Amarante and the Douro Valley

We headed to the Douro valley. The first stop was in a town called Amarante.

Amarante is a charming town in northern Portugal, known for its rich history, picturesque setting, and cultural heritage. It is on the banks of the Tâmega River and very picturesque. One of most iconic landmarks is the São Gonçalo Church, dedicated to the town’s patron saint, which overlooks the river and features a stunning baroque facade.

Outside the church
The bridge over the river.

The town is also known for its pastries.

Afterwards we went wine tasting at Aveleda, the local winery. Such long family history and beautiful gardens. The wines were fantastic.

We then headed to the Douro valley where we would be staying and also bought some food for the evening.

Yes I did go in the pool and it was very cold.

More Porto: train station, cemetery, and egg tarts

São Bento Railway Station (Estação de São Bento), is gorgeous with it’s azulejo tilework. It shows scenes from Portuguese history, culture, and transportation. It is still used as a transportation hub since the early 20th century.

One of the most notable cemeteries in Porto is the Cemitério do Prado do Repouso, or simply Prado do Repouso Cemetery. Established in the 19th century, this historic cemetery is located in the heart of Porto and is renowned for its architectural beauty, serene atmosphere, and historical significance. Many prominent people are buried here.

Located in the heart of Porto’s historic center, the Majestic Café has served as a gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and writers over the years, earning its reputation as a cultural landmark. JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter here.

And of course we had to have Portuguese egg tarts k own as pastéis de nata, are a delicious and iconic pastry originating from here. These breakfast treats consist of a flaky, buttery pastry crust filled with a creamy custard made from egg yolks, sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla. What sets Portuguese egg tarts apart is their unique texture – a crispy exterior with the smooth, rich custard filling then dusted with cinnamon.

And this was an interesting way to get street donations.

Porto

Porto is so beautiful! After arriving, we took a boat tour along the Douro River. The history of the port dates back centuries. Its location made it a hub for trade and commerce. It’s history as a port dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, when Portuguese explorers created trade routes. Of course wine, olive oil, and textiles were traded with other European ports.

Walking around porto was amazing as well. Many shops and great places to eat. Popular here is codfish. Many of the buildings have very pretty and ornate tiles on the front.

At Calem we took a tour of the winery that makes port, Porto’s and mainly the Douro valley’s specialty.

We did ride the hop on hop off bus and also rode the teleferico along one side of the river. But first a fish soup with puff pastry on the top. Octopus is also a favorite here and very well prepared.

Octopus

From the teleferico.

This bunny was created on the corner of a building from scrap parts. Happy Easter!

Casa del Alabado Pre-Columbian Art Museum

I went with a friend to a museum with summer of the oldest artifacts in Ecuador.

It is dedicated to pre-Columbian art and artifacts and has a diverse collection of objects from various indigenous cultures from this region before the arrival of the Spanish. Its displays showcase authentic artifacts that depict the beliefs, rituals, and daily life of the ancient peoples. the exhibits were of pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and others.

These symbols seem to assist in other cultures on other continents as well
This vessel was used for making morocho, a corn based drink.
These were carried with people as good luck.

The building itself is beautiful and the original structure. New walls and structures were added as necessary to display the objects. The courtyards were equally amazing.

Figurines representing an army.

Afterwards we went to find some something to eat.

Basílica del voto nacional

A great day trip to Centro histórico in Quito finally led me to the Basilica. Every Sunday I ride the ciclo paseo and I see the basilica but had yet to step foot inside.

The Basilica del Voto Nacional is one of the largest neo-Gothic basilicas found in the Americas. Its architecture is like medieval European cathedrals.

The construction of the basilica began in the late 19th century and took over 100 years.

There are over 20 gargoyles as decoration on the exterior of the basilica. These depict Ecuadorian animals such as armadillos, iguanas, and Galapagos tortoises.

The basilica has four main towers that represent a different aspect of Christian faith: hope, charity, faith, and Jesus Christ.

The towers have stunning panoramic views of the historic center. Narrow and steep stairs were a little challenging but worth it for the view. Views from the towers:

Even though it is styled after European cathedrals, the basilica has many indigenous elements found in the stonework including animals and symbols.

Inside the basilica features are impressive stained glass windows. The altars are ornate as well as the vaulted ceilings.

