Making Memories

"The adventure of a lifetime." Danielle
"I can't imagine coming to Brasil and not seeing the Amazon." Chelsey
"This is the best thing that I have ever done." Sven

The Amazon 2009 trip for Rotary exchange students was full of unique experiences that included fantastic interactions with the nature, culture, and people of the Amazon. As the young people said their tearful goodbyes, they knew that they had shared an incredible voyage that culminated their youth exchange years and created lifetime friendships. Their days had been full of fishing for piranha, visiting native villages, and spotting sloths, monkeys or parrots while the nights included a night trek, searches for jacare, and new, mysterious sounds as they slept in their jungle hammocks.

These pictures highlight a trip that can not be described and an adventure that can not be relived. Welcome to Destination Amazonia.

Destination Amazonia

Young people prepare to return to their hosts....still citizens of their countries, but new brothers and sisters in a world a little smaller and a little more understanding
due to their shared adventures in the Amazon

Native paddles made this canoe voyage into the jungle special.

A night of quiet rest in the most natural of all places.

Floating on the river and surrounded by jungle.
A traveler with a pink dolphin.
Providing a meal for two new friends.
A praying mantis joins the expedition.
The innocent face of a child living a simple life.
While thousands of miles separate them in life, only inches keep them apart in the jungle.
A young traveler meets a local monkey.
He just loves having visitors.

Resting after his concert.
Making the unusual music of the Amazon.
A little shy but willing to perform.
You want me to what?
Wild rice is a part of the local flora.
A little more rain adds to the already flooding Amazon.
The catch of the day....piranha. It can take a bite out of you.
Celebrating student victory in the Acajatuba Football Cup 2009!!
Village girl sharing a smile from her front porch.
Everyone understands laughter.
Villagers welcome the approaching Belo boats.
Every jungle view is unique and has its own beauty.
The light of day disappears to introduce the delights of night.

Students sail and sleep on two boats but share one experience. Can you tell she is not a native?
Strangely, the most ferocious warriors had red head bands and blonde hair.
I think this fashion statement will catch on, don't you?

Xxxxxxx seeds for face paintnig.

European style balconies with a Manaus flair.
With a touch of Amazonia, our young travelers enjoy the center of Manaus.
We brought our own Amazon princess.

Opening their eyes to an old world and their lives to new friends.