Manaus – Meeting of the Waters

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By heaven and earth, I swear I will never leave you; side by side we will always be, though without mixing, by your turbid side I remain, in my darkness. Such is my devotion that only God can separate us.

Nature, history and urbanization have combined to make Manaus an incredible place for a visit. This is the city that had its heyday in the Age of the Rubber Boom, Brazil’s historical economic era that helped to expand on colonisation, and gave the illusion of wealth which attracted people from all over, and initiated enormous social and cultural transformations.

 

Manaus City Centre boasts a number of great buildings, such as the Amazonas Theatre, which is architecturally the most impressive work in the city, the Palacete Provincial and the River Negro Palace. These historic buildings give visitors a taste of the luxurious and ostentatious period in Brazil’s history, when appearances were often responsible for the behaviour of the whole society.

 

Manaus is the capital of Amazonas (Amazonia) and is the main financial centre of Brazil’s Northern Region. The State Capital is located in the centre of the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon, and is affectionately known as the heart of the Amazon.

There are many reasons to visit; there are mountains, and it’s also a city that meets all the basic requirements tourist destination needs. The State Capital is not only a historic monument but also a port, an economic centre, and the heart of the most coveted natural heritage in the world, as well as being a city of architectural interest.

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Its Palaces, which were built during the ‘Glorious Age of Rubber’, are at the forefront of the list of “must-see” city attractions, sharing the skyline with a host of modern architecture, making it all the more fascinating. Manaus, like Rio de Janeiro, also has a boardwalk, situated on the Largo de São Sebastião, which is in front of the Teatro Amazonas. In the city of Rio de Janeiro the drawings on the rocks are supposed to represent the sea-waves; in Manaus such drawings represent the meeting of the River Solimões with the River Negro.

 

A visit to the Amazonian Capital requires some well-structured planning. The region has a well-organized tourist infrastructure, but in some cases, the descriptions you see of the tourist spots may be somewhat embellished and distorted from reality, due to a certain amount of exaggeration. And what would be good to have in our adventures would be some real contact with nature, things relating to the rescue of the indigenous culture, a respectful (worth mentioning) attitude to the animals of the area, and the indescribable feeling of treading on the almost sacred soil that is the Amazonian forest. We are not taking a ride through a Theme Park.

 

Most people are initially interested in visiting Manaus to see the famous traditional picture postcard locations, such as the Encontro das Águas (“Meeting of the Waters”), which is the phenomenon which occurs where the River Solimões meets the River Negro. The waters of the rivers are different colours, and do not mix, staying on either side of an imaginary dividing line. On one side there is the orangey-brown colour of the River Solimões, and on the other, the darker tones of the water of the River Negro.

 

The famous pink dolphins are another attraction; one that drives the tourists crazy. The magic and sympathy of these incredible animals invoke demonstrates their genius. Who would not want to swim here with some of the cutest creatures in this world?

 

But over and above the unique beauty of the Amazon Region, which is undoubtedly sensational, there is also way the region immerses you in history; it is a special gift. Learn about the place that was responsible for mobilizing the migration of so many people who lived in some of the most remote places of the earth, including Northeast Brazil, (especially the State of Ceará, which was suffering the consequences of drought in the late nineteenth century). This is an opportunity to get to understand the cultural and economic development of Manaus.

 

The ‘Glorious Age of Rubber’ – which peaked in the years 1879 to 1912, flourished again between 1942 to 1945 (during World War II) – a second chance for those looking for new opportunities, and for some of the more privileged, a golden opportunity to double or even triple their fortunes.

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Businessmen and entrepreneurs from all over the world, but mainly from Europe and North America, turned their attention to Manaus. The Amazonian extraction of latex was an immediate financial success. As the price of rubber increased, the more foreigners came to Brazil to get to learn about the rubber tree and the latex extraction methods. During this glorious period Manaus became known as “Paris of the tropics”.

 

Explore Brazil – Curiosities

 

It’s a fact that everyone loves a good legend, and Brazil is a country that’s full of them. The one chosen for this post about Manaus is about one of the sweetest creatures of the Amazon, the pink dolphin; read on:-

 

Legend has it that a pink dolphin leaves the River Amazon on festive June nights, when the streets are crowded and filled with beautiful girls. The dolphin has special powers, and turns itself into a beautiful young man. Tall and strong, he dresses elegantly in white clothes; he wears a white hat to obscure his face and to disguise his nose which is just a little prominent. He goes out in search of beautiful young women, and gallantly approaches those who are alone, and then seduces them. He takes the young ladies for a ride along the river bottom, where they make love. The next morning, the magic ends, and the handsome young man turns into a dolphin again!

 

They say that even today, this legend is often used to explain the frequent occurrence of pregnancies outside marriage!

