Books... BOOKS

The Amazon in 2004

The Amazon in 2004 Cover Image

Mardi Long

April 21, 2022

In 2004 I had the privilege of going to the Amazon. We flew into Manaus and stayed in an historic hotel. I felt like I had dropped into another time 100 years earlier. The hotel was lined in dark wood with wide halls and it was all very formal. The next morning we meet with  our group, most of whom had stayed in other hotels. We got on a boat and went an hour or so up the river.  We reached our hotel. https://www.ariauamazontowers.com/

This was the Ariaú Amazon Towers which was designed by and built under the direction of  the French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. Construction started in 1982 and the first tower was opened in 1986. I found an article online that says it closed in 2016. From yet another time.

When we first arrived, we were put into groups based on language. Our guide was Mike. I still remember his name. While we were there, we went for a walk in the jungle, caught piranha, watch them catch Piranha, watch them catch carmen (Amazon alligators) and ate in the central dinning hall..


We also got to go with a small group further up river where we were able to swim with the Pink Dolphins. There was a little business there that fed them regularly so they always came there. I did not that Pink Dolphins even existed. On the way back, the man driving the boat got lost. Another little adventure.

This is an example of why you should never turn down an opportunity to see something new and different!