Feliiz Ano Novo! HAPPY 2010! And what a night it was. I have to say without a doubt that this most definitely topped my list of New Year Parties. After spending a few more glorious days on the island of Boipeba we gathered our things together and made our way on Old Years day ( 31st Dec ) to Barra Grande. The trip was long! Usually you can just go by boat from one island to the other but there was some wierd full moon tide thing and well, we were lucky to even make our way off the island. There were sand banks everywhere and the boats had to carefully navigate their way through the mangroves. It was a little touch and go at time and once again as with flying or driving on a bus I realised that my life was in the hands of another. On the way to the island me passed all these party boats, people dressed in bright colours, boats decorated in different themes and colours all sailing together. Already the mood for a glorious night was been set.

Eventually we arrived on the island of Barra Grande. Barra Grande compared to Boipeba is way busier, with bars , shops and resturants on every stretch. Its got a cool vibe and kinda reminded me of Thailand a little , obviously without 10 people loaded onto one scooter and asian folk. We began our preperation for the party of the year : BEACH BALL.

Beach ball is not cheap. At R$550 ( more the ZAR 2000 ) a ticket , I had huge expectations! We took a walk along the beach, the full moon as our guide , from where we were staying and arrived at the entrance. It was on the beach over a little bridge and situated on a coconut farm. Palm trees were lit up with green lights , white tents, with white cushions and couches scattered everywhere. The Djs were amazing. I think Mau Mau was my favourite. They kept it pretty commercial but there were alot of funky house tracks that I hadnt heard in ages and everyone was just so into the party. In Brazil its traditional to dress in white as a symbol of purity for the New Year. It was an open bar , which overflowed with champainge , vodka , redbull ,beer and whiskey. With the party been so pricey it kept alot of people at bay. It was really nice in that way. It wasnt overcrowded ,the people were beautiful and there were no lines! I loved that I didnt have to que to get in, at the bar or at the toilets. When 2010 came there was a beautiful fireworks display and you just felt special- like WOW this is it! The next morning everyone went down to the beach to watch the sunrise. Everyone sat their friends and partners, laughing and chatting watching the dawn of a new year. The sun broke through the clouds and everyone started cheering. Felipe and I took a walk back along the beach, went for a swim in the sea and hit the sack. New Years day was spent sitting on the beach at a little beach bar, drinking beer and reflecting on 2010. Perfect!

What a memorable New Year! I wish everyone a Happy 2010, I am excited for this year especially for the Soccer World Cup. I hope that it brings many good things to our country and to you my friends I wish you happiness, health and great success for the New Year!

xoxo