23:00.31S  044:18.08W

24^th March 2011

Praia de Longa

We woke early and took the rubber duck over to the little beach. We had no sooner landed and started walking when a young couple greeted us in Portuguese. We responded and then they switched to English when they heard our Portuguese. Their English isn’t perfect but better than our Portuguese.

They introduced themselves as Eric and Eileen and asked if we had been to the waterfall on the island. They offered to take us. We followed them to their home and just past it into the jungle and there was a small waterfall with a natural pool. Eileen wasted no time jumping in and encouraged us to do the same. The water was cool and clear. Beautiful.

We spent some time there and they told us about South Africans who owned a restaurant and home on the next beach. They said they would introduce us. So we all boarded Rat catcher and set off. Leon, Nicci and the girls had not left yet and decided to come with us. They followed us in Isa.

Eric explained he had been born and grew up there and his family lived near to the South African’s.

At Praia Vermelha, Jo and Sarie spotted our flag from their home and waving wildly indicated we were to go over to them.  A super couple, they visited their cousin there 5 years ago; fell in love with the place; bought the ground before they left and started building. They have a beautiful home with views of the beach and bay to die for.

After a quick beer and chat we took Eric and Eileen back to Praia de Longa and set off for Angra where we had an appointment with the fire system technician at 0730 this morning.

Eric and Eileen in front of their home.

Views from Jo and Sarie’s home.

Jo and Sarie

Jo and Sarie’s beautiful home.