There is some vanity in travel. It would be awesome to sleep in the Amazon rainforest, row in the river (especially during the rainy season), and see the flora and fauna within it. 

I’m not exempt from that narcissism.

But… there is zero glamour in the Amazon. That’s not a bad thing. It’s a matter of expectations. 

I spent three days and two nights. I slept in the woods for one and in a lodge for the other.

I was humbled. I thought I could tough it out with the elements. And I did. But the struggle was real.

On the first day –

Mosquitoes everywhere. I had repellent all over my body, which is the worst thing for my skin. I hated sleeping in the same clothes I came in with. But… choices…

I didn’t move out of my hammock and hid in the net overnight. Who knows how many mosquitoes I’d have to fight with? It was pitch black. I didn’t brush my teeth nor wash my face.

I had to forget the sanitising of hands I learned. I ate and hoped my immune system was strong enough. One piece of chicken fell to the ground and the heat from the fire hopefully fixed that. 

On the second day –

Morning came… and a stern warning if you hate disgusting details! I had to shit in the jungle after eating something from breakfast. I panicked if there was paper. The guide thankfully brought one. 

Rain happened as it pleased. I was the stupid tourist who brought his phone and passport. Good thing there was torn plastic lying around the boat to shield it from water. I was soaked… after having showered and changed clothes. 

I could not row to save my life. But I had to, especially when it was only me and the guide. And I thought workouts prepared me. There’s a reason strength isn’t measured by how fitted t-shirts are. 

No fishing skills here either.

Until the end –

We continued searching for animals. I could hear the Amazon but not always see it. I spotted a few. But this is their home and not a fashion show.

I have bruises and cuts from thorns and falling. Besides mosquito bites, I suspect I got some from bed bugs as well. 

BUT OVERALL, I am happy. 

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The trip to the Amazon in Manaus happened in May 2023.

I also visited in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo. You can see the places I visited in Rio de Janeiro in this link. You can see the places I visited in Sao Paulo in this link.