Manaus, Brazil – Heart of the Amazon

This is the first in a series about the Amazon region of Brazil that is featured in my illustrated picture book, Alexander the Salamander. This post is about Manaus, the largest city in the Brazilian Amazon. Upcoming articles will focus on the Amazon River Basin, the rainforest, indigenous groups and wildlife in the Amazon, and the Amazon Ecopark, an eco-resort. Enjoy these travelogues with photos and stories from the world’s largest rainforest.

My family and I visited the Amazon region in July 2008. We spent the day in Manaus, the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas, before embarking on a trip to the rainforest.

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The city lies at the confluence of the rivers Rio Negro and Rio Solimões, the two major tributaries that form the mighty Amazon River flowing east to the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by a dense sea of green forest that blankets the region, Manaus is a gritty, industrial city of approximately 1.85 million inhabitants carved out of the jungle. It’s a four-hour flight from São Paulo, the primary airline hub for most international flights entering Brazil.

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The name “Manaus” is derived from the Manaós indigenous group that lived in the area until the city’s establishment by the Portuguese in 1669. Manaus has been called the “Heart of the Amazon” and “City of the Forest,” although a more appropriate name is the “Industrial Pool of Manaus,” reflecting the city’s status as an industrial center. A rubber boom in the late 1800s fueled urban growth for half a century. Since the establishment of the Free Economic Zone of Manaus (ZFM) in 1957, a bevy of industries from shipbuilding and petrochemicals to manufacturing and agribusiness have developed thanks to tax incentives offered by the ZFM.

Although the city’s footprint is one of the largest in Brazil, its historic center between the river port and the main square is an easy walk. Visiting Manaus’ highlights is a day tour on foot from any number of hotels clustered in the center. Heading north on Avenida Eduardo Ribeiro takes you to the Renaissance-style Amazon Theater (Teatro Amazonas), an opera house that opened in 1896 and is home to the Amazonas Philharmonic. The easily recognizable dome features a large mural of the Brazilian flag.

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The main square is lined with historic buildings that house the Palace of Justice (Palácio de Justiça), São Sebastião Church, Municipal Prefecture, and the Indigenous Museum (Museu do Índio), one of two showcasing local indigenous culture (the other is the smaller, nearby Museu Amazônico). Although small – just one large city block – the square is a must-see when visiting Manaus. Park benches in São Sebastião Park are a great place to stop and enjoy the plaza.

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Walking down Avenida Eduardo Ribeiro toward the river port will introduce you to the sights and sounds of Manaus. There are some free-for-all markets that sell a wide assortment of knock-off goods. We passed on the faux leather goods and “Swiss” watches.

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Next to the port is a large open-air market surrounding the Church of the Mother Manaus (Ingreja de Matriz Manaus). Cluttered and somewhat disorganized, the place was abuzz with activity when we visited and filled with items that seemed more geared to locals than tourists. We enjoyed browsing the stalls for mementos, food, and drink.

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My son enjoyed drinking milk straight from the coconut sold by one of the vendors.

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Across the street on the banks of the Rio Negro is the Adolpho Lisboa Market (Mercado Adolpho Lisboa), the city’s oldest market built in 1882. Next to it lies the ornate Customs House (Alfandega) overshadowed by the contemporary but gaudy Ministry of Finance (Fazenda) skyscraper out of place in the historic center.

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The large, modern wharf next to the river port crowded with cafes and piers blends in well with the colonial architecture.

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The port is a jump-off point for river cruises and tourist excursions that range from daytrips to the Meeting of the Waters at the confluence of the Rio Negro and Rio Solimões to multi-day trips to ecotour resorts.

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If you visit the heart of the Amazon, you’ll likely transit through Manaus on your way to the rainforest. Many tourists head straight to the river without stopping to enjoy the city. While much more awaits you in the wild, a brief stopover will introduce you to Brazilian culture and prepare you for the jungle adventure that lies ahead.

