Thank you all for your messages of support/derision after my recent ordeal. Sorry parents if I worried you, but I thought it best to describe the event properly.
And – am just making quick update to let you know that I will not be giving updates for 4 or 5 days. Catching boat down Amazon, which should take 4.5 days or so. Leaving tomorrow, will update from Belem as soon as I can. Have new camera – so will get boring photos of ridiculously wide river for Nathan. Spent today drinking with locals on side of street. Apparently, the Brazilian tradition for a birthday is breaking raw eggs on one’s head. Got action photo.
Am currently carrying iRiver in pocket, with only backups of photos from stolen camera. Hopefully won’t get robbed in Manaus tonight.
Am expecting more messages of sympathy or laughter in 5 days time. Cheers.
UPDATE: morning of trip. I went to the port, and slung up my hammock on my riverboat. The smallest crappiest ship in the port – and certainly not the one in the photo shown to me by the nice unofficial hawker man who sold me my ticket. I also have to go to a different port and catch a speedboat to the ship – rather than using the official port entrance. Pretty sweet.
And I know you’ve all been worried – so thought I should let you know I’ve now replaced my compass & thermostat keyring now as well. And my voice is back – with only some lingering sexy huskiness. Only things left to replace now are a bottle opener (just remembered that, will try to do that now), and a wallet (not sure if I’ll bother).