In Brazil? Visit Florianópolis!

436.5 km², two lagoons, over 40 beaches plus sand dunes to explore. This is Florianópolis: an island located only 50 minutes by flight from São Paulo and the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina.  It is the hot spot in South of Brazil for those that enjoy adventure, gastronomy and water sports.

All started centuries ago where nowadays the downtown of Florianópolis is. There you find the historical center, which you can explore in a couple of hours. The highlights are the Cathedral, the main plaza: XV of November where you find some monuments like the one in honor for those men that gave their lifes in the Great Paraguay War (1864-1870) and the amazing Figtree that is over 100 years old. Right next to the main Plaza is the Museum of History, this building was the former residence and office of the Governador of Santa Catarina. 
The exploration continues along the first pedestrian street of the city: Felipe Schmidt to observe the local arquitecture, commerce and people. After two blocks turn left and you reach the Customs House that nowadays houses the artisans.  Then just some feet away is the Market (Mercado Público), one section is the Fish market and the 2nd is local businesses.  In the center hall you find the local gastronomy. Take some time here to sit down and to enjoy the atmosphere, have a local brewed bier from the nearby town of Santo Amaro da Imperatriz. The small pub "Vai quem que" has a good selection of those artesanal beers. There is also another local bar, which is a classical to taste seafood and have local drinks, called Box 32. 
The next stop should be at the view point just by the "Parque da Luz"  of the Hercilio Luz Bridge, the first bridge to link in 1926 the Island to the mainland. A symbol of progress, innovation, union and also of resistance.  It is under renovation and shall be operating again by the end of this year after decades of restauration.
Driving along the North Bay, on the left you have the view of the sea and on the right the parade of high risers, exclusive hotels, restaurants, condos and a shopping mall. In approximately 20 minutes drive to the east side of the Island you reach Lagoa da Conceição, my favorite spot os the Island. The panoramic view point on the Lagoa Hill offers you the best vantage point to see the neighborhood of Lagoa, the lagoon itself, the dunes and in the horizon the Atlantic Ocean. 
The lagoon  offers a great variety of sports: kitsurf, paddle board, kayaking or just relaxing under the shade of a tree with your friends and family.
A few minutes away are two of the most espetacular beaches for surfing: Joaquina and Mole beach.  If you choose Joaquina Beach you have the option to practise Sandboard and then you go for a swim  to Joaquina to get rid of all the sand!
Before getting ready for a nightclub,  have dinner at one of the restaurants along the Rendeiras Avenue, the specialliaty is seafood.
If you like a calmer sea, you have the option to proceed to the northern part of the Island.  There you have options like Daniela,  Forte andJurere International beaches. They are ideal for swimming or just relaxing and basking in the sun. The neighborhood Jurerê International has lounge bars along the beach and an open shopping. There is also the Nightclub called P12 which is on of the most exclusive clubs on the Island.
Before leaving the Island, you should have a "caiprinha" at the bar Armazém Vieira which produces it's  own cane sugar rum. In the back of the bar are some barrels of "cachaça" where the aging process happens. Take a bottle with you, it is a great gift!

Pictures by Iria Sponholz 

Model: Patricia Kreutz 

Up in the air: Juneau, Alaska

The visibility is amazing. It is a white magic world under us with blue crevasses breaking the infinity of the white of the Juneau Ice field. The helicopter ride takes you up to the dogsledding camp, where another adventure awaits you.
As soon as the helicopter lands and you step on this frozen world, you hear all the excitement of the dogs crazy to take you for a ride.
I feel in my face the ice flakes, the dogs are digging in the ice and it ends up on those in the front of the Sled.  It just adds to the adventure.At the end you can even play with young puppies before going back. But wait there are more options.

Walking or hiking on the ice field? Either  option also includes an helicopter flight up to the ice field. At the base, safery instructions and equipment are provided. Then it is up to the air, to enjoy the views of the frozen world.   Once   the helicopter lands at the ice field, the exploration starts. Following a guide who  will give you details of this unique environment, formation and hidden dangers in the surface to be observed.  There is even an opportunity on the hike to experience to climb a small mountain.

Another adventure not to be missed is to take the flight to the Taku lodge. Actually, in my opinion,  this is the best combination to include the most if you have only one day in Juneau. You will have the best of three activities in one: an amazing  flightseeing  in a floatplane  designed  for 10 people maximum and all with window seats; view of the Taku Glacier and a feast of wild king salmon.
The flight is over the Taku Glacier that is actually one of the few glaciers advancing, growing, is remarkable.  It is so much beauty to be taken in while the pilot narrates what you are observing from your private window view.
The landing is on the Taku River and from there is just a few yards to the lodge where all is set for the salmon feast. The salmon is on the grill being prepared which gives a bit of time to explore the surroundings of the lodge.
As soon as the Salmon is ready, all tourist are invited to enter the lodge for lunch. There is a fireplace and some mobilia from the first owners. Once all are served, it is a buffet style and seated, one of the guides will tell the story of the lodge and their owners. Quite amazing.
After lunch there is time for a walk on the property at one of the trails and if you are there in July, there is an opportunity to pick your own berries during the trail. Just keep in mind to leave some to the black bears. Sometimes they pop out of the bushes!
After the walk, there is a bit of free time to enjoy at leisure or to take a look at the souvenir shop.
Then is time to flight back to the town of Juneau.  Before the ship leaves, there is some time to explore the shops that are all in walking distance from the pier.
In sum, Juneau, is an unique capital city remarkable and so remote that you can only acess it by boat or plane. The roads lead to nowhere, it is a landlocked city but one of the most popular port cities in Alaska.  Time to explore it: up in the air