As a small boy, I asked my father what he would he most like to do, more than anything. His response was “to travel along the Amazon River.” That was the first time I was aware of its existence. He lamented that he would never be able to achieve this “pipe dream.” “Why?” I questioned, as little boys do. He was unable to answer straight-forwardly except that such a journey was beyond possible reality. Father could be a little vague at times!
I am sure that the Amazon was covered in Joe Higgins’ geography lessons at school.
Over half a century later, I have achieved one of my father’s “pipe dream wishes;” January 29th sees me on board a luxury cruise ship trying to acclimatise to the humidity of sailing on a river along (rather than across) the Equator. Thankfully, the first of the anti malaria tablets have had no adverse effect (so far). I am absolutely thrilled, and although a little apprehensive, I anticipate with some pleasure the full day and evening programme of events at Manaus, the day after tomorrow.
The river banks are clearly discernible on the starboard side, less so opposite. In fact, at the moment (11.45 hrs) I cannot see land to port.
Out of the heat, I attended the fifth of Tony White’s entertaining and hugely enlightening History of Drugs lectures this morning, offering today, a detailed account of Cannabis throughout the centuries.
(I can now, just discern the river bank through the river mist on the port side) The water is light brown and menacing!
And Dad, I assure you, it’s very very warm here, and getting hotter.
14.45 hrs: From what I gather, we are anchored around 133 nautical miles upstream along the Amazon, and have just picked up a team of local pilots who will escort M.V. Queen Victoria towards Manaus. Also, I understand, Brazilian Immigration authorities have come on board; they will check our passports, handed in yesterday.
At 12.15, I attended one of the funniest of shows, a “documentary” about piano playing comedians, “Funny People with Pianos,” presented by the also hilariously amusing Jon Courtenay. Amongst the almost non-stop humour, were numerous facts and insights which made the full one hour show “educational,” if one could remember the fast flowing facts and anecdotes. Each subject was accompanied by a film clip. There was rare footage of Flanders and Swann, Victor Borge, Les Dawson and many more, recalling glorious recollections of my much younger years. I don’t think that I have laughed for as long since attending a live session of the Clitheroe Kid. Remember that folks? (My mother hated it!)
15.10hrs: We are now underway. The low lying sea/river mist has burned off, and a heavy rain shower has cleared the air somewhat. The river banks are now clearly visible on both sides and there is a splendid view forward from the panoramic Commodore Club on Deck 10. Already, I am thinking, “boy! I want to do this again!” This certainly is a voyage of contrasts ranging from the fury of the north Atlantic to the azure waters of the Caribbean and now, the muddy Amazon River. Between the Amazon’s mouth to Manaus is 900 miles. Not bad for one trip, but there is so much more to come in the next eight weeks and two days.
Above: First pictures taken of the Amazon from my stateroom balcony, this last image, aft on deck9.
I have returned to my balcony and I am able to gaze upon the river banks which are far closer than I was expecting so early into this journey along the Amazon.
Views from the Commodore Club
Further views taken from my stateroom balcony 15.58 hrs 29/1/20.
It is surprisingly fresh outside. This morning, the open decks felt like the inside of a sauna or steam room. Being very unlikely that I shall come this way again, I have chosen to stick with my ambitious schedule in Manaus which includes a river trip, walk in the rain forest, lunch, and the inevitable visit to a gift shop.
Unmissable in the evening is a concert in the Manaus Opera House which pre-dates that at Buxton by seven years. The two excursions are almost back to back with less than two hours in between. Several from our table are also “doing both.”
I tried a little deck walking at around 5pm. I don’t know if I am imagining it, or whether those slight “pings” I am experiencing are in fact mosquitoes and the like that have made it to the middle of the river. I have come inside straight away.
I came close to another session of whist this afternoon, but instead was joined in the Lido by Viv and Ginny from my current table, and the resultant conversation “over-ran.”
18.32 hrs: It’s dark now; annoyingly, I missed what might have been a good sunset. But, I did enjoy sitting out on my balcony which I am so thankful to have upgraded to last year. Already, the temptation to book another trip is mounting. However, I have more or less completed Cunard’s extensive repertoire of destinations.
But of course, a new Cunarder enters service in 2022. Speculation as to its name is rife. I feel one of the former Cunard names Berengaria, Mauretania or Aquitania should be revived, but, I think I am on my own there! Whatever name is chosen, it won’t suit everybody.
The evening entertainment on board has been most impressive and enjoyable, so much so that I rarely miss “Show Night.” And the lectures are excellent also. In the “short” time I have left, I shall endeavour to include more detail in my writings.
In the meantime, greetings from the Amazon,
David.
David's Cruise 