I was up early to catch the sail in to Santarém. Today, was a tender operation as our docking spot was taken by a vessel unloading fertilizer. Cathy and I walked to town passing colorful boats, the massive Cargill facility, a symbol of Brazil’s flourishing soy trade. Along the way, we stopped to check out the action and produce at the Municipal market, where we saw different varieties of fish...There is constant bustle of boats coming and going and passengers boarding and disembarking...life on the river! We continued walking the Nova Otis Fluvial...the waterfront promenade past the fish market and Marina until we came to the Matriz Square and Our Lady of the Conception Cathedral, the oldest church in the city. From here we continued to walk along the promenade until we came to the Santarém Pier. Crossing the street and we climbed up to a lookout point overlooking the murky (brownish-yellow) waters of the Amazon River where it meets the aquamarine waters of the Tapajos River. For some distance (after joining together) the different colored river waters do not mix and there is a very visible dividing line. The locals call this the "Meeting of the Waters," and it is a unique phenomenon. Continuing along the river walk we came to Joao Fona Museum a large waterfront mansion and behind the museum is the Independence Monument. We returned to city center and took the shuttle back to the port, did some shopping and returned to the ship for a relaxing afternoon poolside. Another enjoyable but hot and humid day in the Amazon.
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