DAY 63-PARINTINS, BRAZIL

 At noon we are anchored off the shore of Parintins.  It's 85F with 65% humidity and partly sunny skies.  Looking like rain later in the afternooon.

Historical/Background Info:
Parintins is the second largest city in the Amazon basin with a population of 110,000.  It is located on the island of Tupinambarana in the Amazon River.  It’s claim to fame is its annual three day festival in June called Boi Bumba.  It is second only to Carnival in Rio in size and colorful floats and costumes of the dancers and musicians.
What We Did Today:
We anchored here from noon to 6:00 pm and had to again use the tenders to come ashore.  Our only reason for stopping here was to see a Boi Bumba Folk show.  The show was put on just for us to give us an idea of what the big celebration will be like in June.  I am going to put my
photos taken in 2012 of this show on this blog posting.  As I looked at them again, I don't know how they could be improved upon.  I know you will enjoy them.  We will probably not be going ashore today.  They will be tendering probably 500 people to shore and back.  That does not appeal to us.  Besides we're "been there, done that".
        I was awakened at 1:00 am with sound of a boat.  I looked out and our side of the ship was lit up and what appeared to be a pilot boat was just leaving.  I assume we changed pilots.  This morning we passed many small houses along the river banks.  The banks had been cleared of trees for a couple hundred yards or more so they could raise a few cattle and gardens.  It is overcast with light rain.
        We did our normal routine this morning besides viewing the wonders of the Amazon as we made our way back eastward.  If I had to recommend two cruises to you, one would be the Panama Canal and the Amazon River would be the other.  I guess I should say something about the Zika scare in Brazil due to mosquitoes.  The ship has provided small spray bottles with insect repellent for us to use.  I used it one day but really never saw any insects.  I have yet to see even one mosquito.  My tour yesterday was on the Rio Negro river and due to its high acidity, mosquitoes cannot exist on it.  They can on the waters of the Amazon but I have not seen any.  All kinds of mosquitoes in Dallas but so far none here.
        Well, first sign of the cruise coming to an end soon.  We got form to fill out detailing our travel plans once we get off the ship in Miami on March 25th.  Our flight is at 10:55 am on an American Airlines Boeing 777 to DFW Airport.  The 777 was scheduled as our plane when I booked the flight. Glad for the change as I will be back on my favorite aircraft to fly during my 30 year American career.  We are in first class but now sitting across the aisle from each other due to change in equipment.  That's ok!  This morning I went on AAL's website and selected our lunch entree for the flight.  As one of our new Regent Titanium benefits we will be getting a private car to take us to the MIA Airport from the ship.  No bus or taxi!  Yea!!  
        Shortly after sailing at 6:00 this evening we will head down for pre-dinner cocktails.  Of the six entrees on tonight's Compass Rose menu, we have our eye on the golden fried wiener schnitzel with warm potato salad.  I ran down this morning and made a special request with Manuel, a head waiter, for this salad:  hearts of palm, artichokes, avocado, and tomatoes with green goddess dressing.
        Since we will be stopping at Devil's Island on Friday, in the showroom tonight they are showing the movie, "Papillon" starring Steve McQueen.  Also tonight back in the Horizon Lounge at 9:30 there is a dance party featuring the JAR (Jean Ann Ryan) cast singing songs with the orchestra for dancing.  We will probably go to this.  Tomorrow we will be in Santarem.  Remember we sailed past it on our way up to Manaus last Friday.

 The bank of the river is changing constantly as it is eroded and the shallow rooted Amazon basin trees are swept into the river

                                            Lots of debris floating down river

 This morning we were passing by some small houses along the banks.  Notice houses are on stilts due to river water levels changing with seasons.

                                         Sorry for picture quality but it is lightly raining.

                                                     Some cleared land.

 The caboclo people living along the river pretty much raise their own cattle or chicken or fish for meats.  I'm sure they raise vegetables also.  Other supplies they get from the supplies boats on river.  Kind of like floating stores!

                                        Ship provided this but really have not needed it.

                                   They were paranoid so gave us two of these also.

                                 This and next 6 photos are of shore line at Parintins.

                               Some telephotos shots now.  These are the river supply boats.

                                          Smaller supply boats for along river.

         I'm guessing these barges have fuel for the electricity producing turbines here.

This is being served today at the pool grill.  I brought a taste back to the suite but did not care for it.  We will order salads for lunch from room service when Rebecca gets back from working out.
Ok, here are today's photos.  First link are photos I took this morning as we cruised in river and then of Parintins from ship.

This link is to my 2012 photos of the very loud, colorful, beautiful Boi Bumba Show and of Parintins. I think you will really enjoy these photos.  Sorry for all the heads in my pics but we were on back row and not raised seating.  Copy & paste to your browser.

https://goo.gl/photos/Fyec5LiRRjUYRctd8