Manaus is for Everyone

I travel quite often to Manaus on business. For whatever reason I actually like travelling and getting to know places and people. Many business travellers I meet in Manaus complain about the hot weather -- really hot actually -- and that they are tired of the hotel, etc, etc.

In general I ask them:
1) When do you generally go back? (to Rio/Sao Paulo/U.S./Korea)

2) What do you know of Manaus attractions already?
3) What about your friends friends in the city?

Most of the time these travelers go home on Friday and they do not make friends in Manaus at all... well, this way it is hard, very hard! First of all, don't go home Friday evening or afternoon. Give Manaus a chance; stay one weekend or go back on Sunday afternoon if possible.



Second, my advice is for them to try to make friends. People in Manaus are friendly. It´s a city in the meddle of the jungle everyone is kind of lost in it... there are many other lonely traveling people in your hotel. I meet many such people at the hotel I usually stay. Many nice opportunities I think.

See, during the week you may get to know the other lonely boys and girls. They are at the restaurant in the morning for breakfast, in the swimming pool in the late afternoon. Ask them where they are from, how often they come to Manaus, what they do. People tend to respond well when you want to know about them and show real respectful interest. It does work. I have gotten to know many nice people this way.



Going around by taxi is expensive in Manaus. In a group of three or four costs will come down -- as they say, "it always cheaper by the dozen." The willingness is there? You are ready to go, right? You got new friends, friends to share expenses and good a time? Right! Manaus will look much more interesting.



- Where do I go now?



Let me give some suggestions:

If all you've got is one day my bet would be a floating restaurant at the Rio Negro (Black River) As citizen journalist I should tell you my own experience instead of playing the tourist agent. Let's see... the following is an old story but it is also a good example:



I was at the hotel as usual by myself for two weeks, Tuesday I met Nina and two days later we both met Marcia at the swimming pool of the hotel. Both were there for work and alone in Manaus. We talked and shared experiences. With the weekend arriving and the possibility of becoming a couch potatoes on Saturday and Sunday frightened the three of us. Michel Rondini a friend of mine from Sao Paulo was there also, so I introduced my new friends to him, the same way I had introduced Nina to Marcia.



Friday night was jazz night in Manaus. Yes, the theater, known worldwide as the Amazon Theater, is a historic place everyone visiting the city must go. On Friday nights that is just the hangout place. There are many nice places to eat and there is always an outdoor show for you to enjoy. This time Michel had other plans, so I went with the girls. Check the picture above; they'll tell you more than words can.



Well, Friday was done. A nice idea is to go Saturday afternoon and visit the historic Manaus Theater -- its a great move -- forget the TV. Our group decided to be more energetic and go to one of the floating restaurants. Michel came along this time. First we went downtown -- an interesting place in itself -- for a view of the harbor. Check the pictures!



There are many floating restaurants around. We chose one and early on Saturday went off to try it. After visiting downtown area, from the harbor we got a small speedboat; 20 to 30 minute trip by river we got to the "flutuante da tia". We swam, ate fresh fish, made more friends.



While in the flouting restaurant we met more people - locals this time. One couple, Ms. Eunice and her husband Mr. Hercules, took us to a boat trip and a group led by Ms. Viviane Yamashita, who invited us to dinner next Thursday. Ms. Yamashita offered her own house. As a said, Manauaras (people from Manaus) are very open and nice people. They like to make friends with outsiders like foreigners and people from other states like myself and Marcia. Both invitation turned out fantastic.



Now there is in Manaus a golf course which is really great. Picture this: 18 holes and prefect grass in the middle of the amazon rain forest. Amazonia Golf Resort. One may stay there for the weekend, lets say from Friday after work to Sunday before going home. Or just book a game with friends any time.

So as you can see there are lots to do in Manaus. At the Eduardo Gomes Airport you will find free guides and maps. Talk to people in your hotel they will love to help and to be of help. Now its up to you. I want to read your trip story here soon. Be it from Manaus or to anywhere in the world.

If you want something more adventurous try one of the many forest hotels. I already mentioned the Amazonia Golf Resort - very sofiticated. There is the Ariau Towers also fantastic but very diferent and closer yet to jungle. Last time I was in Manaus I visited both. Manaus is a great destination for business and for leisure, mixing both is your option. Make it happen!