Amazonia

Brazil [English]

• Trip road map

  
  

  Brazil:

  Finally, a longtime dream to visit Brazil had come true. The trip is about 7 weeks around Brazil. Traveling plan is to visit Rio De Janeiro to explore city life, soak up the sun on the beach and have a photo moment at the famous the giant statue (Cristo Redentor). Then I will start dissecting this country from Rio de Janeiro to South Palo to see the harsh city. Continue on to Foz do Iquacu to experience the closed-up of Iquazu falls. Then swing by Pantanel area to capture the Blue Macow that is going on to be extinct in the future. Then continue on to Compo Grande for getting a flight to Amazon area. I will be landing in Manuas, will explore the town and eating the giant big fishes. This plan includes an Amazon exploration to fondle with the giant Tarantura spider and swim with pink dolphins. Then will leave town and heading to Belem where the Amazon river meet the Atlantic Ocean. And continue with a bus ride to Salvador where the Creole culture, the great Brazilian carnival was originated. At the end I will chilled out in Rio de Janeiro again before I fly back to California. You are welcome to come along, here it comes.

   

   

   

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• Rio de Janeiro

  Rio de Janeiro:

  It was quite a long flight and tiresome on this Journey. From door to door, it took me 27 hours total time traveling. I took a taxi to my small little room which I rent it online via Agoda website. In the booking said a hotel, but it is actually a 3 bed rooms apartment which is own by an Italian guy who rent out the rooms. I think the misunderstanding must be translation from Italian to Portuguese rather than English that why everything was screw up. Any how I got my bed and share a bath. That not what I intended, all I can do is to go with the flow. Welcome to Brazil…Smile… Went out to get a real typical Tourist Brazilian food. It was far worse than I expected. The food was like a buffet and everything tasteless, bland and very low quality. However, it was still higher grade than good old McDonnell in the USA. You can take want you want but you will pay by the weight. The buffet has grilled meat and typical mixed of Italian and spaniel foods. Surprisingly they are also Sushi with the lowest quality of fishes. My meal was R$85 (Brazilian Real). It was roughly about $27. Woke up call, some adjustment for the budget on the meal has to be revised.

  Since I am here for the Famous Copacabana, I walked 2 blocks from my room and hit the beach. It was around 10 AM. I found a few people on this giant beach. I began to explore walking along the paved road. The temperature was increasing rapidly within hour it has increased from 75°F to 92°F. The sand was so hot and there was no shade from the tree. The little creature from California will be cooked, if I keep on walking in the hot sun. Escaped from the heat and went down to the bathroom underneath the ground. The Bath room idea was good. It’s about 15°F cooler. Now I will survive. Hanging around a small food stand and had found quite a few people whose can speak English. Got all kinds of advice from local about robbery from the thieves around you. Those crazy stories were not deterring me to explore alone.

  Not until 2 PM, people began to come to the beach. Mostly tourists and some out of town Brazilians were at the beach. I asked the people who work at the food stall when people are really coming to the beach. They said not too many people on a weekday, but the weekend will be pack from 10 AM till night fall. They also tell that the thieves also visible today. I had asked them to describe how to detect the thief. They had told me it will be those poor teen and young adult males whose will do the stealing. They are from Favela (slum) nearby. You can tell by appearance of imperfect complex dark skin, curly hair and old or dirty clothes. Usually they don’t make eye contact with you. They will stock you, hang around and wait for the opportunity to grab your thing(s) when you are not pay attention. A guy told me if the chaos occurred, grabbed your belonging and hold it in front of you or between your legs. Sit and observe, and always ready to move if danger is closing-up to you. They also told me that at the beach there are no knife or gun point robbery. Usually a petty crime, grab and run.  The young girls and adult female will try to offer you sex services for the bargain prices on the street. As your pick, disaster or Jail if thing want wrong. If you are insisted, try to pick them out at the beach or the bar, so you have time to get to know them. A quick turnaround for cheap sex, it will cost you and then you will feel like a real loser. Based on my references, Rio is like Cartagena in Columbia. If you go there, you most likely to lose. As it per in Thailand, watch out for the police, it could be a trap. Then you will have to pay a giant fine to support all polices at that station. Have fun. Since I don’t want to be harm, I considered those advises from those strangers as a bless. Will see how can I apply to my real life situation?

   Ordered the coconut and shilled out observing the activities on the beach try to see if many of those stories were true. No, there no entertainment today. Retrieved and went back to the hotel. Get ready to see the 38 meter-high of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) and Pao de Acucar (Sugar loaf Mountain).

  Got myself situated and explored the map and direction and conk out of course. Get up early morning and decided to go the beach near me, Ipanema, for a swim. When I arrived, has to talk to myself…ya right you are dreaming, hello Khun Phant, cold is not your cup of tea. The water was 50°F. If I jump into the water, my ball will such back in my stomach. That will not be so cool. Since the sun still barrable so I walked along the beach for a good 3 miles. Marking everything that I supposed to known, so I will not get lost in the dark or in the chaos situation. Along my walk I saw polices and tourists, as well as the kids from Favera playing around the side walk. When I walked past the group the has more than 3 kids, my caution felling automatic popped up and protective mode has raised. Best way to walk with others and always look at corner of my eye.  Make sure they will not come around my back try to grape something from me. Being on the watch at all time, was not the way to explore. I looked ahead along the walk way there were more many groups of those kids playing. Senses some wired crap might occur. I walked zigzagging avoiding an encounter with those groups and end up my walk at a nice restaurant on the Museum (Museu Histórico do Exército e Forte de Copacabana). By the time I finished a meal and visited the museum, it was 2 PM. Time to hit the water and sun, so I can get some tan to delineate the yellowness on me.

  Hanging around on Ipanema beach was more mellow because it was less people and easy to get in and out the beach from the street. The beach area has smaller crown and actual beach is less than 70 feet which I can reach the water. Beach volley ball seems to be the most popular here. When I walked on the beach, there were many food stalls offering their services which have foods, drinks, chairs and some protection from the thieve. I took one services among those food stalls. The attendee said watch out for the people who sell things on the beach. They will grab your belonging and walk away. The food stall vendor also helped keep an eye on you if someone hassle to you.

