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After the most ridiculous journey - just the three flights zipping all over Brasil we arrived in Manus.Expecting the rainforest we were shocked to be checking into the largest luxury hotel in South America, complete with its own zoo and shopping mall.
The next day we checked onto an amazing boat - literally a floating hotel!Loving the parents being with me!!
The trip down the Negro River tributary of the Amazon was wonderful.Initially we were concerned boredom would set in as the boat was full of wrinklies - little did we know they're all crazy!!Our first day involved a trek through the jungle, the vines and trees were spectacular and I was obviously seriously excited to see a tortoise!Unfortunately a couple of the wrinklies were a little over excited too - two collapses in one trek - ops!Actually began to have quite a lot of fun helping them climb through the jungle.The trek was pretty interesting with the guides explaining how the jungle worked, different tree and plant uses and showing us how a type of wax found in the jungle can be used as a lantern.In the afternoon we headed off on a boat trip and saw parrots and a toucan.The way toucans fly is hilarious as they lose height very quickly, one trying to cross the rather wide amazon - quality - nearly got a soaking!
On day two we took another trek and saw how when hunting indigenous Amazonians can use ants to cover their smell.The guide placed his hand on the tree and within seconds was swarmed by small ants, although suffering several bites he certainly acquired a different smell!After the hike we took a boat ride to an area where you can see the pink dolphins of the Amazon.Everyone got to feed them and Paul and I were lucky enough to get in the water with them.Although I had fun Paul loved it as several dolphins surrounded him and wouldn't let him get out.Unfortunately Mum stopped carrying spare clothes for the kids a few years ago so the trip back to the boat was rather damp!The afternoon saw another boat ride with a sensational sun set - you'll be so proud of my artistic reflection photos.In the evening we got to party with the ship band - as the only English on the boat we felt it our duty to lead the party - so Dad did start a Conga - the wrinklies were in heaven!
On the final day we visited an indigenous village and then went piranha fishing!Definitely my favourite experience of the Amazon.Paul had it all under control landing a mere 11 in the short trip!I however… well!!Dad was kept busy rebaiting mine and Mum's line as we successfully managed to feed the piranhas for quite some time without catching them!Then when I did land one, I got slightly over excited and scared everyone in the boat!Second time actually hit Mum with the piranha on the end of my line.Best moment was when one fell off the hook into the boat and Mum jumped so fast onto the seat she nearly fell in, luckily Dad was there to the rescue.Unfortunately for Dad after helping us for so long his little fishing time didn't yield a landing - so we get to be mean about his failings for the rest of the trip.The evening entertainment was a native Indian dance group which although involved an odd gorilla and two random dancing bulls was very good.We even got some random excitement as the owner of the ship flew in - funny how much cleaning had been going on all day!
Before flying to Rio we took a tour of Manus and saw the beautiful opera house with various marble and wood from around the world.Safe to say the best bit was a race across the wooden floor wearing funny slippers - oh the maturity of Paul and I!Mum even left a credit card in the safe so we had a quick detour to the boat - loving the family fun!
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