We pulled into our anchorage around 9.00 AM to see a high rise city of some 1,500,000 souls on one side and forest or jungle on the other side of the bay about two miles away.
I think that I am safe to say that I think most people are surprised or disappointed to see the size of some of our ports we have visited. This close to the Amazon. These started as small towns in the Rubber Boom Era about 100 years ago. The frontage of the city is still the original stylish classy buildings with ornate architectural features but the whole area behind appears to be high rise buildings. From two miles out it could be any North American city.
Once we landed on the the waterfront, the high rise building were so far back we never saw them again. We were ensconced in a second world feeling of tropical, semi-run-down shops and markets with all the smells from the sweet smell of fruit to the essence of fish, albeit fresh fish.
There was a presence of police everywhere, I would swear that a couple of officers followed us around as we veered off the main drag and headed into the side streets. I also sensed the staring eyes of locals looking at my small bag clutched in front, strap over my shoulder. I suppose they were wondering what treasures may be in there for them. We always felt safe, but I felt a bit out of place, not sure how the others felt.
It was a photographers paradise, I took scores of pictures and was held back a bit at the bustling markets because I knew that I was being watched, not a fearful feeling but I just did not like to be the subject of the locals.
We took in about all we could in three hours and then the heat got to us a bit. Fellette does not do well in heat and It was difficult to find a decent place to sit and get a safe drink or a bite to eat. The language barrier here is a real problem. What people we met or tried to communicate with were pleasant but there was a wall regarding communication.
We ended up at a waterfront establishment for a rice and fish banner with safe drinks. It was interesting as the street hawkers came right to the table peddling their wares. It was not obnoxious and we enjoyed our lunch more because of the atmosphere.
One interesting thing that we noticed was a Beggar came by, he had a turban-like rag on his head, bare chested, sandals, shorts, he was carrying a small basket with a sack in it.
Inside the bag he had a clean white bowl that he put in front of a couple who had just finished their meal and they scooped up their unfinished food and put it in the bowl. Then, off he went, eating as he went to some other understanding people down the road a bit.
We were advised twice by locals today to watch our bags. In Recife the other day a Canadian passenger apparently had her hand slashed by a mugger who tried to cut her shoulder strap and bungled it. She was patched up by the ship who suggested she return home and get hospital help as it was more than just a cut. Apparently other passengers were also mugged by the same deranged person.
*******
We sailed out at 8.00 PM and tomorrow we will be in the mouth of the Amazon which is 240 kilometres wide!!! The massive river dumps 7,000,000 cubic meters of fresh brown water a SECOND into the ocean. The river can rise as much as 34 feet in flood season.
An excess of pictures today...
The quaintsy village of Icoaraci, Bellem, Brazil, Located 1 degree south of the equator.
More unidentifiables.
Now I know this is salted and cured fish, or at least salted.
Vegetables, all of these identifiable.
Down to the fishing boat harbour. Note the armed officer talking to the man. Jim and Gail on left.
Hmmmmm.
Don't be repulsed but those are a type of small vulture, they eat the fish scraps.
These guns were protecting the city I suppose, at the fort. Note the Prinsendam in the background.
Cool picture, I have no idea what goes on in there.
Beautiful cathedral, and just as nice inside.
More smells.
Interesting to think about the history of that building...
Our Haute Cuisine for today. Waiting for our order. Gail looks like the only one not suffering from heat exhaustion. Back to the ship for Fellette and I after this. Gail and Jim soldiered on to do more exploring.
No comments:
Post a Comment