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This parrot says "HI" from Brazil. There is no way anyone can imagine the size of this river without being here. We traveled about 1,000 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to Manaus. Then if you look at a map and see how much longer it is and all its tributaries, it is amazing. More amazing is that is rises over 20 feet at the height of the rainy season.
Manaus, itself is not too exciting. It heyday was during the rubber boom in the late 1800's. It is a city of around one and one-half million. Lots of industry now. Of course it is a central location for river communities and river traffic. There are many people ferries to many locations on the river.
We spent two night at the Tiwa Amazona Ecoresort on the bank of the river. It was very nice with a refreshing swimming pool and comfortable cabins. We hiked the rain forrest, fished for piranha and the guides caught little cayman [aligators] in the backwaters of the river and visited a rubber museum. A natural out doors museum. The food was very good and we always had the quest pictured above.
I can't say the people were very engaging, the town is new to tourism. There is quite a bit of petty crime there. They are trying to clean it up because the World Cup is coming to Brazil in 2014 and some of the games will be played here.
Other than the grandness of the river I can't say it was a truly exciting port.
Will get back to you after the next port in Ghana in about 10 days.
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