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Alexander the SalamanderAbout Alexander the Salamander

A young salamander named Alexander living in the Amazon River Basin joins his friends Airey the Butterfly and Terry the Tarantula for an unforgettable jungle adventure. Come along with Alexander and friends as they meet birds, monkeys, and other creatures, enjoy the beauty of the rainforest, and face danger along the way.

The first book in the World Adventurers for Kids Series, Alexander the Salamander is an illustrated story inspired by the authors’ visit to the Amazon in 2008. Fun for kids and adults alike, the story teaches children the importance of listening to teachers and other authority figures.

 

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Alexander the Salamander Now in Print

Alexander Front CoverAlexander the Salamander from authors M.G. and Alex Edwards is available for the first time in print! This wonderful story both children and adults will enjoy can be purchased in full color print from Amazon and other booksellers for just $6.99.

In addition, Apple iTunes and Google Play and have been added to the growing list of booksellers carrying the e-book version for only $0.99.

Featuring more than 20 color photos and illustrations, Alexander the Salamander is the tale of Alexander, a young salamander living in the Amazon who joins his friends Airey the Butterfly and Terry the Tarantula on an unforgettable jungle adventure. Come along with Alexander and friends as they meet birds, monkeys, and other creatures, explore the beautiful rainforest, and face danger along the way.

Alexander the Salamander can be purchased in print for just US $6.99 from these booksellers:

Amazon.com (United States, $6.99 in print)

Amazon.co.uk (United Kingdom, £4.92 in print)

Amazon.de (Germany, EUR 6.15 in print)

Amazon.fr (France, EUR 6.15 in print)

Createspace (United States, $6.99 in print)

Alexander the Salamander is available as an e-book for just US $0.99 from the following booksellers:

Amazon.com (United States, $0.99 for Kindle)

Amazon.co.uk (United Kingdom, £0.77 for Kindle)

Amazon.de (Germany, EUR 0.89 for Kindle)

Amazon.fr (France, EUR 0.89 for Kindle)page 6 - jungle path

Amazon.it (Italy, EUR 0.89 for Kindle)

Amazon.es (Spain, EUR 0.89 for Kindle)

Apple iTunes ($0.99 for iPad and iPhone)

Barnes & Noble ($0.99 for Nook)

Google Play ($0.99 for Android)

Kobo Books ($0.99 for Kobo)

Scribd ($1.00 for PDF)

Smashwords ($0.99 for iPad/iPhone/Kobo/Sony)

Click here for other booksellers

Come visit Alexander’s home in Rio Cove on the banks of the Amazon River. You’ll spend time with Alexander, an amiable salamander who’s curious about the world beyond Rio Cove; his friend Airey, a butterfly who loves to soar and explore; and Terry the Tarantula, the new kid in the cove who’s ready to make new friends and is fearless.

Join them as they set off to explore what lies beyond Rio Cove in the Amazon rainforest. On the way, you’ll meet new friends like Molly the Macaw, Percy the Piranha, and an army of ants!

page 8 - macaw

page 14 - piranha

page 12 - army ants

The first book in the World Adventurers for Kids Series, Alexander the Salamander was inspired by the authors’ visit to the Amazon in 2008. Fun for kids and adults alike, the story teaches children the importance of listening to authority figures.

Alexander cover

The World Adventurers for Kids Series features more of the kinds of travel stories you’ve come to enjoy from World Adventurers told in a way that children ages three to nine will find entertaining and educational. The stories will take young readers all over the world.

Get your copy of Alexander the Salamander at Amazon or other booksellers today, and stay tuned for more books in the World Adventurers for Kids Series!

M.G. Edwards is a writer of books and stories in the mystery, thriller and science fiction-fantasy genres. He also writes travel adventures. He is author of Kilimanjaro: One Man’s Quest to Go Over the Hill, a non-fiction account of his attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, a collection of short stories called Real Dreams: Thirty Years of Short Stories and Alexander the Salamander, a children’s story set in the Amazon. His books are available to purchase as an e-book and in print from Amazon.com and other booksellers. He lives in Bangkok, Thailand with his wife Jing and son Alex.

