Pipa, Brazil

There are very few reasons why an 0345 alarm clock would be a welcome sound. However, the thought of three winter holiday weeks on the beaches of Pipa, in northern Brazil, is definitely one of them.                  That and the fact that we were flying with TAM. Virgin First Class it may not be, but when you're flying with kids, TAM have got to be the friendliest of the family friendly airlines in Latin America. By this I mean that they ignore every single safety regulation in order to keep children from sleeping. Irresponsible? Maybe. But give me a flight with kids sleeping across the aisles, and I don't mind helping lift the drinks trolley up and over their prone little sleeping bodies if it means a scream-free flight. Especially if it is my kid asleep under the chairs of Business Class.        

Brazil. What a great country. At least, what a brilliant country to go on holiday. Caribbean feel - laid back, easy going people with outstanding food, and surely the only place in the world that still drinks Skol. Skol! Who knew? Then again, they advertise it like this.  

We're staying in Pipa Park. Self catering, shared pool either filled with healthy, model-like Belgians or cute screaming Brazilian, Argentina and Peruvian kids. 

The beach is gorgeous, a 6 minute walk from our apartment, closer to 20 with kids. Picturesque cobbled streets, a strip of great bars, beachy cafes and restaurants, and ridiculously handsome surfer men that do not appear to own shirts. The beach has a beautiful little inlet where the boats are moored which breaks the waves making a great little place for toddlers sand babies to paddle and play.   

Following entry on beach football, which kicks off at 0900 sharp here and deserves an entry of its own. It's been one of my lifelong dreams to play beach football with, if not like, the locals in Brazil. Don't see that happening here: it's taken outstandingly seriously, with what appears to be a long waiting list before you're invited to the starting line up. So, the Roy of the Rovers call up will have to wait.

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So, until I'm signed up as the Scottish Neymar it'll be happy families. And Skol...