Exploring the Amazon

 After Manaus the ship continued to navigate up the Amazon. Because of the size of Venture we are able to go further into the Amazon compared to most other cruise ships. In fact at this stage we and 1 other ship are able to do this part of the river.

For the next few days we will be stopping along the way to explore various parts of the river via zodiacs. 

Lots of bird life with a few locals sharing the many tributaries off the river. 

It's extremely dense and amazing.

Back onboard we recommenced our daily activities. More food, wine and merriment. We have met up with a group of Americans (around our age) who are good fun. We formed our new Trivia team. We have 3 doctors, a PR specialist, a lawyer and Julie and I so we expect to do well. After our first round we came in 3rd 😃. But then, there are only 3 teams playing 😢. 

Last night we played music trivia and had a similar result. Maybe we aren't that clever.

The exploration is done first thing in the morning (0630 - 😲) and then again in the afternoon about 3.00) . That is when the wildlife is most active. Again, lots of birds.

We were also lucky to see pink dolphins (although a bit tricky to photograph as you have no idea when they will pop out of the water.

There were also sightings of squirrel monkeys and caiman (part of the alligator community) but like the dolphins very difficult to photograph. 

Back to exploring the river. On the 3rd day we decided not to go out in the morning and decided to have a sleep in. That worked out to be a good decision as it rained heavily and those who went out got drenched.

Later that morning we went ashore to visit one of the local villages along the river. A bit wet underfoot from all the rain. I stood still for too long and was the target for a colony of fire ants. Very uncomfortable for a while.

They live a very simple life and seem to be very content with there lot.

The vultures are sitting on the roof of a partly built hospital. Not a great advertisement.

Back to the ship for a late lunch.

A nice sunset on the river

The next day we noticed that they have filled the pool again. Apparently the Captain got a bit of negative feedback from the passengers (rightly so) and we once again can enjoy some quality time around the pool.

We had the morning onboard while we sailed to a spot for a night trip out exploring.

We were lucky to get up close and personal with a caiman and boa

In addition there were many bats flying around along with all sorts of frogs, bugs and insects. 

Back onboard, quick shower to wash off all the deet insect repellent, off to dinner and then on to the evening entertainment.

Another day, another ride on the zodiac.2 hrs is very hard on the backside.

It's amazing where things grow.

Next morning we were headed back towards Manaus.

It's interesting where the Amazon meets the blacker waters from it's tributaries. 

This time in Manaus we went touring around the city to take in the sights. It was hot but no rain. Glad the bus was airconditioned.

One would think there wasn't to be any spectacular buildings. But the first stop was to the Manaus Opera House.

It seems out of place here. It was built by the wealthy rubber barons and opened in 1886. Whilst we were there we were fortunate to see and hear the orchestra rehearsing. The acoustics were incredible.

The remainder of the tour was not quite as interesting. However did stop of at the local market. Julie was in her element.

Back to the ship for lunch and a bit of lounging around the pool. 

Haven't managed to get to the gym for a couple of days so feeling a bit on the fat side. I have been strict as far as eating is concerned. Cereal, fruit and coffee for breakfast (very difficult walking past all of the cooked food, cheese, cold meats, eggs to order, pancakes 😭). Julie doesn't go to breakfast but has fruit salad which I bring up after I had my breakfast. Lunch is a tough choice. Try to be strong and just have salad (rarely succeed). Always something interesting to choose from with a beer or wine (or both). Julie has her caviar delivered to the room at 6.00pm and then off to cocktails before dinner and the evenings entertainment. We have a couple of very good singers onboard at present.

So from the above keeping the weight off is a challenge.

Had a massage to help me get over the worry.😊

The next morning was another 6.00 start. We didn't go. Sleep was the better option. We will go in the afternoon(weather permitting).

Only 1 more day left before we disembark at Manaus on Friday. May just chill out onboard and enjoy the sun and drinks before we head off to Rio and then Igarzu Falls.