Santarem April 7, 2010

Santarem is a small city halfway between Belem amd Manaus about 5000 miles up the river away from the ocean. So far the best day of the trip. I had hired a private guide for this port. Paulo Coelho is a 44 year old Ximango Indian who lived in the jungle until he was 12. At that time he left the village to join his brothers in Santarem. Saw a school for the first time. Now self taught he speaks 4 languages, can tell you any bird, tree or plant. we were a group of 6- I had invited Deborah and Mike McKenna and Peter and Peg Martin- and were enthralled by his enthusiam for and animated delivery of his work.

After a short taxi through Santarem we boarded a small riverboat amd climbed to the top. the sun was tempered by fluffy white clouds and not too hot We motored with a crew of 4-5 past the meeting of the waters of the Tapajo River, rather clear and blue and the Amazon whch is brown. they differ in temp, density and velocity and run side by side for 4 miles before merging.

We saw almost 40 kinds of birds- every color and size from toucans and snowy egrets to anis, caracaras, hawks, parrots. We saw iguanas swimming ans sloths. After an hour during which time we were served fruits, nuts and water, we transferred to a small canoe paddled by Alec, a young teen Indian and Paulo.

going to end this now as a long line to use internet and I feel guilty, will continue soon, thanks for comments