Manaus - Part 1 - The Introduction

Introduction

It’s not the easiest place to find. As with most smaller, regional airparks, there were a number of small hangars dotting the edge of the main runway. The airpark itself was surrounded by the ever-encroaching rain forest. That is the nature of things in Manaus, the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas. Wherever there is not a road or a building, there is rain forest growing up and over everything.

Despite its dense green surrounding, the airpark itself was easy enough to find. Finding Marcio, however, was slightly more difficult. We entered the main entrance to the airpark and after explaining who we were looking for to some nice ladies at the front desk, we were told to head further down the road to another entrance.

We followed their directions and at the next entrance found another front desk attended by a nice young man, and after explaining who we were looking for, he directed us two hangars down to where we would find a blue gate. The blue gate was unlocked and we were to just make our way out onto the flight line and around to the right where he said we should find who we were looking for.

We followed his directions incorrectly, but were soon corrected by another man who pointed us to the correct blue gate. Through the blue gate we went, down a jagged sidewalk, out on to the flight line, turned to the right, and there it was.

Over the next few weeks, we will share with you what we learned during our trip to the Amazon in January, 2019. It shifted our perspective on the present and shaped our vision for the future. As you read (if you read - THANK YOU!), we hope you enjoy the stories, learn more about one of the most unique places in the world, are encouraged, and are moved in some way to support the work we are doing in whatever way you deem helpful and appropriate.