We went on a journey into the Amazon rainforest.
The Amazon – Monkeys, caiman, lily pads, herons and magnificent trees.
Brazil – Manaus – Inside the Opera House
The opera house was very impressive. The rubber boom had created such enormous wealth that they had pretentions. The boom soon burst and Manaus went into depression and was almost derelict before it was restored.
The inside of the opera was one of faded opulence.
Lynmouth in Devon – a fishing village now a bit of a tourist spot.
Itr still retained some of its old charm. Hard to imagine great torrent of churning water crashing through hurling massive boulders like pebbles.
I was very taken with the grey wagtails.
We were walking through town to follow the river up to Watersmeet.
In Search of the Zennor Quoit – a Neolithic Burial Chamber
We set off from Zennon off on a tiny farm track into the hills. We parked up and climbed up the path through the fabulous rock formations of the Zennor heights. We had to cross streams on stepping stones, pass meadows of seas of wild flowers and work our way through the sculpted stones.
Then, at the top we set off along a trail that lead to the fabulous tomb. The mysterious Zennor Quoit.
Men an Tol – Neolithic fertility stones – Cornwall
This rare type of Neolithic site is thought to be a fertility site. The circular stone in the centre is unique. It is thought that couples who wish for pregnancy should pass through the circle. I think, down the ages, many a couple have done a bit more than simply passing through.
Wandering around St Ives
It was early morning. The sun was out. Most of the toutists were still in bed. We walked along the front and then into the narrow back streets. I was looking for the soul that used to be. It was still there.
It is always strange revisiting places from the past.
Hitting St Ives
I have great memories of Cornwall – it’s ruggedness and beauty. I love its Neolithic sites. We also have a dear friend living there. All the more reason to go for another visit.
St Ives used to be a beautiful village full of arts, crafts, painters, potters and fishermen. An alternative place. It seems to have become a lot more touristy since we last went. It still had its charm and the light was wonderful.
The first morning we set off to explore and poke around.
It was great to see the Barbara Hepworth sculpture! There was Richard Burton the explorer of life. Murals and narrow stone streets.
Back Home!!
We’ve just returned from a couple of weeks in Cornwall and Devon. It has been great. Meeting up with old friends, walking through fabulous countryside, visiting Neolithic sites, castles and places of beauty. Sharing food and drink. Reaffirming old friendships. Life affirming.
As you become older some things become more important. Friends that you have shared thoughts, ideas and experiences with are part of you. Friends that are no longer with us are still there in our hearts but their absence is felt.
Back home we are unpacking, picking up the pieces, weary but glowing. I’ll share some of the thoughts, photos and dreams of our roadtrip with you over the coming weeks. It’ll be nice unpacking them.
How much we change over the years. I’d love to meet with my young mad idealistic self. I sometimes catch glimpses.
The Fading Splendour of Manaus.
Once Manaus was an extremely rich city. It’s not now. It’s full of people trying to scratch a living and the fading paintwork of the past.
Manaus – The Cathedral and Square
In front of the Opera House is a Square with a Cathedral. Worth a look – some beautiful decoration.