  On the beach seemed to have a few kids from Favera hanging around. Majority of people are local tourists and a good number of foreigners. Since it is Friday the beach was not quite as busy, but the weekend will be packed. The trick here was I have to walk backward when I went for a swim. The water was around 55°F, refreshing but cold. Came back to the chair everything still intact, happy. Soaking up the sun for a while, observing life on the beach. There were a few sexy men in short and knock out women in thong, the rest are as charming as I am, somewhat petite and bulky with beautiful face. Where is pretty people that had been portray for the sexy images magazine?

  Went to lunch at the typical Brazilian fast food restaurant again. The typical buffet that have already made food and grilled, (beef, pork & chicken), as well as Sushi. You pay by the weight. I had observed and tried to evaluate many plates that had been weight. There were the same amount of food but slightly differences, the prices were not the same. I was wondered how they know how much they have to charge. I had asked if you go by head, and all you can eat, they said no. Ah ha, this is the neat way to ripped off customers, I doubted. I ate half of the food and doggy back other. Then I went back to Copacabana beach around 3:30 PM, looking for more trouble. And still wanted to see the chaos that might occur at the beach when someone start grabbing the tourists belong. Did not go on the beach because the sand is too hot to handle. Hang around the same food stand zipping my coconut away.

  Order a plate of fried shrimps, the price was about $25. I wished this investment would pay off to see a commotion on the beach. Ate all my food, still the commotion was not happening. I left the beach and went back to the hotel and crashed. Woke up again it was midnight, people still walking on the street. This neighborhood is quite saved I presumed. However, I have never dare to go out to explore this place after midnight. Since I had a jetlag, so I stay up all night doing my computer work.

  Next day went to see the Sugar loaf. It was a mistake on my judgment, I should pick the weekday. Took a bus and connected with taxi to go to base of the gondola station. Holly cow, the line was a mile long and the frustration had begun. It was hot about 85°F. By the time I got into a shad, I was sweating like hell, the water in my bottle had vanished and order smell from my armpits increasingly strong. Even me was unbearable with this auspicious scent. Now I found more amazing thing to encounter with. There were the other people smell with the Arabky perfume, my stomach turned. Looking around for the bathroom to throw up. I politely asked the couple behind me to hold my place, I will go to get some water. They agreed and also offered to buy some for them. Went out of the line head to bathroom and washed my armpits, the smell had subsided. Then bought two large bottle water and want back to the line. The couple insisted to pay me for the water. Sometime stranger has better behaved than some people I know, shame. I was tagging along the line for another hour chatting away with those couple from Texas, they were delightful senior citizen. After 1 hour and 16 minutes past,  I was in the gondola frying up to the air and reach the top in 10 minutes. What’s a waste!

  Clearly the view was spectacular and memorable, nothing like it. You can see all the beaches around Rio de Janeiro and the Bazillion icon, Cristo Redentor. Worth the hassle. Order the drink and snoop around taking countless pictures before the fog and haziness move in. Spend two hours at the top soak up the beating sun and the muggy air before I have to wait in line another 20 minutes or so to get to the ground. Took a taxi to the main road and the bus back to the Ipanema area. Right after we turned in the major road, Ave N S^a de Copacabana, the commotion that I been looking for was happening. The young black teen hopped on the bus and the bus driver stop the bus, got off his seat and came directly toward him grabbing by the neck and shouted at him. He slapped him then kicked him off the bus. No one say a word and doing nothing but looked. I presumed this is a norm! Well spending a whole day visiting the loaf, the armpits now can be washed. I felt like a new man and ready for some love.

  Dragged myself out of the room and heading to Sushi Restaurant, hope have a good bite tonight. It sure did, $127 on the go, still have no love. Looking at the time it 8:30 PM, oop…my traveling rule have become an affect, not wandering around after 8:00PM. Taxi was my buddy at this point. Went back to hotel with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, happy like a clam. Spend my time doing a research about how to go to the train station at Cristo Redentor. The recommendation from the local was to buy a tour, But I was hesitated to do so. Because I am the chipmunk, hate to stay with the crown, I was not willing to be one. I am an unsettled tourist, I will find my way. Yes, I did but I couldn’t remember the bus number that took me there. I asked the bus driver, in English, where I want to go, he told me to hop on. About 30 minutes later, I arrived at the Trem do Carcovado (Cristo Redentor) train station. Solving that buy tour crap once again. Now a fun began. Here came the crap that I have to deal with.

  The train leave every 30 minutes, cost R$70. If you buy online, there is R$4 fee. However, I couldn’t find any English website that I can buy the ticket. Maybe they did it on purpose. I try to buy the train ticket at Trem do Carcovado with cash, they were not accepted it, but if you buy with the credit card they do. Unfortunate they accept only card from Brazilian bank. Also, I had come this far, I will not jeopardize my credit credential with the identity theft. I refused to do so, that was 8 AM in the morning. I said, I can pay cash now, they couldn’t accept it. They said you have to buy a ticket through the financial intuition nearby. Holly crap didn’t think that hit me. This was a first time I ever heard about it. The dilemma of the story was, the friendly ticket place was not open until 10 AM. A light bulb popped up in my head, an alternative way has to be implemented. There was a nearby minivan operator that took people up, it cost a little less than a train cost, R$30. I decided to go up with them. The stupid services took me up right away, but it was a halfway. First, we reached a rest area and the place for tourists to eat and shopping. Then you have to get another ticket that cost another free, R$40, to go up to the Statue. It was so many people the waiting in line to go up.  By the time I reach to the ticket window, I was informed that the waiting time is 3 hours for going up due to too many people there. I went nut, what da…F..k. I gave up at that point take to bus back down and head pack to my hotel. It was frustrated and really annoyed. I felt like being sexually molested without a fun. Mad and resentful, I made a determination that tomorrow I will show up at the special train ticket place with cash at 10:00 AM. And you, a Bazilliono, you will not win.

  Next day I prayed and comforting myself if shit hit the fan again, I have to calm down and do the great Thai smile then arguing with whatever come. My goal is to claim down for a train ticket. Low and behold, I was the first in line and no one be hide me. Isn’t that nice? Walking back to the train station, it was a big surprise. There was a mass crown and the line was long. Can win, can’t I. Stood in line for 40 minutes finally I get into the train. It took good 20 minutes or so. I reached the top. Then have to hike the steps up to the statues. There was a mob of people, couldn’t took good pictures. The sky was slightly hazy not a good light for picture. I went for a lunch and took advantage of the nice view and people watch. Many seemed to be Bazillions. Didn’t run into any Chinese tour here. Why? After 4 PM, the crown subsiding, got to take better pictures. Come down the hill around 5 PM and arrived Ipanema a little after 6 PM. Skip the meal and went to bed.

