Many cities in South America have high crime rates. The numbers will stagger the gun conscious U.S. Although Manaus does not match the winning city of Caracas which has 130 murders per 100,000 a year but the pretty substantial 41 per 100,000 is enough to make you think twice about wandering around on your own. Docks are, by nature, never in the best part of town. Two ladies and one man were robbed even while out on tour. You must pay attention to your surroundings, act like you know what you are doing and where you are going to be safe anywhere in this world. Therefore it was strongly advised not to stay ashore after dark. This was enhanced by the fact that we were tied up at a floating dock. A shuttle had to take you to a terminal which was within the port gates. After a long walk across a pothole filled parking area you would reach the street. No thank you for late night partying!
The morning of the second day Elva and I went for a walk just to see what there was to see. We had thought we could walk along the shore to the market but ventured out to the crowded sidewalk and headed to the Mercado Municipal. Three times along the way people told Elva to put away her phone which she always carries in her hand to be ready to take pictures. So we would stop, take a photo and put the phone away.
Along the street many people had laid out small blankets on the sidewalk and kneel in the street to sell the items they had. On the other side were people who had display boards or small tables and stood to sell their wares. My goal was to find a new toothbrush. I had broken the handle of mine a few days ago and it was not easy to use. One man had some packaged toothbrushes and wanted 2 Reals for it. I had not exchanged money so offered a dollar. I was careful to turn away and have then only one bill in my hand. He kept saying no. In reality I should have been able to get 3 for that dollar with the current exchange rate but he apparently didn't understand. So we walked on.
Glad we aren't staying at this fine hotel!
Risking life and limb we crossed the busy street right where the traffic running along the seaside turns to avoid the port behind us. The Mercado Municipal is styled like a Parisian marketplace. Wrought iron fence and decorative gates surround the buildings. These are also of French influence. Not a surprise since the iron work was down under the direction of Gustave Eiffel. We went through the fresh foods and herbs building and the arts and crafts. When we first got there we bumped into the gentleman who is the local tour organizer. At least he is the one on the dock that co-ordinated the guides. He stopped to warn us to stay inside the fence and not walk along the shore where people were selling food and trinkets. After a short while we made our way back to the ship. Interesting place but no inclination to venture far.
We had lunch and then joined our included tour of the city. We saw many of the same things we saw the day before. The stop at the Opera House allowed me time to duck into St. Sebastian which is quite nice and has a very unusual altar. The square in front of the Opera House reflects the importance of the meeting of the waters. We spent some time in a small gallery where some people bought tribal crafts like woven place mats.
The four continents that were known.
Our bus driver had a sense of humor!
We were enjoying our veranda when we heard the dreaded announcement. Two names were being paged - Bonnie and Linda! Could those possibly be the two ladies who I had earlier been searching for? Second call and no sign of them and more importantly any indication that the Brazilian Officials would be leaving the ship so we could sail away. Then the shuttle left the dock. It returned shortly and the cheering and catcalls began! And yes, it was the Bonnie I had found at my friend Donna's behest. When we bumped into them later at the display of the giant fish on deck, I asked if security had started to clear their room. They asked why they would do that. Totally oblivious to what happens when the ship leaves and you are waving goodbye!
The show was four crew members including Drew and Ian in a game called Who's the Cookoo. It was kind of like Liar's Club. Each gave a title of a previous job and then by asking questions we tried to determine who had actually done that job for real. Quite hilarious! Loved that Nathan, the future Cruise consultant, had learned ballet movements in case someone asked for a demonstration anad of course, they did and he performed them very well. We voted that he was telling the truth - (sound of buzzer) Wrong!
On the way back to the ship after our morning walk I found what I was looking for!
$1.00 from another vendor.
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