Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas, sits at the point where the jet black Rio Negro and the coffee colored Rio Amazonas meet. It is also at this point the name of Rio Amazonas changes to Rio Solimoes and retains this name until the border of Peru in which it turns back to Rio Amazonas. Manaus was also a product of the rubber boom in which no expense was spared. Trams were running in Manaus before they were in Boston and it was the first city in the world to have electric street lights.
Unfortunately, we did not get to go into any of the amazing buildings or museums because the two days we had there were Sunday, which Brazilians take very seriously and Monday in which all the museums were closed. We did however get to enjoy the Centro Historico area with the green and gold mock-Byzantine dome of the Teatro Amazones opera house in the back-ground. Having a farewell dinner in the lively Centre with our new French friend, Marion, who had been traveling with us since Alter do Chao, was a highlight of our time there.
The Teatro Amazones front and back
What we ate, we tried more fish which was all delicious, regretting now not writing down the names. Our favorite was the fish “ribs” we tried. They were literally just like ribs but it was fish on bones and with a little lime they were heavenly. We also continued to drink all the unfamiliar and delicious juices, with acai and maracuja being my favorite.
The remains of our left over fish “ribs”
Where we stayed, Hostel Manaus, which had views of the city from its rooftop patio where breakfast was served as well as a courtyard and lots of sofas for lounging. We had a private air-conditioned room with a bathroom for about $37 ($34 with a shared bathroom) a night including breakfast. The staff were extremely helpful and all spoke English.
Jon outside the Hostel and Jon and Marion lounging in the courtyard.
Journey with Christina 