  Wake up early in the morning went for a walk on the beach, it was slightly coldly but by 8 AM the heat had increased, time to go to Botanical garden at the edge of town. Got a quick shower and heading to the bus stop near me. It took around 20 minutes bus ride to reach the place. The garden is huge, many trees and plant species I have never seen. I spend the good 3 hours exploring this garden. People were helpful many of staff speak good English. It was a present visit. Went back to the beach looking for more commotion will see what up next for my entertainment of the day. Hung around the beach try to capture the real Brazilian’ live. Beside individual vendors tried to sell their goods on the beach, the tourists looked as nervous as me.  The beach was pack because it is Saturday. The commotion from stealing and people fight came by wave. Every time happening people grabbed their bags close to them. However, they were not hesitated and sat cautiously then go on with their life. I started to see many good-looking people went down for a swim. The waves were very strong, and lifeguards are not visible. Make your pick! Ordered a Bazillion drink, Caipirinha, it was awful, because the cheap liquor. I take Mojito any time. Hung around the beach until 6 PM, Commotion counts = 4, someone richer today. Walk away from the beach after sunset, I felt lucky.

  Two more things that I want to do in Rio were, to visit the Olympic stadium and Downtown. Took the Metro Rio (Red line or line 1) to down town was easy, I wasn’t felt threaten as it seems. Subway is well organized, and people are more polite and helpful. Got off at Carioca station (know as center cultural). After I walked off the terminal, I felt the city. There were many homeless hung around in the park that above the train station next to Sao Francisco da Penitensia church. Many people walked around, mind your own business. It was quite safe just like any other big city that I familiar with. Walked around several block to feel if any danger pleasant, noop…didn’t find any. Time to let my hair down and whipped out my camera and started shooting. It went on for 2 hours. Didn’t fell any threaten or worry that someone will jump on me. Certainly, dress down, stay low key, and fully alert, are the big help. Time to feed my face again. After I ate another standard Brazilian meal (weight by a kilo), I continued my journey to my final destination, The Olympic Stadium. Jumped into the Metro again and got off at Maracana Station. Now I can feel the danger after I walked a half block toward the stadium, many people stared at me and people have asked me where I am going. When I said, I want to go the stadium. They all shook their heads and burst out laughing. One guy speak English had told me that you can’t go there. It is very dangerous even he won’t go there. Fist I think is he lying or testing the water. I continued the conversation with him. He said, after the two major events finished, the Soccer World Club and the Olympic ended, the government had abandoned the place. So, the Povera members had taken over and no one dare to get near the place. As stubbornness as I am, I have to test the water and verify if the information that I just got is valid. So, I said thank to him and continued my walk for a good 10 minutes, I found myself on the main street alone. No one walking around here. Looking for taxi but not one around. The fear had begun to creeping in. Started to get paranoid and felt nervous. If I had made costly mistake. I had to abandon the thought and walked back to the Metro station as fast as I could. That was close to 4 PM. I took 55 minutes Metro train back to Ipanema. The point had proofed, the desire to see the Olympic Stadium had subside, cried a little bit with another disappointed in life. Wiped my tear and move on. No hung up and prepared to depart Rio de Janeiro and heading to South Paulo. Still with me?

  

   

• Sao Paulo

  Sao Paulo:

  Took over night bus at Novo Rio station from Rio to South Paulo (Tiete station) was about 8 hours, cost R$245.80, Leito cama with Expresso Brasilleiro. Got in a hotel around 1 PM. Chat with the reception about the safety of this town specially the area that I intend to explore. The communication had been a challenge because she doesn’t speak English. I whipped out my Spanish for converse with her. We did somewhat a pidgin talk with Portuguese and Spanish. Amazingly we still understand each other. She had told me that there are artifactual line between the neighborhood. One of the places that I want to go is the Japanese section to eat the best sushi. She said over there even in the day time if they noticed that you are alone, they will stock you and try to rob you. I was asking her if she’s joking. She said that what we are famous for. The word Dire or Die popped up on my head at this point. Is it worth the risk to put myself in danger? After considered, I have a long way to go on this trip, I shouldn’t do this. There will be more sushi else where for me to eat. Doing some research for hours most the horrible information that I found in the internet was similar to what she had told. Since my hotel was on the edge of the good neighborhood, Jardin, I decided to explore the bad one.

  I started walking from my hotel on the main street where many people are in actions. The town was clean and have not much of the homeless nor poor people hung around. I didn’t feel threatened, it normal like a big city to me. Mine your own business still apply. I walked around for couple hours but only the main street and people are visible. I found quite a few tourists walking around in a group. I noticed that not too many Asian traveler present. So, I was stand out among the crown. I sensed that several stockings were taking place from people who wore decent clothes but odd behavior. The main thing on my traveling rules is never made eye-contact with stranger. Don’t give them chance if you are not interested on getting good information from strangers. However, one guy popped right up in your face and started asking me in English pushing for my information like where I am going. My normal line answer to stranger was I am waiting for my friend. Which is a lied to cite him out of what is he up to. Immediately a personal guide service was offering by him. I decline and told him I got to go, my friend is waiting. He continued insisting his offering, so I walked away from him without saying a word. He said something to me in Portuguese I didn’t understand anyway so I ignored him. Continued my walk and I was aware of that someone follow me. I felt iffy and have to change the situation. I walked into a fancy restaurant to eliminate him. Enjoy my late lunch and plan my trip to the next stop. Got several pictures and head back to the hotel around 6 PM. Did not feel safe here, I left town the next day for Foz do Iguacu.

  

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• Foz do Iquacu

  Foz do Iquacu:

  Foz do Iquacu is the same as Iguazu in Argentina. But located in the brazil side. It was the main water drop from river like Niagara.

