Tabatinga, Amazonas, Brazil
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wow what a whole, when I arrived the first order of business is to go through immigration. Peruvian side wasn't a problem at all, but the surroundings made me really nervous.There wasn't anyone there who spoke english and I had to go it my own way. No problem I thought, but it was really scary, the locals were really doggy and I was watching my self and my gear like a hawk on steroids. I got the exit stamp from Peru and headed for the dingy trip across to
Tabatinga. Some local try to help me with all the transfers and put me in a hotel , with a ride to the port in Tabatinga to get the tickets the next day, to
Manaus, but I was sceptical and waited till other people got in the tinny heading in the same direction. Eventually I found a french guy whom spoke a little english/spanish and organised me a motor taxi, it's a Brazilian taxi that consists of a motorbike!? Yep I had to hang on for dear life and almost lost my pack, but its something you get use to in Brazil as they are very popular. When I arrived at the small hotel in
Tabatinga (Hospedaje Basil- 097 34123186 ), the man at the desk asked promptly ``Mr David? The Australiano? I was shocked how the heck did he know about me? As it turns out my fellow compadre from the rapido express trip from
Iquitos had told him to look out for me
. It was a relief to see a familiar face and not the dark brown eyes looking me up and down just waiting for me to trip up and strip me clean. My advice would be as soon as you get to
Tabatinga stick with someone whom is on Portuguese terms or stay in a group that is heading in the same direction. Do not attempt to be a hero, you will most likely end up high and dry. Staying with a Portuguese speaking local proved to be invaluable as he though me the basic Brazilian etiquette in travelling by taxi, ordering something good to eat and we split the bills in everything. The boat to
Manaus luckily was the next day at 2 pm and it meant that I had plenty of time to visit the tiny Columbian town of
Leticia, and get my entry stamp at the Policia Federal Brasil. (Do not loose your entry slip, it will be trouble for you) Leticia was Nice and there was lots happening, it was specky and I like it a lot in comparison to the run down and tiered
Tabatinga. In fact There was not much in tabatinga at all, so for all you wannabes be travellers head to
Leticia for a spot of shopping and so on.
The ticket to
Manaus was 120 reals for a basic hammock space which included three meals, and the security at the port was strict. At one stage I thought they would not let me on as I had some coca tea in my bag. But after some explain g they finally understood that it was only tea.The boat left on a Wednesday at two pm, it takes three days to get to
Manaus, The ITABERABA was a good boat, apart from the lack of a good bathroom the bar was good and the only decent food was a hamburger that the barman makes for you
. In the price of the ticket your meals are included that consist mainly of rice, beans and some chicken or basic beef, but it was ok. Listen out for the bell that sounds thrice daily when the grub is ready. The following are some rules that you may adhere to for a more pleasant journey.
- Bring lots of booze with you, its allowed and much cheaper!
- Bring your own food if you don't like rice and beans
- One litter of water , as they provide chilled drinking water
- Bring your hammock
- Line up early to get the best spot( next to a pole so you can lock your bag to it and no one can set up next to you!! it can get very cramped
- DO NOT swallow any of the shower water as it is straight from the river you pee and crap in !
- And finally do not put toilet paper in any toilet in south America !!!
