— Some trips seem to linger on in your mind all your life. Although we have been to many different places, including a number of national parks, national historic sites, national monuments, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and several cities, the Amazon Rainforest ranks high in our list of favorite places. Besides being immersed in the world’s largest rainforest, we were able to experience things we had never dreamed of doing. For example, the time we spent dancing with Brazilian indigenous people and learning about their culture was unforgettable. Add to that, the number of exotic wildlife we saw up close. Here are some photos from that 2014 trip (some were previously published).
In the first photo here, you see the Amazon Saimiri or squirrel monkey. As we walked on an elevated trail, one of them kept following us very close. Later we realized they were actually after the watermelon we were eating.
Then, we had this local girl who wanted us to handle the baby alligator she carried in her hands. No, thank you, I don’t think I am ready for that.
On the other hand, I thought it would be safe to handle that snake. Don’t ask me the difference from the previous photo. To my surprise, it was much heavier than it looked. It also felt very strange to be touching it. I felt it was clearly trying to wrap itself around me. Time to hand it back!
Getting braver by the minute, I agreed to handle a sloth for a brief moment. I was told not to let it hug me. The proper way to hold it is the way you see me in this photo. By doing that, the sloth cannot get its claws in your body.
However, nothing that was said to me could prepare me to swim with pink dolphins. They appeared to be very friendly simply because their trainer was around feeding them some fish. So, they kept returning to us. The Amazon River was not very deep in this section at all, but we were not able to see the pink dolphins as they swam around us. Occasionally, they would rub against our legs. I must say, that was one of the strangest sensations I have ever felt. They were cold and very rubbery. If you are not familiar with the legend of the Brazilian pink dolphin, also known as the boto encantado (enchanted porpoise), here is a very brief statement. It is a popular folk tale in the Amazon rainforest. It tells the story of a shapeshifting dolphin that transforms into a handsome man at night to seduce women and impregnate them. So, it is believed that if they touch you, you will get pregnant. Well, I demystified the legend.
This post goes along with Denzil’s nature challenge this week about wild animals.
Wind Kisses
Im with you on the alligator. That sloth though…adorable.
Egídio Leitão
Donna, yes, the sloth’s face always makes me forget those sharp claws.
Wind Kisses
hahaha. I guess that might be true.
Denzil
That’s called hands-on experience with wildlife for sure Egidio!
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the feedback.
restlessjo
I have a very nice Brazilian friend here who’s a keen astronomer. You remind me a little of him, but I’m not sure that he would juggle with a sloth. Happy days!
Egídio Leitão
That brought a big smile to my face, Jo. Thanks for the feedback. I was also a bit reluctant at first. Thanks for your feedback.
restlessjo
??
jazzibee
Amazing wildlife! Pink dolphins and sloths. Wow!
Egídio Leitão
James, thanks for your feedback. I was really thrilled to have had those experiences.
margaret21
What a truly wonderful experience. No wonder it has lived in your mind vividly for almost ten years. Great photos help!
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for your kind words, Margaret. You always say such nice things. I appreciate your feedback.
margaret21
And I appreciate your posts!
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Che esperienze uniche!
Egídio Leitão
Sì, uniche e indimenticabili! Grazie.