Parintins, Brazil

This city along the Amazon is known for their fabulous Boi Bumba ! 
What a high energy performance !

Costumes and staging was truly fabulous! 

What a production by the folks of this small city.

Santarem, Brazil

Arrival at this city...

City's Cathedral ~1711

The Amazon River is the main "commute" for these residents, their roads are in poor condition....so many folks depend on river for travel.

Big boats and small use the river to move people from town to town = long distance, so the residents can buy a boat ticket which entitles them to a hammock for their travel days.

Our bus tour included a visit to this rural family farm.

Above is milky sap = LATEX gathered from rubber tree.

Peeling of Manioc tubers, which is then ground, drained 'n cooked. We observed this activity at the family property. Manioc = Cassava or yucca is a staple in Brazilian cooking.

Brazil Nuts ...as they fill a dense, heavy pod.

Ahhhh, these are the memory from my childhood.

Nice'n informative time with a local family...

Up The Amazon

 Here we go........

It is ....truly a jungle out there ! 

Small low boats...

AND.....BIG Boats !

A residence 

A Village 

As the muddy rivers flow into the Amazon they keep their color.
The two colors then just travel side by side  = "Meeting of the Waters"

French Guiana

A part of French Guiana, three "Islands of Salvation" = a penal colony. Opened in 1852. It was a much feared penal colony and was only for the most notorious French criminals.  Henri Charrierre did escape, that story was in the film "Papillon".

This was our view/arrival = at the largest of the 3 islands ~ occupied in late 1800's.

above.... a view back at our ship.

There are many bldgs still standing. Above is the church.... and below the hospital.

There is also a hotel (business) ....and these friendly folks above are all over.

View of one of the other 2 islands.

Farewell to a day on a tropical 'n most remote place.

Bridgetown, Barbados

Arrived ! !!!!

.....sadly tis a Sunday, so shops shuttered.

We walked their beach....

.....enjoyed their flowers !

and ....an island bus tour !

San Juan / Puerto Rico

Our first port...a city filled with color !

We docked right down town = 2 sunny, warm days ! Great start to this cruise !

The old town is surrounded by historic walls  ~ 16th century

Their historic church in town center.

WE had a great time exploring their old city !

Off we go    ...now onto our next port !!!!!!