Today was so much fun! What an adventure it was going with Rogerio to buy fish at 5:15am! I feel like I could write a book about the 3 hours we were out. The market is quite the happening place in the early morning with all the vendors setting up to sell their fish, meats,vegetables, fruits. We were in search of a very very hard to find fish that is indigenous to only the Amazon, pronounced Peter-ruku (not sure how it’s spelled) . From the first large market, we went to the docks where they were unloading fish and auctioning them off. While at the docks, we saw many pink dolphins swimming (also indigenous to the Amazon). We then went to another market, then back to the original one still in search of the Peteruku fish. Along the way, various fish was purchased… but still in search of the Peterruku. Rogerio’s efforts paid off…..Eureka!! He is sooooooo knowledgeable and was interested in only the very best. He knows how to check the gills for freshness, exactly what to look for, and how to bargain back and forth getting the best price. "Mr. Peterruku" weighed in at 175lbs. and we're having him for lunch tomorrow at the pool deck grill. It really was such fun! This is something I’d recommend to EVERYONE to
do if you have the opportunity.

Back to yesterday…..we hooked up with Joanna and Tony at the Tropical Hotel (looks like a very nice hotel and Joanna said the AC was good too). They had a very long day (27 hours from leaving their home to Manaus). Unfortunately, 1 of their 4 pieces of luggage didn't make it (Tony's bag) but they were in hopes it would show up by 10 last night. I sure hope so!
It was so great seeing them and of course we can’t wait to see Ngaire and Ken later today too! I took it upon myself to order lamb chops for Ngaire’s dinner tonight….she certainly deserves it!

Last night we went to a Brazilian jazz concert in the Manaus Opera House. Again, like all the complimentary Radisson tours it was first class in every way. It was so much better than had we just walked through it. It is such a large gorgeous place. If you’re ever in Manaus, don’t miss it! The musicians were just great. Brazilians sure love their music and you hear it everywhere.

Luckily, Compass Rose stayed open late .By the time we returned, we were starved! Captain Philippe was not dining at CR so once again we lucked into his table for 11. During dinner I received a very special anniversary gift from Tom…..a beautiful Rainbow gemed necklace comprised of 5 different Brazilian gems( Blue Topaz, Rubellite, Amethyst, Citrine and Tourmaline) It was such a huge surprise as I had no idea he had purchased it earlier that day from H. Stern at the Tropical Hotel. He set it all up to have it delivered to me that night at dinner. Needless to say, I was surprised beyond belief!! :banana: I still can’t figure out how he did this without me seeing him.

After dinner I had every intention to go straight to bed knowing I had an early call this morning. Well…..sometimes things don’t always go as planned. I ended up in the Mariner’s Lounge with Captain Philippe, Rogerio, Hotel Director Martin, Cruise Director John and his beautiful wife (also a PG dancer) Lyndsey, another PG dancer Louise and Ann & Terry Speed. We had such a good time that I couldn’t pull myself away. They were all such fun. I love the opportunities getting to know them all, really a great staff. Finally went to bed sometime after midnight after laughing myself silly! After dinner Tom, Steve (circleboy) and the other usual players played Texas Hold’em until very late. Steve won so this was a nice way to end his trip. Steve and his wife Linda left this morning…they will be missed!

Well, this is the latest from here on the Mariner. As you can tell……we’re just having a terrible time! No fun, no laughs, no wonderful food or wine, no adventures, no entertainment. Just a miserable time…..so miserable they’ll have to peel us off in March. :D

Sorry this is so long! I just felt like there was so much to share today. Since Ngaire and Joanna are getting on, I’ll let them take over as the South American foreign correspondent for awhile.

Some photos from this morning….
Captain Phillippee in the market
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/fishmarket-1.jpg

Rogerio with the Peterruku fish
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/fishmarket-6.jpg

Proof that I really got up at 5:15 this morning to go fish shopping!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/fishmarket-5.jpg
Misc.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/fishmarket-4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/fishmarket-3.jpg

You can see from the homes how very low the water level is on the Amazon
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/marciematassa/fishmarket-2.jpg

Great post Marcie!! Sounds really fun. I can see that I will need to start thinking about not getting any sleep, or very little on MUSH if we are going to keep up with the likes of you. And we like to party!

