CONCLUSION

That was the end of my story of life on the river. I spent three more weeks in Manaus, sorting out my return ticket and hanging out with Maura, my acquaintance who worked in the military police. It was a lovely, serene period, but this book is about the Amazon, so I decided to limit the story to the 67 days.

I remember walking around the market on the Manaus pier looking for farinha. My feet once again led me to the river. I remembered the first time when I saw the Amazon back in Pucallpa. A lot has happened to me since then. Sometimes it even feels like it happened in another life – a life that ended on the river and started for me again.

This sensation is not just about those pirates, no. A canoe trip like this is like time travel. You feel like you are part of something bigger. You are living the life of some fisherman who followed the same routine centuries ago – he overcame his fears and bowed to the great river, acting against all odds. On his way that fisherman also encountered similar difficulties, he was scorched by the merciless sun and soaked by icy rains, he fell ill, he encountered other tribes who did not understand his language. At the same time, he always rejoiced at a good catch. He rejoiced like a child! The catch gives fishermen energy and health. It gives life itself. On such a journey, everything is simplified to the point of extreme simplicity – just like when a person climbs to the top of a mountain. There is no room for undertones or shades at that moment.

I hope that my diary has allowed you to immerse yourself in this atmosphere and to become part of this small daily routine – larger than real. Maybe it will help you to answer the question I asked myself at the beginning of this book. Whatever your answer is, I will request one thing from you. Please never doubt that the world is better than it is said to be. I have checked this.