Boats, buses and airplanes filled our day today as we said goodbye to the Amazon Rainforest and made our way to Belen.
Our boat trip back to the mainland was filled with laughter, good conversation and heat! For some reason the air in the boat was not circulating very well, so we all took turns going to the front of the boat, where the cabin opened up, for fresh air. However, when I stepped outside we hit a big wave and I was soaked from head to toe in Amazonian water. ☺
This boat ride also included a visit to the “Meeting of the Waters.” This is an area of the Amazon where the Black River and Yellow River meet. What’s interesting about it is that each river is a distinct color and similar to oil & vinegar, these to rivers do not mix. So across the entire width of the riverbed there is a visible line of separation. We then raced to the airport to catch our flight to Belen. Because there was only 1 airline agent checking in all the passengers of the flight, we were delayed by 2 hours. While on the flight I looked out my window to see an extraordinary sight. There was this huge cloud that spanned the ground to the heavens and every few seconds a portion of the cloud would illuminate with lightening. It was grateful that our pilot didn’t fly us through that. ☺
Once in Belen, we met with the women who make jewelry using the seeds from inside the acai berries. These women make the most beautiful bracelets and necklaces as part of a co-op supported by The MORE Project. All proceeds from tonight’s purchases go to the women and with plenty of inventory at the meeting, we are coming home with lots of great stuff. They were all so lovely and they even joined us for dinner. The daughter of one of the ladies was so cute, quiet and loved (like any little girl) the attention and the photos.
Early to bed tonight, early to rise tomorrow. Specifically, 5 a.m. early.
