After
a great sail in to Manaus this morning, Cathy and I took the shuttle to the
terminal and met our tour guide Milton. On leaving the terminal we could see
the Customs House prefabricated in Liverpool and shipped to Manaus a hundred
years ago. We drove past the Negro River Palace...originally the private
residence of a German rubber baron and now the Governor’s office. We started
our walking tour at the bustling Modern Market...this market is a maze of
stalls selling everything from fresh-caught fish, meat, bananas, and tropical
fruits. From this market we made our way to the Mercado Municipal Adolpho
Lisboa, on the banks of the Negro River, a protected national monument. Modeled
on the old Halles in Paris features stained glass windows as well as iron
framework that was made in Gustave Eiffel's Paris workshop. Apart from its
architecture, the market is a highlight because of its bustling activity and
the glimpse it offers visitors into local life. The market runs alongside the
harbor and is a hub of activity and important center for trade and
transportation along the Amazon. Next, we went to the spectacular Manaus Opera
House. The city’s most famous landmark, this lavish pink-and-white Opera House,
known as the Teatro Amazonas. Built in 1896, this marvel of architecture
features a dome of ceramic tiles imported from Europe, set in the colors of the
Brazilian flag. The amazing painting that grace the inside of the dome is a
recreation of the view you would have if you stood under the Eiffel Tower and
looked up. The dazzling auditorium boasts perfect acoustics and performances.
As stunning as the building is, perhaps its most extraordinary element is the
fact that it is located in the heart of the Amazon jungle...a testament to the
affluence that accompanied the rubber boom of 1896. We made a quick trip to the
beautiful Manaus Cathedral across the street from the Opera House. On the way back
to the ship we passed the Prosamin District, built to improve housing for those
who live along the rivers with an aim for better living conditions, health and
sanitation, social programs, and environmental awareness. Manuas is a lovely
city with many stunning neoclassical buildings and we had a great day touring
Amazon and a terrific guide Milton (amazonprivatetours.com)
It was a pleasure to guide you through Manaus!
ReplyDeleteHave a great sail.
Milton Fernandes