 

This fantastic creature is also considered a good friend to the fishermen. According to popular myth, he helps fishermen with their trade, directing the fish towards their nets, as well as securing their boats during storms. The pink dolphin has also saved lives; he rescues people who are drowning, and takes them out of the river.

 

The legend of the pink dolphin is part of Amazonian and Brazilian folklore. It is a part of the popular cultural legend that is often still used to justify some of life’s tribulations. (laughs)

 

Interesting locations in Manaus

 

The Meeting of the Waters – The Meeting of Waters is a phenomenon that happens in the Amazon when the River Solimões, comprising light coloured muddy water, meets the River Negro, which is almost black. During a four-mile stretch (which can extend to 15 miles in some seasons) the two rivers flow side by side without mixing, due to their different densities and speeds. The River Negro flows at about one mile an hour, and has with a temperature of 22°C, while the River Solimões flows at between 2 and 4 miles an hour, with a temperature of 28°C. It is a fascinating scenario to observe, to photograph, and later to tell stories about!

 

Amazonas Theatre – The Amazonas Theatre or Ópera de Manaus (Manaus Opera House), as it is called by some, whose architecture was inspired by the Opéra Garnier Theatre in Paris, is the most incredible architectural work in the city. It is also the most ostentatious symbol of the ‘Glorious Age of Rubber’

 

The building, decorated with rich furnishings, was inaugurated in 1886, and was built in order to show productions of European plays and operas that were performed to entertain the city’s Rubber Barons.

 

The façade is of neo-classical design and is painted in various tones of rose, and the dome comprises 36 thousand ceramic tiles in the colours of the Brazilian flag. Inside, (in the entrance hall), there is lots of Portuguese, Italian and English decorative ironwork. The concert hall has a capacity of 700, and is decorated with Venetian Chandeliers.

 

The Classical features are mixed with a baroque interior (including rococo work), and the theatre is transformed into a magnificent beautiful eclectic monument, unlike anything else you will see in Manaus. In May, it is the setting for the Amazon Opera Festival.

 

Rio Negro Palace – From the street, the Palace, which is well preserved, and is coloured yellow, attracts the attention of many visitors, coaxing them to enter. The Casarão was once the seat of government, and today it holds exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, as well as a library. The Halls of the Palace show all the charm of Manaus’ glorious heritage.

 

Provincial Palace – The Provincial Palace, also known as the Military Police Barracks, is now home to several different attractions. When you visit the Mansion you will be able to see the Pinacoteca do Estado, the Museum of Image and Sound, the Tiradentes Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, and finally the Museum of Numismatics with its large collection of coins – in other words you get five attractions in one place!

 

Cultural Centre of the Amazonian Peoples – Although not as well-known as some of Manaus’ tourist attractions, the visit may provide a few surprises. A guide will show you round, making for an interesting and educational tour. This is a wonderful experience for anyone interested in the area’s native culture. On display are a number of indigenous objects, such as artefacts used to make manioc flour, and to extract the latex from rubber trees, as well as an exhibition of photographs, paintings, as well as ornaments and fruits used by native peoples.

 

Church of St. Sebastian – The little church of San Sebastian is close to the Amazonas Theatre, and is a very picturesque spot, which has very eye-catching interior decoration. The church dates back to 1888, and incorporates a great variety of different styles. Besides being a beautiful architectural building, for those of a religious nature it has a very spiritual atmosphere.

 

Municipal Market Manaus – Inspired by Les Halles market in Paris, this was the second market built in Brazil, opening in 1882. Built in the Art Nouveau style, its construction is of cast iron and stained glass. Popularly known as Mercadão (The Market), it is the main centre for buying produce of the State’s fishing and other rural industries. The market, that attracts visitors by its architecture alone, will also enchant every visitor with its incredible colours and great atmosphere. The variety of products on display also attracts attention of those who visit. Perfume, medicinal plants, exotic tropical fruits, unusual vegetables and fresh fish. All under the same roof. Now can you see why it is called The Market?

 

Ponta Negra Beach – The Ponta Negra Beach, the most famous in the city, only appears when the river is at low tide. But the attractions of the Ponta Negra boardwalk are there all the time, regardless of the tide. It’s worth the trip to the beach to enjoy the view of the Iranduba Bridge, and to watch the shows that take place there, beyond the walk, in the open air. The place is recommended for both adults and children.

 

Port of Manaus – The Port of Manaus, inaugurated in 1907, is probably considered to be the most original in Brazil. Built on a floating pier, it rises to the level of the water in the Rio Negro when in full flood.

 

In future posts we will continue to talk about the Amazon region, concentrating more on the indigenous tribes of the region, its fauna and flora. See you later!!

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