Supposedly, the facade remains unfinished. I did not really notice this. It symbolizes that perfection belongs only to God.

Beneath the basilica, there are crypts for the remains of prominent figures. Chapels to saints are found inside.

Afterwards we walked from the basilica to San Francisco square. Here we had something to eat and drink while enjoying the view in the other direction.

As it is right before holy week (Easter also known as Semana Santa), one of the ritual dishes is Fenesca. It is a dish that takes some time to prepare but it’s really delicious.

Meeting of the waters in Manaus

The Meeting of the Waters in Manaus is a natural phenomenon where the dark colored waters of the Rio Negro (looks like tea or coca cola without suspended particles) meets the lighter, sandy-colored waters of the Solimões River (which flows to the Amazon), flowing side by side without immediately mixing for several kilometers, creating a stunning visual contrast. This occurs due to differences in temperature, speed, and density between the two rivers.

Even though we could see it, it helped when a big boat cut through across it. The waters moved in relation to each other but still didn’t mix.

Up close where the boat passed through. Even though the water moved in relation to each other, it still didn’t mix.

A video of the two different waters that don’t mix together.

Other pictures from the Amazon

We did go piranha fishing but alas, as with other fishing, you never know whether you catch anything. We didn’t….

The birds though congregated around us
Sunrise from the Anaconda Lodge.
Sunset from one canoe trip.
The fish the cook made for me when there was meat on the menu. That was actually very nice, as the rest of the meals were rice, pasta, beans, and watermelon.
Fresh grilled fish and meat. The fish they cook is Tambaqui, a local fish.

On the last day we saw another small village that had a nice stream to relax in.

This mama just had a large number of puppies.
No water near here but soon near the end of the rainy season they will need it to get around.

And in the pool at the resort, a different frog was there the last morning

And of course, this praying mantis loved to be held. I have held him most days. And he loved my phone. When I picked him up, his head turned wherever the phone was. Maybe he is an Instagram influencer? And with that, my time in the Amazon is almost done

Now to have a tour of the meeting of the waters in Manaus where two rivers of different densities meet.

Paricatuba

Paricatuba is a small village located in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, along the Amazon River. It has historical significance as the site of the Paricatuba Cemetery, which was built in the late 19th century during the rubber boom era. The cemetery was designed to accommodate the large number of deaths caused by diseases like malaria and yellow fever among rubber tappers and workers.

A still.

The building we visited was originally a hotel for immigrants working during the rubber boom. There is evidence of the thick Italian tile.

Also the system of bricks that are alternated and very strong design came from Marseille France.

You can see the pattern of bricks.

When petroleum was replaced in making rubber, that economy fell and the building was used as a jail. Only a couple doors have bars on them still.

The bathroom. For many people.

Later it was used as an insane asylum and then as a hospital for those who are stricken with diseases as a form of isolation.

Now it is abandoned and the jungle (as all of nature) wins in the end. This reminds me of Angkor Wat but not as old obviously. It is only 120 years old.

View from the garden in the inside courtyard.

Indigenous village

After the nature hike we went by canoe to another island inhabited by an indigenous tribe. The tribe I believe receives money to  maintain the rituals for tourism.

We stopped to try foods including Brazil nuts, rambutan (which I have not had since I left China), and a tapioca pan.

On the left are larvae and on the right are dried ants. Yes, I tried both of them.

The ant.

These Brazil nuts are actually found in a giant pod. I did not know that.

They use the office of the eucalyptus tree to start a fire to begin the ceremony.

Rambutan
These people were such fun buddies for several days.

Nature walk

We stopped to walk in a different jungle and pick up some survival tips. I think there would be a lot of things to worry about.

Our guide used the machete to scrape against the tree and these gigantic ants came running out from the ground. These are bullet ants. They contain a neurotoxin in their sting that last for some time.

Cupuacu fruit
Shelter
Red roots of the Euterpe edulis palm
The black witch moth. Can you see it?
This tree (Costus igneous) is actually a medicine for diabetes.

This is a species of eucalyptus that when cut has a resin that is used to start fires even if the wood is wet. We actually used some of this tree bark to start our campfire on the overnight hike.

A fun hike, glad we did not get close to the bullet ants.