What brings me to Manaus, Brazil? A book I picked up because I saw on the back cover that it was about a young girl who travelled to Brazil. It is one of those “ah” moments when you are wandering down an aisle in a shop and your eye falls on a object, or in this case, a book, and you know you want to see it more closely.
The book is Journey to the River Sea, by Eva Ibbotson. It was runner up for the Whitbread Children’s Book of the year and the Guardian Fiction Award. I glanced at it this afternoon, sat down and read it through till the end. I had not expected to spend the afternoon reading, but that is exactly what I did.
I was transported to a land I know only from various media presentations, the story line, the characters, it was a perfect blend of words presented in such a way that my imagination created the visuals.
I was travelling along down the Amazon (the River Sea), seeing where the brown waters of the Amazon joined the black waters of the river Negro.. where soon after the main character saw the green and gold dome of the theatre and church spires. It was wonderful to be able to totally immerse myself for a short time in the adventure of a young girl, and her friends.
There were no pictures in the book, I found the pictures you see here, on the net. To be a young girl, who due to circumstances is off to live in Brazil, with distant family she has never met… (from England)…. you know… there are many possibilities, the author is skilled at her craft. I will have to seek out more of her stories.
PL Precept #17 Grasp what is most essential
The story held me captive for hours. At first I wanted to know what was it, what held my attention, then a thought popped up.. Could it be, my mind needed a rest from the chattering of nonsense and noise that has been whirling around me of late… my husband had his last chemo session today, and soon it will be his last radiation treatment. Then we rest, and prepare for the surgeries.
PL Precept # 12 Everything has a way according to its name
PL Precept #7 Everything exists in relativity.
Isn’t life beautiful… PL Precept # 11 Always be with GOD
Oyashikiri
dymoonblog 
Comments on: "Manaus, Brazil" (7)
Escape is healthy.
Sending your spouse healing thoughts…
thanks Eliza.. thank YOU!
I love the experience you are describing…there is nothing quite like immersion in a book. I am keeping you both in my heart and prayers on your healing journey.
Yes! I was there. It marks the end of human population in Amazonia.
It read so beautiful, it was written, in a way that showed how some Europeans came over and did not adjust, and the negative attitude they had.. While my character learned so much by befriending and living along side and with them.. Thru her eyes, we see a gorgeous land, and wonderful people full of tradition and sense of family.
Life is beautiful! Lovely post. xo
It is, appreciation and gratitude, are the order of the day… =^_^= xxo