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
