Between the Islands of Bom Jesus and Frade, Brazil:

Now we are talking! This is where we really start to appreciate Brazil. You might be thinking that it’s about time... and you would be right! It’s a beautiful anchorage if you don’t look in the direction of the oil refinery. Luckily, it’s far enough to be forgotten. In other directions, there is an Island covered with trees: Frade and one with a small village: Bom Jesus. We did not stay on the first for very long because we were quickly attacked by very mean flies. We did manage to see a few monkeys before we ran off. While walking on Bom Jesus, we found the warm Brazilian hospitality again. On Easter Sunday, we stopped in a restaurant for lunch. A family was preparing a meal right next to the restaurant on a wood fire. When the meal was ready, they came over and offered us two plates; ray cooked in palm oil and coconut milk and beans. Both were delicious. We appreciated their kindness very much. Later that same day, we went to a small bar to have a beer and the owner had an Amazon (green parrot with a yellow head). Seeing has I love parrots, I went for a closer look. The son motioned to me that I could pet him but he didn’t have good intentions. I found out later that the only person who could manage it was the owner. If the son tried, the bird would try and bit him. So imagine his surprise when I lifted up my hand and the bird bowed its head so I could scratch it. When I stopped, he went to see the parrot and attempted the same thing but the bird tried to bite his finger off. He might still be trying to figure out how I did it! We drank the beer in a small park in front of the church where we could see multiple varieties of humming-birds fly from one flower to the next. There are not many provisions to be found on this Island but a visiting navigator can take a small boat over o Madre de deus Island where the petrochemical plant is and visit the fruit and vegetable market. There is also a bank, a by the kilo restaurant and a grocery store. Also, some fishermen come to the boat with fresh fish or scampi on occasion. Miam!