So great to hear your latest adventure Marcie! Are you going to eat some of that fish?

What a fabulous anniversary gift! Maybe Tony got Joanna a birthday gift there as well? Time will tell!

A belated Happy Anniversary from me, but we know it certainly was!

Another WOW report, as usual. As for that fish - sure hope it tastes better than it looks - but what an adventure just to be able to go on the hunt.
Hope Tony's missing bag isn't the one with his Italian navy slacks nor his casino winnnings purchase.
Belated Happy Anniverary to you & Tom. Need photos of the latest bling.
And hopefully photos from Joanna's b'day celebration tonight.

It is the same fish I have posted. I wonder why they cut of it's nose.

LOL PL maybe Stern is open at strange hours.

Super photos and opportunity to shop for fish! Thanks, Marcie.

That is one honkin huge fish!! Great report, Marcie!

i love the pic of the huge fish...now how about a pic of your gorgeous bday present? c'mon don't hide the good stuff from us. ;)

Marcie, your necklace sounds gorgeous.

I loved the story of going to the fish market. That seems like the best kind of excursion of all.

Marcie, Can't wait to hear about your fish dinner tonight. Great seamail, thanks
-------------------------------------------------
Doris :3smile:

Did Tom also arrange with H. Stern to deliver Joanna's gift on behalf of Tony's casino winnings? Here's hoping

Very sorry to hear Tony's bag has been delayed. I hope it arrives safely and soon. I can't quite picture him in the dance costumes that might be available for purchase in Manaus.

The fish shopping expedition sounds like such fun! The teeth on that fish give me cause for pause.

Happy anniversary. I think this idea of cruising at anniversary time suits both of you perfectly! To many happy & healthy years together.

Cheers, Anne

Marcie,

Oh, your posts get better and better. I simply loved the report about the fish quest and the photos. I too, want to see a pic of the bling!
Thanks you for sharing your good time with us!!

Betty

Great photos and as always terrific commentary. Marcie, thanks for all your posting and giving us the gift of cruising with you!

Marcie...you are a wonderful storyteller. Every post brings your adventure alive on our computer screens. Oh, if only we could be right there with you at that fish market (I can almost smell all those fish!)

Happy anniversary...now we must have a photo of you in your beautiful new necklace.

Thank you soooooo much for taking the time to write your reports. They are wonderful!

Marcie;

Thank you so much for taking time out of your days to post...I truly enjoy all of your little adventures and the pics.

Happy Belated Anniversary and please do share a pic of your gift!

Marcie,

Great story about the fish shopping! That is one ugly fish!

Do you have any idea how much it cost? I'm sure money is no object but I'm curious how much a 175-pound fish would sell for...in the Amazon.

And, how did the fish get from market to the ship? I'm guessing you didn't take a taxi! Or did Rogerio invite you along because he needed another person to help carry it back??? :D

Happy belated anniversary, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next report from Brazil!

Dena

LOL some things should not be seen before eating. They will cook that fish out on a grill at lunch, if they do it like my last Feb Mariner cruise.

I WAS going to try it until I saw that ugly thing. :eek: I turned around and head in doors for lunch.

Marcie,
Always love your posts and photos! Looking forward to seeing the necklace!!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!! Happy Anniversary!!!!

Yup, that's an Arapaima gigas, also known as a pirarucu. It's the same picture I posted before. For more information on this fish, you can look at here:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Arapaima_gigas.html

It's one of the world's largest fishes. It's also a CITES Appendix II listed animal ... :(

What a cool fish market - I would have loved the opportunity to have walked around. :)

Masaki

Your fish story and your necklace story are so cool, Marci!!!! Both are treasures!!

Will be anxious to hear more details about the Tropical Hotel. We're thinking about going there (along with a stop in Rio) next year!

I think we need to clone Tom!!!! :D
What a sweet thing to do!!!!!
Happy Anniversary Marcie and Tom!!

Wonderful report and photos, Marcie. Your trip sounds like sooooo much fun -- and what a fabulous anniversary gift!