[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NPW2ef9zpyk/Uytnpbxig_I/AAAAAAAAafA/I0jFMb91kzU/s144-c-o/P3100255.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/112133179186774955122/SouthAmericaSection3Stage18Brazil1CayenneToAmazonasDelta#5992997690674414578″ caption=”Do we also wear a ‘Brazil’ shirt proudly in Germany?” type=”image” alt=”P3100255.JPG” ]

Recovery in Chavez
Pos: here
Loc: Chavez
Acc: Posada Maresia

I slept not that well in my airconditioned room, the events of the last days or even weeks since Guyana were still on my mind. Even if I assume I have the worst part behind me, I am not back in Buenos Aires yet…

I had the chance to look into a big mirror yesterday night, and what kind of picture reflected off there! An old woman, hollow cheeks, rings around the eyes, burnt skin, just survived “survival mode” a couple of times…I need to get back to the enjoyable relaxing paddling! I had too few days of that,but rather a lot of scary stressful days and nights…

This is why I decided to stay another day. The locals confirmed me the Pororoca won’t happen here on the south channel, so I didn’t have to chase the time gap any more until full moon. I can stay and relax and paddle the next days reasonable distances with enjoyable camp nights (I hope…)

I will not sneak on the now existing sandy river beaches between herds of buffaloes, goats, cows and pigs, but rather knock again on the next farmhouse door to hopefully spend a safe and dry night. People have been very welcoming and friendly everywhere in Brazil so far, and I appreciate that!

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vXJ0wRc2gLw/UytmtKAu7hI/AAAAAAAAafA/E2xBVwDEwrA/s144-c-o/P3100249.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/112133179186774955122/SouthAmericaSection3Stage18Brazil1CayenneToAmazonasDelta#5992996655114153490″ caption=”The sport stadium of Chaves” type=”image” alt=”P3100249.JPG” ]

The first chore today was to find a shop selling Brazilian sim cards, as this is the first place with cell connection. Surely as usual it took
a while to get phone and internet working, but a local guy and Peter were helpful. Still my laptop started once again for only 10 min until the screen broke down again and I have to type this update on my cellphone. Yahoo…but better than NO longer update! I am still owing a bunch more which I will work on tomorrow.

I also found a local woman with a washing machine, as this village is quite well equipped with 24h electricity and many modern amenities. They have no road access, but a big river harbour, a sea jetty and even a small airport. People are driving up and down the more or less paved streets with motorbikes and bicycles. I saw two cars for larger loads. How I enjoy the unexpected air condition in the simple but perfect and clean Posada!

I was walking back to the harbour looking for my kayak and found it safe and all right in front of a shop where it got today many curious visitors. I chatted a bit here and there, thanked the shop owner for their attention, and met one of my helpers from yesterday again who told me the Posada is free, sponsored by the community for “special guests”. Well, muchos obrigada! (Thanks for the donation anyway, Christie, there will be another one later!)

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-06MACSk8nRA/Uytl0WiJevI/AAAAAAAAafA/VtPTGNEGEzg/s144-c-o/P3100248.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/112133179186774955122/SouthAmericaSection3Stage18Brazil1CayenneToAmazonasDelta#5992995679222987506″ caption=”The offshore landing jetty of Chaves” type=”image” alt=”P3100248.JPG” ]

I spent most of the rest of the day with chatting to my family, if they are calling me on the local cell via computer this is quite affordable for a few cents per minute!

Tired now from typing on the small screen and keyboard…