stayed at had plenty of free surf boards to use, but after a few failed attempts it was definitely time for a lesson.

A real adrenaline rush to ride the waves, that leaves you wanting one more every time. Plenty of practice had us prepared for Oz's gold coast next year but still with plenty to learn!!

We stayed in a small village called Barra de Lagoa which is home to local fisherman and visited by people looking for endless beaches and surf.

We booked for two nights and stayed for two weeks! Florianopolis for us was our two week holiday.... Two weeks without overnight buses, immigration, or hauling 15kg rucksacks around. In true holiday fashion we spent a fair amount of time on the beach, in the sea, and sipping beer from litre sized bottles. On the more energetic side we did a few hikes along the island (but visited only a handful of the beaches on offer), toured the laguna, took out a paddle boat and canoes, and of course tried our luck on the waves.

Two weeks flew by and we decided to see our visit out with a trip up to the huge music park in the north of the island to see Ben Harper. A great gig in an awesome venue which turns into one of Brazils biggest clubs in the high season!

Florianopolis and Barra de Lagoa is a beautiful place with endless stretches of unspoilt and deserted beaches which I'm sure we will return to one day. We met some great people, made some good friends, and found it very difficult to leave. Alas all good things must come to an end and we had to pack up our bags find our passports and make for the bus terminal to head south.... for Uruguay.