After a day of rest on January 1st, 6 French, 2 Brazilians, 1 Belgian, and 1 American set off to an island that has made it’s way into my top 3 places on the planet (interchangeable with Isola Elba and Le Cinque Terre, both located in the lovely country of Italy).  I’m not going to get into the kind of confusion that was caused by so many different languages traveling together (there was a lot), but instead just let you know that if you ever truly wanted to relax and remember what life is all about, then this is a very beautiful place to do so.

When I left Rio for the island, I had about a year’s worth of tension and stress built up in my shoulders.  My creative energies were at an all time low and inspiration was nowhere to be found.  It didn’t help that my friends who planned the trip made it clear we were going to be spending the week living in tents.  Yes, I am from the country, but having experienced far too many uncomfortable camping trips sleeping on roots, attempting to keep stuff dry in the rain, and having your campsite invaded by bears is enough to be put off of it permanently (at least in my case – I’m sure some of you live for that kind of shit).  But alas, I was determined to go see this island that I had heard so much about.

The first night we pulled into Palmas which I immediately dubbed Hippy Beach because of the many tanned kids getting their hair put into dreadlocks while chilling on the beach.  My nickname proved well for other reasons I won’t get into.

The following day was spent on a private boat exploring some seriously cool waters and beaches before leaving us at Abraão for the remainder of the week.  I was exhausted, sunburned, and waterlogged by the time we reached the Holandes International Hostel.  It must have been extremely obvious because the girl at check-in not only offered me water, but beer or caipirihnas if alcohol would be of more help.  She proved to be one awesome chick and that hostel will definitely see my face again.

As my dear friend and travel buddy, Thabata, says, “When in hell, hug the devil.”  And that we did.  This may not seem like much to most of you, but I slept in a tent for a whole week and didn’t complain.  I learned that I don’t need to wear eyeliner on a daily basis.  That the best life you can live is when you live in your bikini.  And most importantly, I got back that joie de vivre that had gotten lost in the stress of the last year.

As always, full set of photos can be viewed on flickr.