For more books or stories by M.G. Edwards, visit his web site at www.mgedwards.com or his blog, World Adventurers. Contact him at me@mgedwards.com, on Facebook, on Google+, or @m_g_edwards on Twitter.

© 2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted without the written consent of the author.

Alexander the Salamander

Welcome to the debut of the World Adventurers for Kids Series! The first book in this series for children is Alexander the Salamander from authors M.G. and Alex Edwards. The series features more of the kinds of travel stories you’ve come to enjoy from World Adventurers told in a way that children ages three to nine will find entertaining and educational. Filled with illustrated photos and moral tales, these books will take children all over the world.

In Alexander the Salamander, a salamander named Alexander living in the Amazon joins his friends Airey the Butterfly and Terry the Tarantula on an unforgettable jungle adventure. Set in the Amazon region of Brazil, the story teaches children the importance of listening to teachers and other authority figures. Co-authored by M.G. Edwards and his son Alex, the story was inspired by their 2008 visit to the Amazon.

Alexander cover

Alexander the Salamander is now available to purchase as an e-book for just US $0.99 from these booksellers:

Amazon.com (United States, $0.99 for Kindle)

Amazon.co.uk (United Kingdom, £0.77 for Kindle)

Amazon.de (Germany, EUR 0.89 for Kindle)

Amazon.fr (France, EUR 0.89 for Kindle)

Barnes & Noble ($0.99 for Nook)

Scribd ($1.00 for PDF)

Smashwords ($0.99 for iPad/iPhone/Kobo/Sony)

Click here for other booksellers

Come visit Alexander’s home in Rio Cove on the banks of the Amazon River. You’ll meet Alexander, an amiable salamander who likes school and playing with friends but is curious about the world beyond Rio Cove.

salamander

You’ll meet Alexander’s good friend Airey, a butterfly who loves to soar and explore as she zooms around the cove and can’t wait to get back to flying whenever she’s in class.

butterfly

Then there’s Terry the Tarantula, the new kid in town who’s ready to make new friends and is fearless when it comes to seeing the world.

tarantula

Join Alexander, Airey, and Terry on an adventure as they set off to explore what lies beyond Rio Cove in the Amazon rainforest.

rio cove

During their 2008 trip to the Amazon, the authors stayed at a remote resort accessible only by boat, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle. There they were struck by the immense greenness of the Amazon region. The serpentine network of rivers cut through the rainforest, delivering life-sustaining water to thirsty foliage. Exploring the rainforest on foot and by boat, they visited a monkey sanctuary, met indigenous villagers, fished for piranha, took a walking tour through the dense forest, and went on a daytime river cruise and a nighttime boat cruise to watch nocturnal wildlife.

Young Alex, who marveled at a world he had never seen before, inspired his dad to share the experience in a story that brings the rainforest to life for children of all ages. Alexander the Salamander captures the spirit of the Amazon in a fun and educational way.

amazonsm

Join Alexander, Airey, and Terry for an amazing Amazon adventure! Get your copy of Alexander the Salamander at Amazon or other booksellers today for just $0.99, and stay tuned for more books in the World Adventurers for Kids Series.

Alexander cover

M.G. Edwards is a writer of books and stories in the fantasy, thriller and travel genres. He is author of Kilimanjaro: One Man’s Quest to Go Over the Hill, a non-fiction account of his attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain; a collection of short stories called Real Dreams: Thirty Years of Short Stories; and Alexander the Salamander, a children’s story set in the Amazon. His books are available to purchase as an e-book and in print from Amazon.com and other booksellers. He lives in Bangkok, Thailand with his wife Jing and son Alex, who co-authored Alexander the Salamander. Alex is an elementary school student and avid reader.

For more books or stories by M.G. Edwards, visit his web site at www.mgedwards.com or his blog, World Adventurers. Contact him at me@mgedwards.com, on Facebook, on Google+, or @m_g_edwards on Twitter.

© 2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted without the written consent of the author.