Ilhabela

Today’s stop is another quaint little spot. On an island just off the mainland. It’s a tender trip to the jetty and then we are off for a walk along the waterfront. There are many, many boats moored along here and Philip is in his element checking them all out. Also along the way are bars and restaurants all setting up for Carnival parades and music venues. Boats are moored just offshore just waiting for the party to begin later tonight. It will be a very busy noisy waterfront tonight. But a very beautiful setting. We stopped at a bar/restaurant for a drink and stayed for lunch. Had a swim and wandered back towards the ship. I’m sure Philip has sore eyes since we have been in Brazil. There are many “bathing beauties” along the waterfront. It seems that the bigger the lady the smaller the bikini, or they only make bikinis one size and everyone wears that size. Very few women here wear a full piece bathing suit, bikinis are the go. All the women, young and old, are proud of their bodies and happy to show them off.(P:- Considerate of Judith to point this out now as we are leaving port!! I really never noticed!!)

We end the first half of our cruise tomorrow so there will be a change in some of the crew. Some leaving and others just changing areas they work. We have met some lovely crew members and look forward to meeting more during the next couple of weeks. Here is some info about some of our crew.

* Gred, Dining Room Host. From Indonesia. Always on for a good chat during dinner. ( P:- If I don’t have Judith’s arm as we go to dinner he takes her by the arm and escorts her to the table)

* Paizul, Dining Room Server doing his 16th contract with HAL. From Lombok. Most contracts are 8-9 months long. He has paid for both his daughters to go through University. Lives in a village of about 80 people. (P:-I trained Paizul early in the cruise that “Grande” = double meat serving and what “ice cream o’clock” is and “ice cream o’clock “ must accompany every dessert)

* Arturo, Drinks Waiter doing his 6th contract. Has a wife and two young sons at home. (P:- had to train Arturo how to make a decent Lemon Lime and Bitters and an Affagato, neither are well known drinks on board and if available made incorrectly!)

* Betty (Yvette) Pinnacle Grill Waitress has a very bubbly personality and comes into dining room each night to say hello to us. She is married and has a 3 1/2 year old son at home being looked after by his dad and grandparents. She is working to give him an education. (P:- Yvette is a real sweety and goes out of her way to have a chat every evening.)

* Yorg, waiter doing his 3rd contract. Always greets us in the morning in the Lido restaurant as well as serves us in the dining room in the evening.

(P:- today’s observations

-Brazilian people in general are very friendly and have great complexions and smiles

– Seafood has been delicious and well prepared and a “must do” lunch stop whilst ashore

– To date weather has been fantastic, warm , humid and rain has stayed away whilst we are ashore and we are treated to “ nature’s fireworks” most evenings as we sail off into the tropical evenings

– Fabric is in very short supply (well it must be rationed for bathing suits anyways!!!)