Boca da Valeria

Day 55 1 March

Boca da Valeria

Amazonia

We had to set our clocks back 1 hour last night which caused an extra early awakening this morning as I had forgotten to make the change. At 0615 the ship became silent as we glided to a stop below the village of Boca da Valeria, population 75. Down went our hook and down went the tender under our cabin. Not far off our cabin deck was a wooded bluff and in those woods the birds and monkeys set up a screeching and howling, apparently thinking they were being approached by a floating island. The island (ship) they did not need to worry about, but 800 some tourists manning the boats to invade the shore was certainly a spectacle.

  A couple of families came out in their canoes so the kids could welcome the ship with their pet sloths. (And maybe get a few gratuities as well.)

The locals were expecting us and had prepared shore defenses; battery after battery of stands to sell their handmade artwork. Legions of children were the first wave of defense and charged right into the waves of tourists, taking them by the hand and leading them into the village.

We were seized by three small girls and our retreat cut off by two boys. Thus encircled, we surrendered and were led into the village by our captors. Armed with cameras and one dollar bills we were paraded through the village and shown off to family, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, buying our freedom (and a picture) from each.The houses are built on stilts because the river height fluctuates greatly. Wood canoes crowded the shoreline and for a couple of bucks one could get a boat ride. Actually it was quite fun being escorted by the children and we were shown their school, the church, and the various costumes and critters brought out for our viewing.

With 9 ships a year stopping here, their economy of fishing is augmented by tourism and they have learned how to capitalize on that. Several of the children are dressed in what may be taken as native garb with grass skirt/shorts and beads, face paint and feathers. Many of the younger children bring out their pets, most often on a string or leash, to pose for photos. These pets were such as small crocodiles, monkeys, lizards, a rat like rodent, snakes, sloths, large insects and a tarantula. One man brought his anaconda for us to pose with; I let him do the posing. The dogs slept under the houses and chickens wandered freely. The school is very barren and has very little as far as supplies. The children must supply their own books and supplies and there are several children who come from more remote areas to this school. (Future visitors: bring pencils, papers, art supplies, cash donations.)

Father, daughter w/ pet alligators

our new family

brother and sister with pet sloths

2 of our captors

Several of the adults have taken up handi-crafts and sell their work are quite reasonable prices. We found a variety of wood carvings, pottery, embroidery, weaving, sketches and paintings. Others were selling canoe trips around the river branch.

A couple of hours of this wandering and we returned to the ship. On the way back my water bottle sprung a leak and flooded my telephoto lens which will limit my photos for the rest of the voyage.

Noon report: 02° 26.88'S and 056° 27.39'W. Distance 14,344. Temp 90F.