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<\/a><\/p>\nAnother view shows the first stopping point on the left as you take the gondola up.\u00a0 Goodbye to Rio!<\/p>\n
Our first stop of the cruise was an island called Ilha Grande, not too far from Rio.\u00a0 Unfortunately it was lightly raining and very overcast, to the point the clouds were only about a hundred feet above sea level.\u00a0 I had planned a water taxi ride and a short hike to a beach, but we decided against it based on the weather.<\/p>\n The island was closed to visitors for nearly a century as it was used a cholera quarantine for immigrants, as well as a maximum security prison for Brazil’s worst prisoners.\u00a0 The prison was closed in 1994, and the island was never subjected to development as it was declared an important environmental protection area.<\/p>\n We took a walk around the little town of Vila do Abraao, which is filled with little stores selling all kinds of mostly cheap tourist junk.\u00a0 Picture Ensenada and you get the jist.\u00a0 They even had electricians just like they do in Mexico!<\/p>\n There were plenty of flowers along the streets, so maybe a little nicer than Ensenada?\u00a0 This is called a Golden Shrimp Plant!\u00a0 They were everywhere.<\/p>\n Several small streams meander through the little town on their way to the beach.<\/p>\n I’m sure in better weather the beaches are packed.\u00a0 There were plenty of tourists on the island that weren’t from our ship, as this is a very popular spot.<\/p>\n Despite putting a damper on the day, the weather did make for some interesting photos.<\/p>\n This palm tree was absolutely covered with Black Vultures!<\/p>\n Here is one on the ground trying to dry off his wings.\u00a0 Quite the wingspan!<\/p>\n A shot of our ship lying at anchor before we head back onboard.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n