The Lake In The Middle

Nestled in the middle of an Island off the Southern Atlantic coast, resides a majestic place called Lagoa da Conceição on the Island of Florianopolis. This Brazilian getaway serves as great spot for the refugees of Sao Paulo, Rio De Janerio and a variety of major cities. With an easily accessible airport and modern highway system, the island hosts the rich and famous of this exotic country with a price tag well below anything you could imagine.

Although the hundreds of miles of pristine beaches and world class surf spots draw the main bulk of internal visitors, the jewel of the island is Lagoa da Conceição.

The mid-island lake is surrounded by a series of granite and sand dunes hills just on the eastern edge of the Atlantic Ocean. With weekend arts and crafts fairs and a multitude of international eateries, a seasoned traveler can enjoy a vacation of vacations without the need to mortgage the next year.

A trip from the airport by taxi costs less than $15 US. Hotels or pousada stays range from $15 to $50 US a night and can be hostel-like or luxurious.

The food offerings include Thai, Sushi, Arabian, all sorts of seafood, pizza and the standards. Hint: the Brazilians haven't figured out the Mexican fare.

One little nugget to consider is the boat experience. This internal lake has a service called Copper BARCO. Even during the low season (March - November), the water taxi leaves three times an hour for a trip around the perimeter of the lake. For less than $4 US, this hour long cruise makes some 19 stops at bus-like stations to pick up and drop off. A variety of restaurants serving the freshest of seafood dots the edge and pander to the tourists.

For the sport enthusiasts, surfing still commands the throne here with an abundance of world class breaks and a dedicated team of teachers for those who need. On the horizon - literally - blooms an upcoming competitor. Kite surfing has gotten a toe hold on the lake. When the wind blows and the sun shines, a spectator could see every hue imaginable in the way of square-cut parachutes toting around new and experienced kite surfers.

Every weekend rain or shine, an arts and crafts fair takes hold in the center of town. Shoppers can browse through a variety of hippie-inspired wares that understate creativity, warmth and originality.

In the event anyone considers coming, touch base with Clovis Bracaioli, a seasoned accommodations expert. Clovis can be reached by an international traveler at: www.garapuvu.com

For those travelling from Brazil, the another porthole can be used at: www.garapuvu.com.br

This jewel is bound to be discovered by the international masses soon enough.

Don't be left out.