Manaus....going deep, DEEP!

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Hello Folks,

Well, it has been a long time and I know you all want to see pictures but the computer here is really slow and I don´t want to spend the whole day uploading.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe! =)

The first day we got the airport, and the vulchers were waiting for us trying to sell us all kinds of tours to the jungle and all that bla bla. The Ozzy traveller is rather hasty so he was all gung ho about going but I didn´t quite trust the guy selling all this crap so before we left with him I went to the tourist information center and they told me to stay away from those agents outside because it can be dangerous. Supposedly they have taken people away to be robbed before so I went back to the cab and said to my friend that he can do what he wants but I am staying here and talking to the real travel agencies. The con artist wasn´t pleased but hey...that is his problem.

We talked to them at the agency and sort of came to an agreement even though I wasn´t pleased with the price. I will have to start negotiating on my own from now on because the Ozzy doesn´t care about the price and is always in a hurry for some reason. Anyway, in 2 days we left for the DEEEEEEPPPP jungle.

First we went to see the meeting of the rivers, which a junction where the amazon river or the Solamoes as the natives call it meets the Rio Negro. Amazon river is colder and more murky but the rivers never actually mix.

We arrived at the lodge which was only 70 km from Manaus. We went piranha fishing the first day and I didn´t catch one but I took a picture with one just so we can all pretend I did. You are lucky I am telling you the truth here cause I could be lying and you wouldn´t know the difference anyway. Then we went for a walk in the jungle not really a deep jungle and the guide was explaining some medicinal purposes for the trees and plants.

We also went alligator spotting but didn´t see squat so after 2 hours we returned. However, later on we did catch one as you will see on the picture. We also saw river dolphins swimming by the boat. I wanted to jump in the water until the guide told me that they can be aggresive and have been known to drown people before. That was real encouraging news so I stayed in the boat.

We didn´t actually go to the amazon river but to the black one called Rio Negro. It is black because it is acidic from the decomposing vegetation. As a result you do not have many mosquitos along the river which is always a bonus. This river is really warm and good to swim in. This river is absolutely huge with its widest point being 28km from one side to the other. I can´t believe its size. WOW. Piranhas are not really a threat until you start bleeding.

Believing the Hype

On the fourth day we went to the jungle. Funny enough which happened to be the same path we walked along the other day. Mind you I was not happy abou the fact that we are not getting what was promised. That is not the deep jungle...that is bullcrap. It didn´t really matter since the next day I got a fever and at night got the runs to go with it. I crapped about 12 times that day and was getting to the point where I was only letting out blood and mucus. YES, I was getting quite concerned so next day we had to go to the hospital. I could hardly walk back or breathe and it was about 35 degrees outside...absolutely LOVELY. I was actually dumb enough to contemplate staying at the lodge for the night to see if it gets better.

Sampling the Local Health Care

There was another guy there from Calgary and his girlfriend also got sick so they went with me as well as one Japanese guy. We went to a specialized hospital to see if we got malaria but the results came back ok. By that point we were so weak that they let us stay in that hospital anyway. The beds were the most uncomfortable thing I have ever slept on. Picture a flat wooden board with a sheet over it to get an idea. English is not exactly a widely spoken language in the hospital so our guide was translating for us and then some doctors finally spoke some english. The next day for some reason we switched to another room and I got shafted again simply because the bed from previous night was luxury compared to this one. This one was not flat, with one board sticking over another without padding. The next morning I woke and I thought I injured my back just from sleeping on that thing. Luckily for me, they told me I could go back to my hotel that day because they didn´t find anything in the blood samples or stool samples I had to provide. So I still don´t know what it was that I had.

The japanese guy was hilarious because he was completely clueless as to what was going on or what anyone has said to him. He hooked himself off the IV like 10 times and was bleeding all over the place. The nurse told him not to do that and he said; OK, OK!. In five minutes he unhooked himself again and was just wondering around the hospital. Hopefully I got a good picture of him so I can show ya....it was hilarious as sick as that sounds.

Oh Yes, It´s on Like Donkey Kong

And yes, for the boys out there I have to mention that the nightclubs in Manaus are really a treat/dream come true if you happen to be a functioning and practicing HETEROSEXUAL. There is about 7 to 1 women to men ratio in Manaus and in the club it was at least that. Let the games begin, actually you are the hunted, you don´t hunt as a guy...you are prey which is real good for a change. They also danced FORRO, which is very popular in the north of Brazil. I tried to dance that shizzle but failed miserably as it is really hard. Also, if that is not enough, there is always Pagodi which makes the dancing situation not exactly rosy either. Oh well, you can´t please them all. =)

So now, I am back in Mananus and tomorrow I am flying to Recife. My time here was not very productive but that was beyond my control for the most part.

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Photos

Manaus
Where the Amazon River meets Rio Negro

Manaus - Anaconda Lodge
Returning from a good day of piranna fishing

Manaus - Anaconda Lodge1
Freshly caught piranna

Manaus - Anaconda Lodge2
Anaconda Skin - you love it

Alligator Spotting
Nothing like holding a freshly caught gator...mind you I was a bit scared of dropping it.

Manaus Hospital
And here we are in the hospital. The japanese guy of course being in the middle.

Amazonas Shopping Center
Me and Wayno in the Amazonas Shopping Mall enjoying a cool beer and following the instructions on my T-shirt.

Comments

[Work_Bitch]

Just let it flow
That's what I like to hear... everything is "shits" and giggles over there.

[Crissy]

Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday Russ now your 29 how does that feel? Sounds like your having a great time in the jungle..hehe, anyways Kev says "hey Russ"...........I don't think he is as bitter as he was in the beginning lol, we both know that if he was with you he would probably be dead. Well keep on having fun, be your cheap ass self don't let that Ozzy sweet talk you into any deals.

[One from Rio Gang]

Fever has screwed-up your brain...
What are you are talking about?? Manaus is dream come true for Homosexuals...and there are 7 women to 1 man....yeah that fever has screwed-up your brain...

[anonymous]

I bet it was the stew? ;-) Now that's travelling... it appears that you are recovering fine, so now you must be immune?! Fabulous adventures .. keep 'er comin (when U get a chance :-) Wayner//

[Admirer]

What was the guide doing in the hospital ?
Well well...talk about entertainment during work. This was some funny reading, capped by the fact that the guide was in the hospital with you. I have a guess as to why you ended in the hospital, perhaps there was a reason the river was warm ? Its a shame you didnt see the amazon...what the freak ?? Anyways...I am sorry to hear about your illness...mucus huh ? must have been a tough few nights...all alone..in a strange country...on a wood bed. I cant believe you even slept.

[anonymous]

HOTness!
Thanks for that graphic image of your ass and it's contents!