  I took a luxury overnight bus from South Paulo to Foz do Iquacu. At was about 15 hours. The bus was not as comfortable as Argentina side. And there were no service on the bus. Got in to my hotel around 4 PM. The hotel is in town about 20 kilometers to the park. This town was smaller than the Argentina side and pretty primitive. Has a few restaurants and several tour operations. They have a bus services to the park that run every 20 minutes from the town. You can stop 3 places. One is at the park, one is safari ride and boat trip, other is the zoo and the garden. It was an easy ride around 20 minutes. Bought the ticket and wait for the bus to take people to fall. Have noticed that there were a few tour groups present. Mostly the guesses were small individual groups still no Chinese group here. There are many places to get off to explore the site, but you have to walk on the hot sun and muggy air. I decided to get off at hotel, so I can walk and take more pictures.

  The scenery was not quite spectacular like Argentina side. Only a few spots were good, the rest were not interesting to me. Spent my time learning my video equipment practicing my video shooting. Walking through the crown and fighting for the best spot to capture the great fall. It was a challenge. Most of the lovely couple took a lot of time on the shooting spot, goof around to show, look what I got. I had drunk all my water when I began to feel the over heat. So I sat for a while with other old people that try to catch their breaths. We looked at each other and smile, knowing dam well that we are getting old. I noticed that the guy left ankle was swollen, from overweight and walking too much. I bet by the time they reach the major fall; the hell break loose. I hit the head fall around 2 PM. The sun was beating, and water mist was phenomenal. Not thing like it, to sat out at the open space on the beating sun and mass springing water pouring at you. It was refreshing in and thrilled. This is way the nature phenomenal is the greatest thing on earth.

  The biggest thing on this event is to go up close to the fall to feel the phenomenal that nature provides. Have to buy the rain cloth to protect my gear while walking out on the bridge in front of the fall. Walking through the heavy mist from massive pouring of the water had excited me.  The sound of the fall is threatening and danger of the high win and slippery can cause catastrophic injure easily. Extra careful need to be implemented. The high level of precaution had raised to the max to prevent accident. The happy sound from people who were screaming, yelling, and laughing were stimulating to be part of it. After all my gears were on, I slowly walked on the bridge bumping with people squeezing my way out to the end of the bridge. I was soaking wet when the wind had ripped my rain clothes opened but manage to take some video and pictures. Got many people take my fall moment for me. After being there 8 minutes, I felt cold. So, I pushed my way back to platform. It was a fun moment to have a good time with strangers that have the same goal, sweet picture moment of a life time.

  After I dried myself off more adventure to do. There were 3 more platforms to go up to see the fall up-close-up in different levels. The middle level I liked the most. It was captured the essence of the great the fall on earth. The power of the nature had deep root and connect to my consciousness. I felt bless and lucky that once I had encountered this massive power that I can’t never imagine it exists. I had been to this fall 3 times (2 times in Argentina side and this one in Brazil side). I had accomplished my wishes to see this Iquazu fall at it best.

  Take the bus back to the entrance and catch the main bus to the safari park to take a boat to see the bottom of the fall up close. My hope is to have the best experience like in the Argentina side. Unfortunate it wasn’t close to what the Argentina has. It was a joke that the ride was crap short and so touristy. Too bad that they don’t let you walk around by yourself. Any how we got into the station (the boat dock at the bank of the river). They have the locker with coin operator for you to change the cloth. So, I did that then have to sit and wait. I also has to buy another temporally rain cloth in which I threw away at the head fall. Well, geared up again and ready for the boat ride. I was waiting for a good 45 minutes for the boat to fill up. Finally, we float and moved from the dock. The boat ride was about 10 minutes you to hit the falls. The boat did the play like Argentina side, to go under the fall to get you wet. However, the fall was not too powerful enough to really rock my world. I am glad that I got to have an experience but nothing to be remember. If you want to get ultimate thrill, you have to go to the Argentina side. You will have a thrill of a life time because the scenery is pretty, the boat is powerful, and the massive power from the high of the fall is phenomenal. You get a real deal there. After 25 minutes for a ride then the trip was over. I got back to town around 5 PM.

  I noticed that the town is quiet not too many people walking around. Went up to my room and change the cloth then come down ready for my wonderful dinner. I was chocked nobody walking on the street, all the vendors had vanished, and all shops were closed. I asked the hotel reception what is going on, he said this is a normal thing here. He had recommended that to take a taxi 5 blocks from the hotel to an Italian restaurant. I told him it’s not worth the risk to be wondering around in dead town. He smiled with a grim. No dinner for me tonight. This is totally opposite with Puerto Iquazu side, the restaurants are served until 10 PM and bars open until 2 Am at night.

  The thing that I learn that to explore this fall is to stay in Argentina side and take a day trip to the Brazilian side. This way you have the total luxury for this visit. Now time to go to Pantanal to visit the hyacinth macaw parrot (Blue Macaw) and small alligator (caiman). Wish me luck.

   

  

   

• Pantanel

  Pantanel:                                       

  Took 2 hours and half bus ride from Foz do Iguacu to Cascaval. Then buy a package tour 3 days 2 nights to visit the place. They were 10 of us in the tour. There were 2 Arabs and 4 white gay and 3 white woman and me. They took you to the minivan and we ride that funky van 3 hours then transfer to the pickup truck for another 45 minutes in the dirt road. We arrived at the place around 4 PM. The place is a real country side that has many cattle around it. I saw the cowboys with dogs come and hurdle the cow back to the other land. It has a beautiful sunset above the pond that full of caimans. We had our first meal cooked by the lady that take care of the place. It was very primitive. I ate half of my food. Then have a caipirinha drink with the group with cachaca that I bought at the store before we got in the area. Around 7:30 PM we took a night tour to try to see the animal that live around in area. The miniature forest has not much of the thing to offer. We saw a few creatures during 20 minutes’ walk in the dark. How sad? After finished the walk so we are gathering again and chat the night away. The two young Arab guys are skill travelers that have been travel together for quite some time. I threw the most difficult question to them in which place you feel discrimination the most? The surprised answered was Thailand. And I am totally understood. I told them Thais will look down at you if you misbehave and loud. And if you keep on going, they will stop you. The conversation was on with the group until 11 PM. Then we want to bed because the mosquito rebellion has waring out.

