Sea Day #7

Sailing to Macapa to be 'checked into Brazil' as Brazil has very strict VISA requirements.  Even if you are not getting off the boat but are in their waters, you must have a valid VISA.  Only country that I have been to yet that requires that.  Also it is complicated paperwork to get the VISA.  Many people we have met were frustrated by how long it took to have it returned if they needed to do it by mail.  also by the cost.  Elva's brother has commented more than once that if he had known what the added cost of the VISA for he and Mary would be and for the required Yellow fever shots he would not have booked the trip. Lucky for Elva and me, we have those left on the time allowed from the last visit. Pretty much they mimic the US in procedure with one notable exception.  If you have a question about what exactly to do, the website provides a dual message.  Do Not Call but does give a phone number.  I remember having trouble selecting an appointment date and time on the WEB so called.  The answering machine said; "Thank you for calling the Consul of Brazil, (insert name here), in Atlanta..  We told you not to call. Bon Dia."

When we get to Macapa no one will leave the ship but the Pilot and the Authorities will come aboard and clear the vessel for sailing up the Amazon.  This Portuguese settlement was meant to monitor the newly claimed territory of Portugal in 1758.  The star shaped fort still stands at the entrance of the 'harbor.' Fortaleza de São José de Macapá
 
Early swim for me in the infinity pool on the Aqua Vit deck at the back of deck 7.  Only one in the pool which was warm and wonderful.  (My picture to follow but this is what the pool looks like.)

I talked with Christine and Maddie for a little while.  They were onthe way to get Maddie's new prom dresses altered.  Fun to speak to them from the Mouth of the Amazon River!  Whoever thought that could happen to me!  A sudden cloudburst ended the call but passed as quickly as it appeared!

 Trivia - not our best day.

Afternoon Tea.

Port talk about our first two stops - Santarem, named after the city in Portugal because it was discovered on the same feast day.  Photo history of Santarem   Here we have a great excursion planned to go fishing. The second stop is in Parintins, pronounced  Pa-ran-chintes.  All during our planning I have not come across that but the spotlight operator on the ship is Brazilian, one of two on board.

We met the gang for cocktails during Munch Moments and always have a lively conversation about what everyone did during the day.  Dinner tonight was in the Chef's Table.  It is one of the two specialty restaurants we have.  Viking does not charge extra for these.  Tonight's fixed menu was called Xiang.  "The five course menu inspired by china's Cantonese and Huaiyang cuisine."  We bagan with Hot and Sour Soup served with Muscadet sur Lie.  The first course was Fried Prawns that were delicious.  The menu said they would make 'our taste buds jump up and down."  The wine was Brise Marine White.

 Phil expertly using his chop sticks.

Crispy Prawns. Delicious.

Mary reading to us from the menu the way the dish was made and the origin of the wine.

A Granita of coconut, lemongrass, and ginger refreshed our palates.  Wok-fried beef with pepper sauce and rice in a lotus leaf.  Basiano Tempranillo from Spain accompanied this course.  Dessert was delicious Chilled Mango Cream and , of course, another wine.  This time Uby, Gros & Petit Manseng from France.  I cannot keep up with Phil and Rosemary who really enjoy their food and recognize these things that to me are exotic.  Allan and Mary cook as a hobby and love all the wines and are familiar with most of them.  Service is what you would think fine dining required and Eric, our waiter, is especially sweet, accurate, and delightful.  We see him during the day in the other venues.  

The entertainment tonight featured the girl singers and the dancers in Les Artistes de Paris.  Many Edith Piaf songs and a Sarah Brightman version of some of them.  It was a short trip through La Belle Epoch.  Elva went up instead to watch LaLa Land on the big screen.  I joined her for after the songstresses were finished. 

Did you notice the reflection in the rainy glass ceiling of the main pool?