Floripa: Where Everything and Nothing Co-exist

Floripa - Overlooking Lagoa da Conceição and Barra Da Lagoa

The logical place for all Australians to stop off at after the Netherlands game was Florianopolis – pretty much half-way between Porto Alegre and Curitiba, where Australia played Spain in our final group match.

Even though we are returning to Florianopolis, we thought we would follow the crowds and head there for a few days before the Aussie game. Leaving it so late to book meant we were short on options, but after a recommendation we tried our luck at Backpacker Sharehouse, who are the most accommodating hostel I have stayed at yet. They only had 2 beds for one of the 3 nights we wanted but offered to throw down a mattress so we could all stay in the same place and not have to move. Legends! They also serve up cheap home-cooked meals, where there is ample ale and you eat too much, but we can’t really blame them for that.

View from our dorm room at Backpacker Sharehouse

We had heard it’s a place where you can party if that’s what floats your boat, or relax if that’s what tickles your fancy. To be honest I think we were all quite happy to relax for the majority and throw in a party or two to keep us in the festive mood.

There was a Fat Boy Slim gig organised by the Fanatics on our second night, but given it was bound to be crowded with Fanatics we decided to stay clear of that one. Instead, after catching up with some mates, watching a few games and drinking a few froths, we hit up a local Salsa Club and attempted to dance the night away. I’d have to say I wasn’t drunk enough to perform to the best of my ability, but did end up being a 4.30am night after getting back to catch the last quarter of the Hawks v Pies game.

Lagoa da Conceição and Barra Da Lagoa

The rest of the time in Floripa was spent relaxing by the water, hiking up the hill to get a view of Lagoa da Conceição and Barra Da Lagoa, and over to Praia Mole.

Priaia Mole, Lagoa da Conceição and Barra Da Lagoa

All in all, a great place to do absolutely anything and everything, or nil, naught and f_ck all!

Praia Mole