  The conversation through our guide, I had lean that Pantanel is supposed to be the land that full of water, but reality is not. The government had granted to the people for cattle raising in this area. The rich bought most of the land to raise the cattle. It had destroyed landscape and its environments. Since the cow can’t be in the water so the water had diverted elsewhere. So, the land was dry, and many ponds existed here and there. You can see the large number of caimans gathering waiting for the new rain to come. The guide said with in 3 years after allowed, the landscaping was destroyed and irreversible because the rich wasn’t co-operated with the locals. The exploitation had forced the locals to live by the rich people rules. These very familiar stories, isn’t it? This disease had spread everywhere in the world.

  The next morning we went to the water tour at the river nearby. There was not as interesting that I have in mind. We saw a kingfisher birds and some iguanas on the bank, what a waste of time. There were no Blue bird present. The boat ride took 2 hours then we back to the place for lunch, and rest. We had gathering again around 3 PM to go fishing for Piranha. We walked to the pond nearby with the bamboo fishing poles and raw red meat for the base. We caught quite a few, I got 5. Every time we got one, the guide killed right away buy stick the knife through its head. He explained this is for preventing the poison spreaded out throughout the body. Isn’t that charming because, we are going to eat it with the dinner. One big surprised that I thought the Piranha will strike if you are in the water. Here we are standing on the water above our knee, but no one had been attached. However, the caimans were present and moved close to us for checking it out who has invaded their space. The guide had chased them out, but they kept on coming back. So, we have to retrieve to prevent a confrontation with these precious animals. We walked around on the banks and the bridges fishing for the fish until 5:30 PM the went back to the site. They told me that the bluebirds are here. I want to see at the feeding platform that had palm fruits on it. I saw about 4 birds nipping the fruit away. I took several pictures then those birds flew away. They said they will come back again Next day.           

  The dinner time had come so the crispy fried Piranha. I took a bite it was gamy fishy taste, and full of bones. Took a few bites after that, then call it a quit. It was not interesting to consume these exotic creatures at all. I had asked the guy at the site to teach me how to prepare the Brazilian famous drink. Then we all got the test, still again not my favorite drink. Went to bed around 10 PM.

  Next morning, we went for a walk in the forest hoping to see larger animals. The miniature former flood land was a distress one. All trees are small and a lot of palm trees that stand tall. Because the land mostly sand, there less place for the ground animal to go by. The walking trails were countless of cow shit for you to step on. There no big animal or some small one for me to get excited on. We walk for good 3 hours and see a few animals. After we came our we saw the cows and cowboys again. However, there were no dog around. We waved at him and move on. This proved this land had destroy the wildlife in the great length. We went back to the site now we saw about 11 blue Macaws eating the palm seeds that was freshly cut. The party has begun. We all took the pictures at the far distances. Now at least I’d seen it. A few years from now, people will never see these birds again in a wild setting. It will extinct because the habitat will be gone. Next day, we had a ride back to town and I continued my journey to Compo Grande to take a plan to Amazon rainforest area, Manuas.

  

   

• Manaus

  Manaus:

  Manaus is the entrance to the Amazon wildness. I Loved the town it was very interesting; people are less daunting, and the fishes are to dive for. Got a neat hotel that located 1 mile from Downtown. At the first welcoming with the heavy rain that pouring at 3 inch in hour. I was instant flood the main road in the front of your eye. Ten minute later the rain has gone, the sun had come out. I saw the running rain water was beating by the hot sun. This is more than Thailand; I have not seen anything like this. Got strand and have to eat at the hotel. Meet a pilot of fed plane having a buffet dinner. We chatted and exchanged information for what I may want to do next. One thing I learn from him was the fish ribs. First, I wasn’t really sure what the hell he was talking about. Then the waiter was a tray of cooked fish ribs out. We want to see it and he help me pick out the best one. It was baked in the marinated herbs, amazon style. The Fish ribs were giant and look very inviting. I got a big chunk of it because they think I am special…apparently not. The meat of the fish bond has very texture and naturally sweet, it melted in your mount. I was so impressed how delicious this was. I went back for another, there was 2 pieces left. I took one just to be polite then cropped it up in no time. Then asked them there will be more of these, they said no this all we got; I almost cry. So, I ate other fish dish and bill was R$20. Went across the street and got a bottle of wine. Then polished it up and went to bed. Work up again at 5 AM. Life is good but what da…f. I woke up too early. This is a torture. Studied a map for a while to capture of what I want to do here.

  Around 7 AM I left my hotel with a taxi heading to downtown for the Manuas fish Market. This fish market is the much to see, So I went in. I found people here are more laid back and friendlier. Unlike Rio and South Paulo folks, they are full of attitude. People here smile more and engage in the conversation trying to understand your questions. They helpful and friendly. I found this is quite pleasant to be around them. Dam… the giant fishes were intimidating. They were a zillion of them. They came from different rivers. The fishes are cheap and fresh. These fish vendors are eager to sell them to you, even though, you have no place to cook. I walked around the market twice dissecting the market to make sure that I didn’t miss anything. Finally, I figured it out how to get the fish cook if I decided to buy one.

  Tambaqui is the most popular fish among these folks. It comes from the black river. Test better than my organic chicken I would say. I bought a piece of the preserved one and 2 pieces of the fresh one. It costed me about $9. I bring to a restaurant that sell only grilled fish which located outside the fish market. They cooked for me. I also bought their cooked fish, rice, and vegetable from them. They didn’t charge me for labor for cooking those fishes. The fishes that I bought was so good. I ate all 2 pieces. I was so full have to warp the rest and brought back to my hotel.

  After I ate, I walk several blocks to see the one of the greatest Opera houses. It was stunning that they manage to keep the original theater setting. Outside looked outstanding handsome building and well located in town. It was small but it beautiful. Around there has many great restaurants that support the theater events. The food was a tough-not and absolutely delicious. However, it was pricey. A bowl of seafood soup and fried fish. It was $35 US dollar for lunch. Way over my budget. But it is ok the break a piggy bank to gain the elegant thrill. Couldn’t do this too often otherwise my doggy will have nothing to eat. Wandered around downtown looking for more trouble, searching for interesting buildings to picture with. I found there were more shoe stores than clothing. And many boutique stores that sell drop dead gorgeous dresses for opera event. Clearly there are a good handful of the rich white people living here. Therefore, the Amazonian Indians have to move further in the amazon rainforest. Time to visit them.

