(^162) Day 3
Our third day was slightly different as our boat left the narrow channels and headed
to the open water. Still, the riverbanks stayed densely wooded but now and again
opened onto flat grassy land.
Again, our vessel stopped at small settlements to offload goods, predominantly rice
and beans. Furthermore, the quaysides were hives of activity – I guessed these
drop-offs were most likely the week’s highlight. Again, vendors climbed onboard
selling snacks and fruit, and nearly all supported them and shared what was
purchased.
The Amazon is a big watery world, and (like in Borneo) it appeared that kids could
row a boat before they could walk. Fellow passengers were exceedingly kind,
sharing their snacks, making the ship feel like a big family. Kids ran about, and
everyone kept an eye on them. The bar fridge in our cabin soon overflowed with
juice, milk, water, and whatever else people wanted to stay cold.
It was a pleasant surprise to notice that not once did anyone throw anything
overboard but dutifully placed their garbage in the bins provided. By evening, the
sunset was like thunder over the Amazon, birds flew home, and people on board
settled into their hammocks.
The Amazon is a vast area and the numbers mind-boggling. The river is enormous,
and the forest is thick and dense. Caboclo communities (mixed indigenous and
European) populate the riverbanks without any sign of indigenous tribes.
leana
(Leana)
#1