February 23 – Belem, Brazil

February 22, 2017 – At Sea
Today we were at sea. We were sailing to the city of Belem. The day was filled with lectures and activities. It was a “Gala night” which means dressing up for dinner. They also had a Black and White ball where all the officers attend and have to dance with passengers, if asked. The shows were scheduled early. Singer Lorraine Brown was very good. We had dinner at 8pm and then went to the ball. I left after a half hour because I was tired. Everything was beautifully decorated even the penguins who were dressed in gold vests and top hats. Back in the room was another pillow gift. This was a rolling carry-on size bag. I have been told this is to use to get all the other gifts and souvenirs home.
February 23, 2017 – Belem, Brazil
Overnight we finally sailed into the Amazon. Belem is situated on a tributary that flows into the Atlantic Ocean. When we sail out tonight we will backtrack and go back to the Atlantic Ocean to enter the main part of the Amazon on Fridayl
Linda and I met up with Bob and Monica, our trivia friends from Australia. They invited us to join them on a walk around town. They were interested first in seeing 2 Palacios that are now art museums but close at 1pm. We walked first past the city market stalls where everything from pots and pans to produce to meats and fish to herbs are sold in small stalls. The Palacios were both midocre art museums but fabulous examples of 18th century mansions.
Next we went to the Cathedral which is large and very nice. Across from the Cathedral was the fort which was built to protect the city. There was a cannon at the fort that appeared to be an ed at the ms Prinsendam.
We left the fort and headed to the Botanical Garden at the other end of town. Bob said it was about 1 mile. We walked and found ourselves in a favela (slum). People were friendly and seemed surprised that the 4 of us were walking through. We got to the garden and they turned out to be more of an aviary than a botanical garden. We saw herons, scarlet ibis, flamingos, and many birds I can’t identify. We were here for almost 1 1/2 hours.
We headed back on a main road and went past the Teatro de Paz but did not stop because we were tired, not, and ready to return to the ship.
It was very hot (90° F) and humid. On return we all separated to go to our cabins and shower. We met up again at 4pm for trivia and came in 2nd.
The entertainer tonight was a cellist named Andrew Skrimshire. He was very good. The entertainment overall has been good but this last few days has been very good.
Tomorrow is a sea day and on February 25th we arrive in Santarem at 3pm. I am looking forward to starting our official sailing into the Amazon.