  Looking around to find the operating tour who can take me inside the Amazon forest. I found out that no one can unless you got an approval form the government. In order to get a permit, you have to state your purpose clearly of what you are going there. Tourist is not allowed, only the researchers and geologists of some type like documentation or educational purpose. Beside that the process will take 1 -3 years to get approval if and only if your case is strong. There you go, the dream of a picture taking with Amazon forest people had flown out the door. The only choice left was to take 5 days 4 nights to stay at a resource at the edge of the forest. There are several companies to pick. So, I bought one, the Amazon Gero Tours, $450, and leave the next day. I had to put $100 deposit and paid the rest before we leave town. Since the food is the major issue for me because I do not eat beef, so I made a request to have a pork just for me. I told them that I will cook my old food if I have to. They are a good sport and have 2 special order during my stay. I accepted the deal. They had informed me that the van won’t pick me up at the hotel because they don’t want people to bring all of your belonging to the jungle. So, I have to obey the rule. I went to the supermarket stock up with goody which include 5 bottles of red wine.

  Next morning after separated what I need and my importance stuff, I took the taxi to their downtown office. Deposited my giant suitcase at their office and paid the rest of the free before I allow into the van. The total traveling on the van was an hour to the peer. Then it took about 2 hours on the boat ride heading to the Amazon forest. After that we had to ride another van for another 2 hours or more with a messy road because it was unpaved, and it was heavy raining last night. Two times we have to get out the van and pushed it because it was muddy and the van slip and can’t move straight when it’s heavy. Then we have to take a long tail boat another 35 minutes to reach the resource. During the last boat ride, I noticed that there was less rainforest left. Along the river all I can see were the houses with the land that had been clear to raise the cows. All the forest people and become a small-town folks who own the land and run a small business. Changing to the better life have disturbed the nature and destroy the part. This will never be reversed when human have had the glory of change.

  After we arrived the resource around 5 PM, I was setting in. Soon after we was greeting by a real tropical rainforest storm with a heavy rain with lightning and thunderstorm. This took me back to childhood which I was always fear of the lightning and loud thunderstorm. Even though I was born in a rainy season, I had never comfortable with it. After the rain had stopped, now I heard the song of the nature, the crying of the insects, the calling from the frogs and the hauling from the monkeys. The refreshing of the air after the rain, that I had miss many years, had waking up my soul. I felt peaceful with a promising of life that is life worth living. Everything has reasons only just when you take time to care and pay attention to the thing in front of you. I felt relieve and restful.

  The dinner had arrived. It was a first meal of the day for me. The food that served was very standard low-cost food with had rice, vegetable, and no meat except the hotdog that spitted in half and fried. It was tasteless and boring. I ate a few bites and chatted with new strangers. Sited them out of who is who. After they knew who I am they were relax and I was ready to make new friends. We chatted the night away with 2 Germans and a gal from England. We spited around 11 PM. I went back to my room and open my first bottle of wine enjoying myself with the surrounding and felt asleep without the mosquito net cover myself. Even though I had heavily put on the insect repellant, the mosquito managed to wake me up around 4 AM. I was bitten all over and the lesson need to be learned.

   After breakfast, we did the forest walk around the resource looking for Tarantula spider and walking trees. The forest floor was very wet and my good old buddy, mosquitos, were phenomenal. Had to apply the repellant twice. During the walk we found several good size Tarantula and our guide was very skill in taking them out of the dense. He tied them up and let us hold the string to see up close for taking pictures. When we had done torturing them, we let them free at its dense and apologized to the creatures. We found the turtles and giant poisoning toads. They were huge it is about 8 times larger than a Thai’s one. We also found many little pretty poison frogs. The frog that the local use the poison for hunting. The guide also showed us walking trees. It is actually a tree that grown another root that further away from main root toward the direction of the sun. It looks like the mango behavior. As all the surrounding trees grow taller, the moving tree have to work harder to find the sun. At one tree, we found about 12 roots that has been generated for many years.  After 2 hours walked, we began to sweat and got a real sense of a tropical forest, wet and damp. The exhaustion creeping, we had to end our walk.  

  After have lunch, we have another activity site-seeing the surrounding area. The boat took us in a little farther in the forest. But I still see the houses in the forest but no cow raising. The forest wasn’t clear cut still many trees are intact. We found a lot of floating house but rarely find the people in it. Majority of them had moved to the land. We saw many black caimans that lied on the bank of the river. We also spot the slots on the tree. Many birds still present and the jaguar had never appeared. We head back to the resource and rest soaking the hot forest sun. At the resource has a tiny local bar that serve beer and cheap drink, about 9 bottles of alcohol. The old local bartender speaks good English and love to chat. He always tells the stories of the great Brazil and complain about the difficulty of how to make money. Sound familiar?  Since I wasn’t into any of those drinks, I went back to my room and dragged out my wine. Poured a big glass and went back to the group at the large deck where the bar is. Conversed with people on the group and enjoy my wine. When the dinner time come, we were comfortable with each other. More personal story was pouring out, I pretty much who and who work for living.  

  After dinner we have had a night activity, spotting caimans on the water. We got into the boat and paddle in the dark out on river in front of the resource. We found many red pairs of eyes, looking at us. When we went closer by some disappeared, but many didn’t. I looked closer there were many baby caimans were laying on the floating grass. Our guide manages to grab one and bring inside the boat. No he didn’t it loose, otherwise we have to swim with them. He showed it to us for taking picture while explaining about their behaviors and its habitat. Then he asked if anyone want to hold it. My great young German guy was the first to cut in. The caiman is a male weight about 5 lbs. and about 2 feet long. After his photo moment, he said it stink and thrown it back in the water. We all laughed. I yelled to the guide, I want to hold a bigger one. One gal yield back you love wet and stinky, aren’t you? We all giggled. We paddled for a good hour looking for a bigger on that a guide can grab. But we had no luck, the bigger one was faster him. So we quit after the wind has increased. That night, I slept through the heavy trouble rain that poured like mass.

