Belém

Belém is a wonderful city. It is the most urban place that I have visited thus far in brazil. The culture is very different here than in the south; there's a lot more seafood! Thus far I have wandered around the markets, danced samba until five in the morning, amd visited the bontanical gardens.

The botanical gardens were more like a zoo as there were monkeys, birds, turles and a manatee! While these animals are fun to look at I feel quite bad for them, do they deserve to be kept in such a small place with no freedom. I don't think so.

There was an afternoon downpour at the gardens and the vendors made off like bandits! Everyone was huddled from the rain as were the vendors. They saw their chance. Many small children with their parents with nothing to do.. Look buy this toy, cotton candy, bubbles. hilarious to observe.

I still have't purchased my plane ticket to Altamira and have had some trouble calling the family on the phone. I'm going to give it another go tomorrow and see what happens.

Tchau