I am starting to get used to these overnight bus journeys - and have developed very strong bladder control. There are toilets in the buses but they are less than pleasant. We have now done 3 out of our 16 overnighters - we do have the option of upgrading to flights for a few of the legs. If it were up to me I would wimp out and opt for the flight - but it will be based on a majority vote among my fellow travellers.

We arrived in Manaus today. A few of the historical colonial buildings remain, but they are surrounded by many other unattractive buildings that have been built in more recent years. A few of the older buildings have been left to waste away which is a huge shame - so much of the architecture is so very impressive....

We go off into the jungle for 3 days starting tomorrow - I am looking forward to the trip, but a little wary of accumulating even more mozzie bites!