Bem-vindos a Amazonia

I haven't written much about Brazil. My first trip to South America. The enjoyment of sharing a trip with my parents to a place my mother once lived, but had not returned to in nearly 50 years. The hours spent in transit across a country as vast as the continental United States.

If there was a common thread woven throughout our travels, it seemed to be water:

• The rush of a boat ride into La Garganta del Diablo (the Devil's Throat) at Iguacu Falls
  
• The trepidation of a boat spinning in a springtime storm on the Black River in the Amazon
• The beautiful port city of Porto Alegre
• The breathtaking views of the bays surrounding Rio de Janeiro from Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado
• Squiggling toes in sand and surf on Copacabana Beach
  

And so I hope to write a bit more.



How did we get to Ariau Towers? By boat of course. And long, long wooden plank-ways leading to four-story treehouses.



This was, without a doubt, the most difficult and tiresome leg of our journey. But those are stories for another day.

Market day in Recife

7 November 2006

Recife tapioca stand
Originally uploaded by Katherine H.

I’ve always felt that the best gauge of the true pulse of a city is to wander the streets during one of the day’s busiest times. While the tour group perused the gift shops at Casa Cultural for a little souvenir shopping, I slipped outside for a brisk walk through the teeming side streets of the central market district in Recife.

The call of the vendors, the clap of the hands to signal a potential customer, the stalls of leather belts and sandals, pyramids of fruit stacked at the ready, and the smell of street food such as grilled meat or tapioca omelets create the seamless ebb and flow of daily living. You can purchase most of your household necessities within a radius of only four or five blocks.



Throngs of pedestrians crossing the bridge as the work day ends are treated to a serenade by a local folk duo who has positioned themselves at the bridge entrance. Some stop to listen, to shuffle a few dance steps with a partner, or to drop a few coins before continuing on to complete the evening shopping on the way home. There is a sense of purpose in their stride, and yet an air of leisure as the people of the city begin to unwind from the cares and worries of the day.

Is that the Southern Hemisphere Calling?

brasil-flag
Originally uploaded by calinisima.

The trip to Brazil is beginning to feel official. The information packet from the travel group arrived yesterday. My passport stamped with the necessary tourist visa from the Brazilian Consulate in Houston arrived a couple of weeks ago. And I’ve made my flight reservations from Portland to Miami where I will meet up with the rest of the group.

Here’s a glimpse at the itinerary (29 October-11 November 2006):
• Sao Paulo
• Porto Alegre
• Iguaçu Falls
• Rio de Janeiro
• Recife
• Manaus

For me, so much of the fun and anticipation of a trip is in the planning stages. I like to take a small travel notebook with me in which I have written little tidbits of advice culled from internet research and others’ recommendations. Of particular interest to me on this trip will be taking photographs of city and street life, the natural surroundings, and market/grocery items unique to the country.

I imagine some of you have favorite tips, adventurous ideas, or just plain ‘ol advice. So what should I be on the lookout for?