The Amazon finally gives me the brown contrast with the grey skies that I’ve been trying to capture in all my photographs today.
Edmundo obviously knew something when he rang me in my cabin early this morning saying that a queasy tummy would keep him from coming on the river tour and rainforest walk today.
We sail for an hour down the Guama River with rain falling,seeing and learning about life lived along the riverbank, before climbing ashore up slippery, rickety old wooden steps to a forest landing.
Jim, readying for the rigours of the expedition deep into the jungle
Michael and John deep in the rainforest
Even my keen botanical side tunes out, and I decide to rely on the good commentary about life in the Amazon rainforest that we heard on the journey down the river.
On returning to the Whisper, John and I decide to stay on board the riverboat and skip lunch. We are the only two on the top deck setting out for a quick adventure into the port of Belem. Chugging out against a strong current, leaden skies open sending lashing rain and gusts of wind blowing the orange plastic chairs all around the deck.
Going ashore, totally paranoid by frequent warnings to leave jewellery and watches on the ship and to keep both hands on our camera, we don’t venture much further than the main street of the old town and markets along the river. The decaying, once colourful old buildings are very much like those in Havana.
The smell of guava permeates the whole markets area
With bag and camera clutched close to chest, and umbrella balanced under my arm, you can imagine trying to take photos, and also keep raindrops off the lens. Such fun!
Markets in Belem from Victorian times
Returning to the ship after the storm, the choppy Amazon finally gives me the brown contrast with the grey skies that I’ve been trying to capture in all my photographs today. Check them out in my Picasa album!
And we are all mesmerised here by the captain “showboating” with Costa Concordia. Mick your visuals can’t compete… sorry
Buzzing bugs and mud… YUK Myanmar looks great..
thehttp://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/costa-concordias-captain-francesco-schettino-was-showing-off/story-e6frg6so-1226245841882?from=hot-topics-home
Safely back on board, still clutching camera with both hands, we find Edmundo, ‘the picture of health’ sitting in regulation safari khaki and crisp white enjoying afternoon tea. Bedraggled, wet, and hungry, we join him.
In fairness, Edmundo really was feeling bad in the morning. Fortunately, a quick $60 visit to the ship’s doctor and a small pill later, he was back on form.
ALSO, to be fair to the organisers,other guests have expressed how much they loved the shore excursion. I suppose I would have done it differently.
one presumes, after heeding warnings, that one returned from the excursion into Belem with both camera and family jewels intact?