Belem
Belem is the starting point for most Amazonian river trips as it is the gateway to the Amazon and its tributaries . It is a hustling bustling port lying on the River Para. The very interesting market Ver o Peso or Check the Weight sells everything from freshly caught fish, fresh fruit and vegetables to herbs and plants from the jungle that can cure love sickness to hair loss while fishing boats are attacked by vultures looking for forgotten fish. You can see the scarlet ibis in the wonderfully planned park of Mangal das Garcas. I was in Belem for New Years eve and went out for a quiet meal as nothing was happening which is strange for Brazil. In any event I was recovering from food poisoning and the next day travelling to the Amazon, so I took it easy. I had a wonderful Amazonian experience and travelling with two Argentinian guys and two Italian guys. We spoke a total mix of Italian, Spanish Portuguese and English. It was such fun. No one had a full handle on Portuguese so we spoke slowly in all languages to get there.
