Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Afternoon,
Last night we ate dinner in the revolving restaurant of the Taj Continental Hotel in celebration of surviving the rainforest. From above Manuas we could see the pharmacy where we had bought cream and pills to treat Victoria's 200 plus bites from the world's deadliest creature.. FRIDAYAn early start saw us take a car to Manaus port and jump in a small speedboat to cross over the meeting of the waters. As the Rio Negro runs alongside the Amazon you can see the physical difference in colour and speed of the waters; putting your hand in, you can also feel the temperature drop in the amazon. As our group marveled at this natural phenomenon, Victoria profoundly pointed out that it resembled a B52 shot.  After traveling by road southbound to Lake Juma, we hopped into a flat-bottomed canoe and headed towards the lodge. As the water level is so high at this time of year, boats can travel into areas away from the main lakes, known as Igapos. The waters are almost completely carpeted by grass, leaves and waterlillies.  Once we had settled into the Ararinha lodge, we soon headed out for Piranha fishing. The long excursions away from the camp allowed us time to get to know our group: MARCELO: Our English speaking guide; often saying the bare minimum so we did lot of blank staring into trees. Got very enthusiastic about booze and could find places that old it in the middle of the Amazon. Also knocked us up 'scrabbly eggs' for lunch because we didn't fancy piranha. OC: Native guide. Steered quietly from the back of the canoe. Helpfully macheteed branches after we had passed through them, spilling spiders and stick insects into our laps. The engine would often cut out, causing Marcelo to sulk. We were left drifting in the water discussing beers of the world, American TV and our cravings for Angel Delight and crumpets.  WILLIAM: Polite, self-depreciating Belgian tropical spider expert. Curious interest in beastiality. Looked like the type of bloke in jungle films who always gets eaten by the Alligator first. The lovliest potential axe murderer you could ever meet. IAN AND DANIELLA: Ian was a middle-aged Aussie; looked like Crocodile Dundee with a ponytail. Daniella was his Swiss partner. Both could often be found perfoming yoga and meditating at the lodge whilst we drank coke and moaned about the lack of air conditioning. They found out early on that the middle seats in the canoe was where the constant bailing out would need to be done from?we had these seats. BRENT: Laid back teacher from San Francisco; often seen sleeping or reading in the back of the boat. Nice chap. It's pronounced 'MickDonald's' by the way!   As we dangled our meat over the side of the canoe the piranhas kept nibbling but wouldn't take the hook. Ian and Daniella managed 20 between them; we caught sod-all, except my finger and the back of my shirt.  SATURDAY:In the morning we took a long walk in a raised area of the jungle. We didn't see much wildlife, except a tarantula that we poked with a stick (like you do); tried plenty of medicinal plants though and ate firefly grubs that had grown inside brazil nuts. In the evening, Marcelo led us to a native house that was little more than a half-finished B&Q shed on stilts, surrounded by chickens and dogs. The owner welcomed the group and helped us string up eight hammocks and mosquito nets, whilst we played with his young daughters who were fascinated by our camera and my watch. Marcelo mixed up some lethally strong drinks and we sat under the stars singing the Beach Boys and Elvis. After a rustic chicken dinner (KFC was shut) we headed upstream to a bizarre party that the locals were holding and drunkenly returned for our night in the native house.  SUNDAY:In the morning we headed went canoeing and managed to spot sloths, dolphins, and monkeys. By now everyone was referring to Victoria as 'The Princess' as she demanded which animals she wanted to see and was getting special 'scrambly eggs' made by Marcelo. By now the mosquitos were getting a bit much aswell. Crocodile hunting was the evening's fun as we headed out around the lodge, finally catching a four-month old in the waters that were lit up by fluorescent frogs.  MONDAY:Saw a stick insect. Went home.   Loads of photos for you all to look at. Enjoy.  'Scrambly eggs!` Victoria and Tom xxx   Â
- comments