And so it begins…

Summer 2012 a group of family and friends met up in Brasil. The trip took us hiking and camping in the Amazon rainforest, roaming around the city of Manaus, and exploring the flooded forests of the Rio Amazonas and Rio Negro. Beleza, vamos ver…

First day out: part I

6/25/12 On our first day out in Manaus, Mario took us to see the Amazon river right away. We were all itching to catch a glimpse from the land since it was dark when we flew in the night before and only looked like a giant break in the city lights. In these photos you … Continue reading →

First day out: part II

6/25/12 The second part of our morning we headed over to the fish market, where we learned about the various types of river fish that are native to that region. I’m not sure if I’ve identified all the photos correctly, so feel free to comment if you have any corrections.

INPA

6/25/12 During the afternoon of our first day, we toured the grounds of INPA (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia) in Manaus. We saw baby manatees being nursed, giant otters playing around, agouti hiding behind trees, turtles, an eel, termite nests, and all kinds of native trees and plants.

Camp 41

6/26/12-6/28/12 This part of the trip was spent in the Amazon rainforest where we camped, hiked, and observed the flora and fauna of the forest. We stayed at camp 41, where we slept in the most comfortable hammocks and ate the best food I’ve ever had on a camping trip.

The tower

6/29/12 Here we climbed a skinny tower in the middle of the woods. By the time we reached the top, the sun was just rising and the 360° view of the Amazon just took my breath away.

Bugs and birds

6/29/12 When we got back to Manaus, we returned to INPA, this time for an indoor tour. Mario and a fellow biologist guided us through the entomological and avian collections.

Exploring Manaus

6/30/12 In between camping and boating we spent the day roaming around Manaus. We saw everything from buildings to beaches. Some of us went to the market and to the opera house. Some of us just walked around the side streets to discover odd little shops and cafés.

Party!

6/30/12 This is the event that inspired the trip: Mario’s birthday! Not only was it his birthday, but also his 25 year anniversary of living in Brazil. The place was packed with people enjoying food and music from a live Chorinho band.  

Dorinha: Day I

7/1/12 The second half of our trip we journeyed west up the Rio Negro and the Rio Amazonas. When we arrived at the Dorinha riverboat July 1st, the owner Moacir welcomed us aboard and introduced us to the captain and crew. Already on the first day we saw o Encontro das Águas. At night we … Continue reading →

Dorinha: Day II

7/2/12 The second day out on the river was full of birds, insects, plants, spiders, and houses. Houses? Yes, there are people who live right on the river, with houses built to withstand the yearly flooding of 9 meters (30ft).

Dorinha: Day III

7/3/12 The third day out was again full of plants and animals. This time we also docked at Moacir’s house where we played soccer, swam in the pool, enjoyed caipirinhas and met the original Dorinha, Moacir’s wife, for whom the riverboat is named. We took a brief trip into town as well, where we saw … Continue reading →

Dorinha: Day IV

7/4/12 We went swimming with dolphins! This is the part of the trip I could barely wait for. In the Rio Negro, there is a population of river dolphins called boto. We were able to swim with them thanks to a local attraction that has trained them (with the help of some fish) to interact … Continue reading →

Saudade

As we prepared to return to the states, I could feel my heart sinking. This was the time I genuinely started to understand the meaning of one of my favorite portuguese words: saudade. Ah, well, Brazil you will always hold a special place in our hearts.