Getting to the furthest point

After dinner with the International Hostess, TSH and Diva made a rare after-dinner visit to the bar for whisky and port. The barman took the microphone and hammed up ‘Delilah’ in a unique way that made Tom Jones sound restrained.

Silver Whisper sailed past Manaus, providing a sight of a large populated area along the waterside, with a lot of industry as well as a city centre. This area has the first bridge across the Amazon, which is so important to road communications (most people use the river) that Silver Whisper had tugs as well as a special pilot to prevent any collision. Words from the captain suggested he was more than a  little insulted. The bridge is mostly conventional, with a beautiful suspension section in the middle. It seems to carry very little traffic.

The afternoon tour was to an area (Anavilhanas, and Acajatuba Village) which is nationally protected. The village was much more authentic than experienced a couple of days ago. The ‘see the pink dolphins’ experience was OK and some people swam with them but the sightings were no better than already experienced. For the first time ever, Diva saw a rainbow in the water other than in waterfalls. No unusual animals were sighted, in spite of the guide talking about anaconda, cayman and jaguar. Ancondas have been found under beds in the rainy season, whilst caymon and jaguar have an appetite for pet dogs.  A very large beetle was seen but an Australian said it was very small by Australian standards.   After being told not to stand under the Brazil nut tree because of the damage falling Brazil nuts can do, the guide had everyone stand in the shade under the tree whilst he delivered his talk. (see earlier reference to size of Brazil nut shells to appreciate potential danger) Diva kept a sharp eye out for jaguar but the most scary part was scrambling on and off the small boat. Getting back onto Silver Whisper for cold towels and Prosecco was the best bit.

The overall impression of the Amazon is the sheer scale of it. Hundreds of miles from the ocean and there are still places where the water stretches as far as the eye can see. Very little habitation, lots of forest and communication restricted to the water. If Brazil is experiencing an economic boom, it is not happening in this area, with the possible exception of Manaus. The biodiversity of the region is not accessible on this type of holiday – presumably you need jungle treks (and not the kind offered by Silversea) and expert guides. The only disappointing aspect of the cruise itself is the lecturer, who was yesterday talking about the Falkland Islands. TSH and Diva think that there should have been a specialist such as a zoologist to talk about this  special area so that everyone could get the most out of it.

On board: 15:55. Sail away 16:00. Essential to get back under the bridge to Manaus in daylight.

The fingernails were looking worse every time DEET was applied so eventually Diva paid the money to have the shellac removed.  The spa was lovely and the foot bath (bronze, with all kind of taps and jets) was amazing and worthy of being in pride of place in any home.