Who do we meet, but the Argentian cretins themselves, adorned with tank tops, tattoos, and suspicious linen trousers. Escorted to a party on the beach, Rose and I sweat like no tomorrow and attempt to mirror some sexy salsa moves. And fail. A desperate escape back to the hostel after STI kid goes in for the kill leads us to cake and Haribo worms for breakfast. Delish. A lazy day on the beach is followed by an evening on fleeing from the merry men of the South, who we run into on no fewer than four occasions. What are the odds? We take a hike up to Lopes Mendes beach which was GORGEOUS, and subsequently burn. To compensate we eat an entire packet of pasta between us and brave the town once more, becoming acquainted with the likes of Andre and Felipe, who, although a tad less IN YOUR FACE, still come on a little too strong for the English bred young ladies. We scarper once more. The clock strikes twelve, and O F Cobb turns 19, sipping on a passion fruit caiparihna and overlooking the Brazillian sea on the peer. Not. too. shabby.
Leaving Ilha Grande was sad but we were ready for the next stage ´Floripa!`We started our journey back to Rio with not too many delays on the way. It was such a relief to be back in Leblon and after a sweaty morning of travelling we were so ready for a shower and some Judi love. However, the porter did not have Judi`s key, by this stage Ocs and I were on our last legs and ready to collapse. An exceptionally nice man from the apartment above Judi offered us to stay in his house for a while as we waited for Judi`s return. Ocs and I leapt to our feet as we were led to this extremely smart apartment overlooking Rio`s most spectacular views, he gave us his fruit bowl in which we completely indulged ourselves. The first major breakthrough of Tats` birthday!  Judi got back and treated us to the most amazing Thai takeaway and we slumped in front of Argo- a great finish to Occys birthday, we´d had enough Caiparihnas to last us a lifetime and now were ready for a Coke and bed at Judis for what was to be our last leg of luxury in South America.