Thoughts on Leaving Manaus

Part two of our trip is now over and we are on a flight heading for Rio Branco in the Brazilian state of Acre. On the map it is the most Western part of Brazil next to the Bolivian border.

Last night we said a tearful farewell to our hosts in Manaus. Although we were accommodated in a hotel in the city centre, the Aoki family were our host family for our stay. I cannot stress enough what an incredible family they are. They have catered for our every need, they have organised everything transported us everywhere, translated everything and most of all have become very good friends. All of the girls have fallen for William who is an extraordinary young man who worked tirelessly for us all week and ALWAYS had a smile on his face. From the bottom of our hearts thank you so much.

Manaus I feel is a more modern city than Belem. It is a very large port city and was once the city that handled all of the Rubber exported from Brazil to the rest of the world. The rubber first entered Europe via the port of Liverpool so the cities have strong ties from the past. In fact there is a Brazilian song that some of our hosts sang that refers to Liverpool in the lyrics.

Whilst in Manuas we have had some wonderful experiences. The meeting of the waters was an amazing thing to see and we were also met by a couple of Dolphins. Venturing into the riverside communities and seeing how they live and get about on the river was really interesting and walking through the jungle to the giant lily pads, something we had only read about in books! On our walks through the forest we have seen sloths and monkeys and a few creepy crawlies !!  We have all had a chance at some stage to visit out vocations in some shape or form. We spent a morning with the Police who showed us how they operate on the river and took us out for a spin. Steve had  a really interesting meeting with the chief of police of Amazonia who would like to set up an exchange for research into the operations of the Olypics as they are hosting the World cup in the city in 2014. A visit to IMPA a university for environmental studies was a real treat and steve got to feed the baby Manatees from a bottle, a real privilege.  A visit to the world cup stadium construction site was interesting  but will it be ready ??????  they seem confident !!

Yesterday we finished the day by going to an orphanage  Abrigo Moacyr Alves. It is for children who have been abandoned by their parents due to their disabilities. Some were quite severe, others with downs or  cerebral palsy . It was quite an upsetting experience for us all and there were a few tears shed. We gave the Orphange  some Football shirts that were donated by Maghull and Aughton Rotary Club. You would have thought they had won the lottery !!  They shrieked with delight and hugged each other ( and us !!). Such a simple gesture that meant so much to these children that have nothing. Thank you Maghull and aughton you have made some children very happy and made a GSE team cry !

The hardest part is always saying good bye. The wonderful Aoki family hosted a BBQ at their house for us on our final night. Lucky steve was presented with a Flamengo football shirt ! and we gave some gifts to our friends. There were hugs all round as we said our good byes. We will remember our trip to the jungle city for the rest of our lives!

Thank you too all the Manaus Rotarians that helped to make our stay so memorable.

Next stop Rio Branco !!!!!!!!