When we left at 3:00 AM this morning, it was cold and humid. The day before had started with a literal white cloud of humidity around our hotel. It wasn't that humid this morning, but we could see our breath outside, it was so cold.
When we arrived in Manaus this afternoon it was still humid--really humid--but it was hot. Everything in this Amazonian city feels damp all the time. It rains just slightly almost every day, really like a light sprinkle, and then the heat steams off the rainwater. At times you can actually feel the air as you breath it. Fortunately today was not too hot, and it rained a bit in late afternoon which cooled things down a little.
We were tired when we arrived and we don't start class again until tomorrow. Some students stayed in and napped. Chris, Jasmine, Shadae, Brazil, Sam, and Kayleigh went out exploring. Our hotel is on a rather rundown block right in the old city. We are just a block away from the central square at the famous old opera house. Walking on the uneven cobblestone sidewalks, with holes and sudden gaps, is a bit of a challenge in itself. On the other side of the opera house, there is a shopping neighborhood with lots of little clothing stores, shoe stores, home goods and jewelry. Brazil bought a sweet pair of shoes. The streets were lined with vendors selling everything from street food to cell phone cases and batteries. You could buy everything from undergarments, to mousetraps and just about everything else. This was definitely not a tourist market!
Students ate out in little local cafes and restaurants. Some made their way to a traditional Brazilian lanche counter, or a sort of inexpensive diner. Along with dinner, We got fresh squeezed juices, guessing at what they were. We had mango with milk (!), guava, and Sam got a bright orange juice that we finally figure out was good old exotic carrot juice!
As we returned in early evening, we noticed the square outside the opera house had come alive with people. Cafes were open and had tables and chairs set up and packed with people. There was a free concert in the square, and people were crowded around to hear. The air was still humid, but cooler and pleasant. It was lovely to just be there.
Tomorrow we are up bright and early for a full day of experiences. The following day, we head to the ecolodge up the river. This could not be a more different place than Rio or Iguasso, and yet it's the heart of Brazil.
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