Day 1 - 5.21.03

    10^AM - We're leaving for BWI!  It's nasty out!  Not a good omen....

    1^PM - We just took off, but the group is scattered about the plane.  It's not a big deal, but I would have liked to sit near someone from the group.  Only 3 hours to Miami, I think I'll get over it...yep, I'm over it.

    4^PM - Miami's airport is huge!  One part of it has 8 floors!  Well, there is nothing much to do right now because our flight to Manaus doesn't leave  until 9^PM.  We did exchange some money though: 78 reals (ree-al) for $30!!!  We can only sit and relax in the lounge until dinner.  This  mango colada is good...

    8^PM - Ate dinner at Chili's with the crew and now we are just waiting to board...almost there!!

    2^AM - I have seen the pictures before, people wearing masks to protect against the SARS virus, but seeing it first-hand is a little uncomfortable.  But  we are finally in Brazil!!

    3^AM - Customs was long, but no worries.  Stepping outside the airport was like walking into a brick wall.  It was unbelievably warm and humid, and it's been 9 hours since the sun set.  We had to walk through a small patch of forest to reach the docks.  The dimly lit pathway resembled a glorified entrance to the "Rainforest Cafe"...only this was the real thing...

    P.S. - My bag ripped during the flight...not cool...

    4^AM - Finally a time to rest.  The sun will be up in two hours, and I can't wait to see what the morning brings.  But sleep will come swiftly this night, with gentle rocking of my hammock, the sound of the waves in my ears, and the soft glow of the city in the distance...peace at last...