Visiting Boca Da Valeria, Brazil Made Me FEEL Like I Had Finally Arrived in Amazonia

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Boca Da Valeria, Brazil was our port of call on Friday, March 3, 2023, and, for only the second port of call on the cruise, the Holland America itinerary says, “There are no Shore Excursions to choose from for today.” Boca Da Valeria (mouth of Valeria) is a small village at the junction of the Valeria and the Amazon Rivers and is quite a fascinating place to visit. The village has less than 150 residents, but the population swells when a cruise ship lays anchor. The locals, residents and “commuters” alike, have made a science out of extracting money from the cruise ship passengers. Many children don traditional clothing to fetch a dollar, but most dress in Western attire. Many children are toting their pet sloth, macaw, alligator, parrot, owl, capybara or other critter as a prop for a photo op with a donation fully expected. Hey, I like that – a prop for an op! The remainder, and fully the majority of the children, merely grasp your hand wanting to be your friend or to make you feel sorry for their plight or to (strictly a possibility without substantiative evidence) pick your pocket. Unlike “friendly” children in a city environment, these children are probably as honest as Abe; however, caution is a good thing. The going rate is $1.00 (US) for a photo. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience although some might say the locals are commercializing their circumstance. So be it! To those that feel the locals are taking advantage of the passengers, I’d say, “Stay on the ship!”

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Photos

Free–Lancing in Boca Da Valeria, Brazil
We Were Forewarned of the Throngs of Children That Would Greet Us with Open Hands

Free–Lancing in Boca Da Valeria, Brazil
I Was Immediately Encouraged to Have a Photo Op with a Pet Sloth – Donations Gratefully Accepted, Errrr Unequivocally Expected

Free–Lancing in Boca Da Valeria, Brazil
All That Stands Between the Church and the Saloon Is a School Room – Yes, A One-Room School Still in Use

Free–Lancing in Boca Da Valeria, Brazil
I Don’t Know If There Is Any Western Denominational Affiliation or If the Dogma Is Indigenous

Free–Lancing in Boca Da Valeria, Brazil
Some Families Offered Tours of Their Home – Yes, Donation Expected

Free–Lancing in Boca Da Valeria, Brazil
Traditional Dress Enhanced the “Photographability” (and Income) of Some of the Children

Free–Lancing in Boca Da Valeria, Brazil
There Was Nobody Around to Accept a Donation

Free–Lancing in Boca Da Valeria, Brazil
Some Costuming Was More Ornate and Much Less “Childrenish,” Probably Designed Especially for Dirty Old Men

Free–Lancing in Boca Da Valeria, Brazil
Typical Shoreline Along the Amazon River

Free–Lancing in Boca Da Valeria, Brazil
A Pet Capybara – Closely Related to Guinea Pigs, They Are the Largest Rodents on Earth

Free–Lancing in Boca Da Valeria, Brazil
My Friend Tony, Also a Vietnam Vet – He Married a Scottish Lass and Has Lived in Edinburgh, Scotland for Over 20 Years