EC-Rider Travels

Apparently more rain fell last night than anyone has ever seen before at the house, so there was a certain amount of concern as to how we might get out fearing everything would be flooded and the sand road washed away. But, amazingly it was not and Analida and I bid a very sad farewell to all the lovely staff and indeed Paradise. Analida had told me about various guests who had cried when they left and I thought ‘how ridiculous!’, so it was quite a surprise when I found tears rolling down my cheeks when saying good bye to Sergio the house manager! It really is the most magical place, the likes of which I have certainly never experienced before and will feel truly blessed if I ever do again.

Eduardo insisted on accompanying us on the boat across to Camamu fearing it might be quite choppy. But the water was pretty calm and it was an easy (if slightly wet), journey. Cassio was awaiting us, however unfortunately his son had been caught reading comics at school so he had been summoned to speak to the teacher… Analida remembered and reminded Cassio that he did exactly the same when he was a little boy! Fortunately Cassio’s cousin was available to drive us. More tears saying goodbye to Eduardo – he is just the most heavenly man and I loved spending time with him even though we shared very few words of the same language.

Two hours to the huge airport of Ilheus (not quite Heathrow), an hour and a half flight to Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais, an hour and a half wait and then a second plane (one hour) to Rio. All very easy and getting to love the 60+ priority queue…still no one has questioned us 😳

Back in Rio early evening, after ten hours travelling, and it felt a bit like coming home. Analida’s beautiful apartment was immaculate and the wonderful Nina had made us supper which was a lovely surprise.