Thursday 19 February 2015

I went to Santarem to report about deforestation in the Amazon (for my book Visit Sunny Chernobyl)

Hi Colin,

I can't recommend Gil highly enough! 

I went to Santarem to report about deforestation in the Amazon (for my book Visit Sunny Chernobyl) and hired Gil as a translator and guide. Even though my requests (which had to do with deforestation, environmental damage, soy farming, and industrial infrastructure in the area) were rather unusual, Gil was relentlessly energetic in his pursuit of contacts and access on my behalf, and also proved to be genuinely interested in my area of research and eager to collaborate. 

Let me list some more positives:

• He's irrepressibly enthusiastic
• He has unique and non-judgmental insight into a lot of different aspects of the region (as well as the people who visit it).
• His English is excellent.
• He knows everybody. I mean EVERYbody. He is without question one of the unofficial mayors of Santarem and environs.
• He loves hosting people, and truly loves both the Amazon and sharing it with people.
• He has a great sense of humor.

If it seems like I'm going a little overboard, it's just because the guy is one in a million. I felt very lucky to stumble onto him, and I'm not sure what I would have done without him.

Hope that helps!

All the best,
Andrew

Thursday 12 February 2015

Sunday 8 February 2015

Lovely words! Super lovely! Thank you 2

Hi there,
We are now back home to very cold but crisp days - oh for some heat!
May I thank you and your entire team for one of the best days we ever had on our journey with you on the 30th.
The whole experience was just fantastic.
 
Could you please forward some photos that you took as I am sure they are far superior to anything I was snapping at.
I shall be telling everyone about our adventure and pointing them to your hospitality if they get your way.
Kind regards,
Wendy and Andrew
 
Dear friends,
 
You can see some of the photos on my blog, I am sending some more directly to your E-mail address. Spread the words pls, I love making people happy!
Ciao
 
Gil Serique 

Sunday 1 February 2015

Silver Cloud private shore excursion in Santarem

Yellow-headed Caracara
Ringed Kingfisher
at rest

Giant water lillies
Three-toed sloth

Pink dolphin

a bit about the fish fauna
Water buffalos

Osprey

Black-collared hawk