Belem is a large, highly populated city. There are some very poor people here and we are advised to walk in groups and to be aware of gangs and pick-pockets. Of course I left my jewelry on the ship and took very little cash. We are not as great a target as many of the older folks, but we made every attempt to be aware of our surroundings and exercise caution. The police presence was noticeable.
Belem has a most interesting market just a block away from the port. An abundance of fragrant herbs and spices, colorful and exotic fruits and vegetables, stalls stacked tall with burlap bags of manioc flour and other staples, fresh fish and cured meats and fragrant spices were all around. The market was a frenzy of activity, filled with colorful sights, sounds and fragrances. Art, handicrafts, baskets and cookware were readily available. Clothes, shoes and leather goods were plentiful. Food stalls were busy feeding the locals and there were numerous stalls with cures for every ailment – even Natural Viagra! We had to take a photo of the bottle. As we were pointing it out to each other the merchant assured us that it really works! Gee – it’s everywhere, you can’t get away from it! I guess you could there was a Kodak opportunity at every turn!
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