  Woke up again with loud howling from the monkeys. And went to the front deck to see if any landscaping had changed. Yup… The water had increased about 2 feet, and all the small boats sunk. The air was so clean and fresh, I loved every minute of it. Then we gathered again for breakfast. The plan today is the go fishing for Piranha. Now I will be fishing on the boat not in the water. I had asked my guide how violent of these fishes. He said they were around 5 species around this area. But they are small, the venerate behavior is minor. Nevertheless, if they get threaten, they will attach. He also said the red fin had been bitten people the most. I told the guide that I saw the documentary about the Piranha attack people. He said if there is no flesh or smell of blood, they will not attach. He also cautions us that do not put you hand in water while fishing, the fishes will attach because your hand has smell of flesh. Al so do not unhook a fish yourself you will get bit. Handing to him or his helper to unhook the fish. There you go, I am get exciting already. Off we go.

  We all had paddles in hand and paddling for good 20 minutes to get to a small quiet river that cover with vegetation and large trees. We parked and started fishing. Immediately the base hit the water, I got a bite. It was so fast my base was gone and the no fish. Learning how to fish many trials, finally I got a breakthrough of the Piranha behavior. The first 3 nipping & pulling, if you don’t pull up, the base will be gone. We were fishing at that place for good 20 minutes then think went quiet down. So, move to several spots and caught more fishes. We end up at the deck around lunch time.

  Here came the glory moment of our lunch they have fried the Piranha for us. This time the cook did it right the bone in was crunchy and eatable. I saw them massage the poor little fishes by pound it on the stick then score them thinly. Then salted them. She fried them with large not vegetable oil and heat was medium to low. Take her helper a while to cook the fish. I had asked the cook where my special-order pork is. She didn’t know where it is. I had asked the guide for my special ingredient. He said they were here. Back and forward with her finally she said she had cooked all of it. I asked when, she said yesterday. I said I didn’t see any served. She finally admitted that she cooked for herself and took them home. It is because it was not on the regular menu that she supposed to cook. I asked her can you go back home and bring them back, she looked at me annoying. One of her helpers said they are gone. No point to beat the crap out of the death horse, I moved on to plane B, eating Arowana fish. I asked around and found that there was in the freezer of some neighbor house. I arranged the deal and paid for $10 for 1 kilo of fish. I told the cook to clean and fried it when it thawed out. I will make some sauce to put on the top when serve. She agreed. Will see that happen if she kept her promise.

  Continue my activities around 2 PM, we want up the river to see the pink dolphins. It has known to be very friendly and you can swim with them. My guide said we might encounter with a difficulty to be closed to them because of the raised of the water. The longtail boat took us up the river to look for them. We found them many places but when we got close, they went under. Like a cat and mouse challenging. Not much of a chance to take good picture. Someone gave a suggestion to stay put at one place, the guide said it is not possible these dolphins constantly move and there are fast. Along the path we heard and see them in distances. I found it was frustrating getting teasing by those dolphins. We give up and went to see the giant tree where the trunk as bigger as the redwood tree in Yosemite. Then we head back to the resource. When we arrived, I was greeted by a tour guide operator who brought supplies to the resource. He told me that he heard that his cook had stolen my pork. I told him, here family need to eat pork, so they can get fat in them, he laughed. I told him that we are still lucky she did for her family. If she did for the whole village, we have to eat those caimans…right? We all laugh.

  Before the dinner time come, the cook helper come and asked me how to want my food cook. I told her that I thought the cook had cooked that fish. So, I asked my guide to translate. The guide said, after the cook finish her job, she went home and forget about my fish. I was making faces and told him sarcastically, ya…right, I believe you. I have to do you have to tell her how I want it done and what I am going to do with them. It was a success I have curry sauce over crispy fried arowana fish. It was so good that I can eat, 100,000 Bath fish that is a popular display among the rich in Asia. I felt good eating rich people pet, it’s a thrill. After a long chat with a group that night, I packed up my belong and ready to get back to town the next day and continue my trip with a flight to Belem, where the river meets the ocean.

  Indeed, the great Amazon rain forest supported the animals which not excluded the mosquito and angry little spiders. It was interesting to see the real rainstorm and the risen water that given new lives to many. The different of the rainforest between Thailand and Brazil was the mountain. Brazil has no high mountain in Amazonian land. The vegetation was different, but the humidity and the temperature are the same.

  Five days, four nights, $450 and rough traveling for the trip from Manaus (Minivan – boat – minivan – boat). The most disappointed was there were too many houses along the river. They built on an opened land from deforestation. There was hardly see agriculture activity on these opened lands. The nasty crap was the large crowd of cattle and cow-shits were everywhere. People deforested for raising the cattle. It’s similar to Pantanal, very sad.

  This Amazonian forest continue to vanish at high speed and so the wild animals. Glad I saw it now, ten years from now it could be gone. There were less animals left to see at the area that I was. Clearly, human destroy everything in their paths just to gain some coins. The damage and the negative consequent are phenomenal. The true experience Amazonian life is to go deeper into the forest. This involves permission from the Government. I was told it could take months and you may or may not get it. There goes the original Amazonian’s dance that I want to learn had vanished. Smile and move on.

  

• The great Amazon river

  The great Amazon river:

  Start from Nevado Mismi in the Peruvian Andes to the Atlantic Ocean. Amazon River is 4,000 miles (6,437 km). It is the second longest river in the world after the Nile River in Egypt at 4,132 miles (6,650 km). About 15,000 tributaries flow into the Amazon River. It carries 20% of all river water in the world. Covered 2.5 million square miles (6.5 sq km). There are more than 3,000 species of fish.

  Amazon rises to an average of 30 to 45 feet (9 to 14 meters). The width of the Amazon at the dry season varies between 1 and 6.2 miles (1.6 and 10 km). It expands during the wet season to 30 miles (48 km) or more. Where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean, its width reaches 150 miles (240 km).

  The volume of water released by the Amazon to the Atlantic Ocean in the rainy season is up to 11,000,000 cu ft/s (300,000 cubic meters per second) with an average of 7,400,000 cu ft/s (209,000 cubic meters per second).

  Anyone want shower? I have the water.

   

  

• Belem

  Belem:

  There were two way to get out of Manuas to Belem, swim or walk! Op…No… You can travel by boat that take 4 days 3 nights or fly. I chose to fly, so I can have more day exploring Belem. After easy plane ride, I got the hole right where busiest area in town. My hotel is 3 blocks where the river meets the ocean.

