Alter de Chao

Today we were in Alter do Chao. We had an early morning excursion at 8:30 where we took a zodiac ashore and then a two hour bus ride, with our final destination the Amazon rainforest. It was a two hour ride on a bus with no air conditioning but at least there were windows. 

And our neck fans really helped!! We had about an hour walk through the woods.

 It was so hot and humid but it was an interesting area to see. We saw a lot of insects including giant fire ants. They were about an inch long!! Ouch!! Our guides Adriano and Matteo used some plants, sticks and bark to create a bird trap. 

 I am not sure why they did this but it entertained them for fifteen minutes. We then took the two hour bus ride back to where the zodiacs were and headed back to the ship. We got back at 3:15 and changed into our swimming costumes. Then grabbed some lunch at Colonnade. The maitre D kept the buffet open about ninety minutes later than usual since there were many late excursions. After lunch it was some much needed pool time to cook off. It was a bit more crowded today. We then headed back to the cabin to get ready for dinner. It was also time for another load of laundry since we sweated through our clothes today.   

Dinner was a bread service with a deliciously briny tapenade and smoked chicken. Starters were a creamy burrata and chorizo penne.

 Mains were short ribs and spiced roasted salmon. We also tried a tasty vegetable curry with incredible naan. 

 Dessert was some baked camembert which was so melty and delicious. Also tried the Cookies and Cream which was a playful dessert where you dipped cookies into gelato and fluffy chocolate mousse. Both very good. The person responsible for the cheese on this ship really knows what they are doing. 

Tomorrow we will be in Pucurui where we will have an opportunity for another scenic zodiac cruise. We will find out more about that at the 11 AM briefing.