Each night when we get back to our room after dinner, we are greeted with these little pamphlet. They provide a history of some kind along with chocolates. Not a bad way to end the evening.

I slept well and was up a little after 4 AM. Once again, I had the deck to myself with coffee. This photo was taken about 5:30 AM. 

The only bug I’ve seen on the boat and it was a big one.

There was a group that went out kayaking at 6 AM. We decided early on to pass on all of the kayaking options. Breakfast was at 7 AM. We were out on the water again by 8:15 AM. 

I didn’t catch the name of this bird, and honestly didn’t see it until I zoomed the photo. There are so many shadows sometimes it’s really difficult to see with the sun in my eyes and I’m just hoping I’m catching something. In this case I did.

A yellow tufted woodpecker. Really beautiful colors.

We spent a long time watching these macaws in these trees. I missed several opportunities to catch videos of them flying, which I’m still on a mission for. These were as good as it got. But they are untouched so the colors here are the colors. 

This creek seemed equal parts beautiful and creepy. 

This barracuda jumped into the boat. That’s really all I’m going to say about that. The video below shows how squirmy it was. Thankfully, Rudy our guide had a strong handle on it. 

Notice all of the LG compressors in that first level. That’s running all of the air conditioners in the cabins and common areas. The level above that is the dining room. The level above that is the lounge/lecture area.

And there is always an origami towel when we get back.

At 11:30 AM we were all on the bridge to watch the confluence of the rivers we had been traveling on to make up the Amazon.

And that’s kind of all it was to it. Then we turned around to the left to head back the way we came from the other day. The video below the show some of the slightly turbulence water which is kind of interesting.

In case you were wondering, in this region when people refer to “the Amazon” what they really mean is the Amazon River Basin. Which includes all the tributaries. The map above shows the whole thing, roughly 2.7million square miles. (As a point of comparison, the USA is about 3.8m square miles.) It touches 9 countries and is 1/3 of the South American continent. I’ve circled the very small part we are covering on this trip.

Lunch was at 12:30.

Another beautiful table setting. And appetizer of sliced beef and a little salad, grilled chicken with sweet potatoes and rice, and a really beautiful lemon pie. 

At 2:45, guide Ericson did a presentation on local tribes, since we would be visiting one later.

At 4pm we left for a quick drive across the river where we were greeted by the community of San Francisco, population about 400. Big enough for the government to provide schools.

Ash enjoying the local beat.

Ericson translated for a gentleman who talked about his stingless bee farm. We were served fresh coconut water, then continued on into the village.

He also raised caimans, which are small alligators.

A hen with her chick, 7 days old.

In the top photo, she is talking about how to cook the local fish. In the bottom photo, she is talking about how to dye the material used to make baskets.

A playground of sorts.

We bought a couple of pretty baskets.

Can I just say it was So Hot during all of that? Most of us were pretty uncomfortable – lots of bugs in heat and very still air. Getting back on the skiff and getting a breeze going Felt So Good. Spoiled much?

We are now sitting on the deck and enjoying virgin piña coladas.

And enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Dinner was a heart of palm soufflé, fish, and caramelized pineapple with coconut ice cream.

Interesting way to spend Christmas Day, huh? We hope you had a great one however you chose to spend it.