How many times did I cross the equator by foot? Ecuador, Sao Tome, Uganda, Indonesia… Now I can add also Brazil. Equator cross here the town of Macapa, where I stay. They built a monument called Marco Zero – a kind of an obelisk. I went there today to take the pictures. The place was empty – it is very far from the beaten tracks!
But number one in Macapa is of course the Amazon River. City lies on the northern arm of Amazon’ delta. It is so wide that it is hard to see the other side! The old fort built in the colonial time on the bank of the river is the main historic landmark of Amapa State of Brazil.
Close to the fort I found the Banco Central do Brazil branch who change currencies. I expected to get there the official rate of change. Just let you know: I spent
There 2 hours politely waiting and explaining. After 2 hours the finally issued the document of exchange:
392 reales for 150 euro. According to todays rate it
should be 465 reales. I said thank you and went to the ?5money changers – they give 450, so do not ever think to go to this buocratic institution – it is the waste of time and money…
Preamar Travel Agency opposite to the bank is the only one who sales tickets for the riveboats departing to Belem on the other side of Amazon Delta. I have the ticket and I hope to sail tomorrow!