  After 4000 miles of water traveling to meets the ocean, they come along with great diversity of fishes, fruits, vegetable and herbs. The fish market here is nowhere near Manuas. But the seafoods here are available and as fresh as it could be. Belem is a small port town that received the goods from Amazon area. The fishing industry is small. People here are as present as Manuas. Walking around town looking for Imodium and found this town has more medical stores than any place that I went in brazil. Each place has pharmacists at least 2. I was wondering what had happen the great Amazonian herbal medicine, was it extinct? There was no challenge on telling the pharmacist that what happen and what the pill I want. I did the great own sign not action but drawing. I made her laugh her head off when I drew a picture of a half stand and my pant was partially pulled down. Then draw the splash came out from my bud. Then I said Imodium. She smiled and took the paper show to all of her working they all laugh and looked at me. I smiled and said do you like my picture. They all smiles. Well, got the job done and went back to my hotel and poove my way out until dark. Now my stomach had setting, and I am hungry. Walked out to the pier where many food vendors were selling fish dishes. I order one of the giant fried fish. It served with some steamed vegetable and a bow of raw blended blue fruits. I asked, is it a blueberry. They said no it was some kind of local fruit. I was not remembered the name. Got a zip out of it, ya ..hah…no. It was bland, cool and awful taste. I traded it with a cup of lousy coffee. Ate the whole fish in nanosecond and went back to the hotel and poop some more.

  Next day I walked around town to see the activities and the behavior of this town. Yes, shops and vendors were every street. Again, shoe stores and vendors were out number. After got several good pictures, I went to the fish market and back to the same food vendor to establish the connection for a good clientele. I had asked the owner that If I bought shrimp or crab can you cooked for me. She said yes. I turned right around to the fish market again which is right next to her food stand. I bought a kilo of shrimps, a filet of fish, and a kilo of carb and brought it back to her to cook. She didn’t ask how I wanted, she prepared and cooked like in front of me. Fifteen minutes letter I got fried shrimps and fillet, and stir-fried fish and shrimp with Amazonian herbs. She charged me about $5 for cooking. And brought me cooked rice and a bottle water. I ate half of it and pack ways for afternoon snack. Took another Imodium for just incase that I have to glue my butt with a kamold again. Walked around town and end up at the same food place but different stall. At the front of the water the seat was better for the sunset and it has a raw oyster from the walking vendors who will open in front of you. It charges by a piece about $0.5 each. Since they are small, I did 15 with a large bottle of local beer. By the time I finished I just realized I still in a process of discharge unsettle food in my stomach. Said to myself…hell…ya, you only live once and will never be back here again, take a dump run… how bad can it be. Hope Imodium do its job. Got a few run and fun eating those seafoods. I spend good 4 days munching them.  I would say “good eat” affordable and enjoyable, “the place to be” and worth stopping here. Now time to see the great carnival.

  

   

• Salvador

  Salvador:

  The birthplace of Brazilian carnival.

  I took a bus from Belem to Salvador. It was an easy ride. Got in around 11 AM. I chose to stay at Barra, the beach, instead of downtown. This way I can relax. When I arrived, I found out that there will have a big carnival a week after I live town. I thought what a luck and on the other hand I really do not like a big crown and especially drunk one, therefore, I will not miss it. Since this town is a vacation town, the majority of them are tourists. This area has a zillion of luxury condos and neat restaurants especially catering to the rich white people who are the owner of those gorgeous condos. Many pee-on are sleeping on the street. Nothing new to me, the money rule.

  First day I walked all over place to site-out where to go for a swim. At the main beach was the most horrifying that I saw the sewer water was drain into the ocean. The sand has trail of the black silt from the cement drain pine all the way to the ocean. Sad. It was similar to Pattaya 30 years ago.  People and government were in denial. It took 25 years to clean up the bay to the point that you can swim in it. Hopefully they do it soon. There were many beach around. Most local swim is near the own town where the waves are not to strong. I spent a few day at the beach but rare get into the water because it cold.

  Took a bus to check out downtown and visit the old quarter of the famous Salvador culture. Most of the population here are black and poor. In downtown, many of homeless here. They were a bit aggressive toward me when they know that I am a tourist. The scariest when I walked past the sleeping homeless, he was getting up so quick when I close to him. I jumped away and stared at him. Immediately the begging began, I yield at him and said no. Luridly he moved close to me and tried to challenge me. The polices were present and walk to us. The homeless ran away. I was relieved but not deterred. Continues my walking and end up at the old quarter.

  This quarter was a tourist trap with many beautiful building and old churches. And of course, souvenir shops. Have many old ladies dressed up in creole clothing walking around grabbing tourist to take a picture with her, then she asked for money. I went into the famous old church that has the most beautiful blue tiles work and the old trek wood that larger than life. It was about 3 feet wide and 20 feet in length and 2 inches thick. The setting was stunning and easy to walk around. After got a picture moment, I went down to the waterfront area for my lunch. Since the town was setting on the high hill, I have to take a lift down. It cost about $0.5. The water front was the farrier and the boat dock. The scenery looks like a movie set and everything is well organized. Went to a neat restaurant that was second floor of another souvenir market right next to the dock. I sat near the open wall and can see out to the ocean. The seafood here also good and fresh. I ate a ton. After I bought many souvenir, I took a bus back to Barra.

  Now I saw the main road was close and many people are walking on the street in the hot son. Walking through the crown back to my hotel, was a challenge. There were so many drunk and loud folks everywhere celebrating life. Bought some Salvadorian food, fried dole and stuffed with pork. It was good but very greasy. Barra has a beautiful sunset and the place to see is at the lighthouse. At the night fall, more crown kept on coming. More drum and music were on in a full blast. People are dancing and having fun. This is a real party town, I went back to my hotel was midnight. Packed all my belonging and ready for a flight back to Rio tomorrow and a long flight back to California next day.

   

  

• Hasta la vista Brazil:

  Hasta la vista Brazil:

  Time to say goodbye to Brazil. This country is sure beautiful. My most favorite place of this trip are the massive drop of Foz do Iquazu fall and the fish market in Mauas. Even though the economy and corruption have changed the way of life, Brazilian sprits are still strong. Natural resources are being used to the max and destroy everything in its path. It just like many countries including Thailand, power and greed had let people to this point. I am grateful that I see it now than never. Just remember, have life the way you wanted as long as the future generation have a fair chance to see as I see.  Good luck and thank you for reading this journal. The next place will short story of Burma or Mayanma. Smile…