Down Day In ADC

Sunset with me rowing Gondola Boy home
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Tuesday 22, July:

Move over Gondola Boy!!

Today was a down day with no travel. It sure was good to sleep in today. I had the private table breakfast at 8:00 AM. Do not get wrong this Motel only has five rooms and all had checked out by 8:00. This Pousada (Motel) “Belas Praias” is the king of ADC hotels. Why – Location and value. There is a newer one 200 yards south but big money.

Starting to relax!
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BP overlooks both the main water front and the center court yard. You are on Times Square of ADC. The older lady landlord runs a tight ship. It was spick and span. But for you Americano’s it is not five star US standards. One towel, no lamps, cistern shower, no shampoo. And do you know what --I do not care --this place rocked!!

Everything about ADC is about trust. I got the hotel no questions asked. No money upfront. Just gave me the key. I know- I am very trustworthy looking guy. Even Claudio was letting me make all the big ticket trips with not one piece of paper or money. No lawyers in this part of Brazil yet. Like America in the 1950’s.

Blury but had to post Jorge on his circus stilts.
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Hell the first four days I was hiding money and passports under wierd places in the room.  Now I leave the door open with the laptop playing music as I head into town for a while.  I sure hope it stays this way.  Very nice.

I went up to talk to Jorge (George) at Mae Natureza. Claudio was in Santarem today. It was 8:30 and he was fit to be tied talking to the internet folks. He was down and they had him switching everything. I noticed when they ask him to do a “cold boot” his machine only did a “warm boot “. Jorge my man just turn the machine off and reboot it--  works 90% of the time (Renew the IP address). Bingo he was in business but awful slow!!

I attempted as last night to post a blog but failed after multiple attempts. I gave up. Jorge came down and negotiated a room upgrade for me. I was in the back of the second floor with a view but now for the same price I was in the Prez Suite – Room 3. Double Doors opening to the water front with a private 20 foot balcony and chairs. Not too bad for $ 50 / night including breakfast. Value with a capital V!

I chilled for awhile reading a magazine about travel stress. The author’s premise was- It is not where you go on vacation but rather your frame of mind on vacation. Specifically he was editor of the magazine who flipped out when his BBerry would not work on a 21 day trip to South Africa. After three days of panic attacks that drove the hotel staff crazy he gave into the moment and let it go.

I thought about it for a moment. He is right. A few days ago I was bitching about two channels and no hot water. Hell the shower was great today and I have not turned on my new 25 channel TV in two days. I turn my AC off at 3AM because I am cold. By the way only one top sheet on the bed down here. I noticed I have not worn shoes in two days, no shaving, and have been “free balling” it. (OOPs –Too much information!! Control-Alt-Delete Now!!) I thought about the Bberry. So what we had an oil spill yesterday with $15,000 down the drain. I have competent great managers who can deal with it. I will just choke the guilty party when I return. (Just kidding Greg.) So I turned the damn thing off. This was a very big step for a techno geek to make. Sort of like going to confession.

I made it to San Quinton to try their wifi to post the blog. Seems this whole town internet is powered by hamsters in a cage that just went on strike. I think I finally got some sort or update out by noon.

I headed back to the room and met up with RR. He had me on the Gondola at 1:00PM for the Sandbar. 2 bucks and Gondola Boy will row you over. Frankly it was nothing too great about it. Sort of like Tybee at high tide.

I guess it is the company that makes the difference.  I saw a family of three generations with Grandma out in a full length dress out in waist deep water having a blast.  Wow that was fun to watch!

 I made it to the quiet west end and set up camp with RR. After a beer we did a slow 45 minute swim. I cheated and used fins for the first time this year. Hey it is Downtime after Nooga.

I got into the moment and slept some on the beach with the tunes comforting me. Woke about five and went to the devil. I turned on my Bberry to send a few emails to coordinate the return. Thanks for the folks checking up on me to see if I was alive. At sunset I made my getaway. Gondola Boy was doing his thing when I took the helm and he took the camera. I had to check that block. I got a killer photo of a big boat coming in on the sunset on the Bberry camera. I think God will forgive that use of it.

Here is link of video on the ride home:

http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j6/paulbaker8/?action=view&current=gondolarideadc.flv

I had dinner early at great restaurant serving fresh fried bass with rice, beans, and cucumber salad for $ 12 bucks. I found Claudio afterward for our post dinner beer. I decided one more day was in the works. This time I was going north to the Amazon to see something --not sure what.

Lights out early 11PM