Off to Manaus. I lived 13 years in Brazil and this is our first time to the Amazon. For the first few nights we are staying near the Opera House at an Ibis. But, the occasion for this trip is Carmela's birthday. We have splurged a bit and are staying at the Uiara Amazon Resort, which is a floating resort about an hour boat ride outside of Manaus.
Arriving in Manaus, Manaus by night and then Tambaqui Amazon River fish for dinner. Also Amazon Caipirinha which includes a Cachaça de jambú which leaves your mouth and lips tingling.
Cachaça de jambu is a Brazilian spirit infused with the jambu herb, known for creating a unique tingling, numbing, and buzzing sensation in the mouth due to the compound spilanthol. This infusion is popular in Northern Brazil, often served chilled or in cocktails, and is also used in traditional dishes like tacacá soup, where it adds a distinctive, electric-like tingle that enhances other flavors.
Some Amazonian staples
Tambaqui: A large, meaty river fish commonly ordered grilled or roasted over coals as ribs (costelinha de tambaqui).
Tacacá: A hot, traditional broth served in a gourd made from yellow tucupi (fermented manioc juice), jambuleaves (which cause a tingling, numbing sensation in the mouth), dried shrimp, and garlic.
Today we went out along the Trans-Amazônica highway about an hour and a half to Presidente Figaredo, a place with loads of caves and waterfalls. We did about 8km of hiking along jungle trails to get to them but it was totally worth it though my body is broken. But there will be more tomorrow. Lots more pics and videos to come.
Carmela on a beautiful spot in the middle of the jungle! If I was a jaguar I would jump on her!
A few more photos from yesterday.
Amazonian graffiti!
Trip to an indigenous village.
When the unexpected happens!!!
Amazonas Pink River Dolphins. Boto Cor de Rosa So cool to get close to these beautiful creatures.
On our speed boat that took us from Manaus to all our little stops. I had heard that there are sandy beaches along the Amazon River but did not realize they were so pretty.
Explanation of the local tribes and some symbolism and a dance presentation. Beautifully done.
Caipirinhas with the Amazonian Jungle “At our feet”
After 3 days of excursions from the city of Manaus we moved to the Uiara Amazon Resort, A luxury floating hotel located about 30 minutes by boat from Manaus on the Rio Negro. A bit pricey but it was for the occasion of Carmela's birthday. You are situated in the middle of the jungle but with all the amenities.
A little boat ride in the lake around our hotel.
Happy Birthday My Love
Night fauna
An evening of alligator spotting. One of the many excursions available from the resort.
A visitor to our swimming hole where we were drinking caipirinhas earlier. We were told that he is an old-time resident here and is named “Caroço”
Our last day we went on a survival trail. The "Sargento" taught survival skills to the Brazilian army. We got primers in finding water, trapping food, edible plants and making lean to shelters. Hope we never have to use these skills...
Bye Bye Manaus! It wa great to know you!
