DECEMBER 2010

Dear valued clients,

So we come to an end of another year, the end of the noughties. Next year, Living Adventure celebrates its 30th year, and we have many things planned to mark the occasion.

Two we can reveal are the return of information evenings, using the expertise of our tour operators to inform and hopefully entertain, and the launch of the much anticipated website.

As usual, this Christmas, we have clients spread all over the globe. We have had recent returns from Myanmar, Churchill Canada (polar bears) and many other exciting destinations. With the Aussie $ still strong, and many new fantastic destinations being promoted, the new year is looking as positive as ever. Make yourself a resolution to get out there and get amongst the excitement.

From the team at Living Adventure, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy and Safe New Year.

Please note, we are closed from 22 December to 4 January. Apparently, travel agents need a holiday too. We apologise for any incoivenince. Despite the closure, we will continue to check the email, consultant@livingadventure.net and for any left voice messages on 08 8464 0582 regularly.

I like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the support this year!

And we look forward to planning your next adventure in the new year!

Andy Wong
Living Adventure

AMAZONAS OPERA HOUSE

A reflection of this period of opulence is to be found in the mansions and monuments of Manaus, such as the Amazonas Opera House (photo), opened in 1896. Built with the aid of materials and artists brought from Europe, its central area, in the shape of a harp, can seat 640 people in the stalls. In 1965 it was declared part of the Brazilian National Heritage and was reopened in 1996 after complete overhauling. Manaus also retains replicas of several British constructions, such as the floating dock for the port and the surrounding buildings. The Palace of Justice has traces of the French architectural style, and many buildings, such as the Municipal Market, were influenced by the art nouveau style. Another example of period architecture is the Palácio Rio Negro, former seat of the State Government.

Situated on the banks of the Rio Negro (meaning Black River, because of the dark color of the water), Manaus is an important centre for ecological tourism. One of its most popular attractions is the Ponta Negra beach, 13 kilometres from the centre of the city, where, when the river is low, the sands are exposed right down to the river bed, forming a beautiful contrast with the dark waters of the river itself.
Another main attraction is The Meeting of Waters It is the confluence between the Rio Negro, a river with dark (almost black coloured) water, and the sandy-coloured Amazon River or Rio Solimões, as it is known the upper section of the Amazon in Brazil. For 6 km (3.7 mi) the river's waters run side by side without mixing. 

Amazon Clipper Tradicional

For more than twenty years, "Amazon Clipper Cruises" has been a leader in operating boat cruises in the Amazon River system departing from Manaus. Being the pioneer in Amazon boat cruises gives us a unique knowledge in logistics and knowledge about locations rarely shown to any other visitors. We offer cruises with weekly regular departure with three different itineraries; the "Amazon River Cruise", the "Negro River Cruise" and the "Amazon and Negro River Cruise". Each one is a complete experience to the Amazon, including a visit to the "Meeting of the Waters". You enjoy several side trips into the rain forest by canoe and walking, you will get a good understanding in Amazon ecology and learn about the natives surviving, health and education situations. The cruises are available in two categories of distinctly Amazonian boats. The Traditional Fleet contains "Amazon Clipper" and the "Amazon Angler", are Amazon riverboats with traditional lines with basic comfort and facilities, such as air-conditioned cabins with private toilet, covered dining room with bar and library and a 360° view sundeck. Both categories were designed exclusively for cruising on the Amazon River and its tributaries. Using years of experience on other tour boats we made several design innovations to make them as comfortable as possible and still offer a perfect interaction with nature. The shallow draught allows us to visit locations inaccessible to many other boats and the outboard powered canoes that we carry are used for trips in lagoons, narrow channels, creeks and flooded forest.

ITINERARIES:

I) Amazonas river - Departures on Mondays (3 days and 2 nights)
II) Negro river - Departures on Wednesdays (4 days and 3 nights)
III) Amazonas & Negro rivers- Departures on Mondays (6 days and 5 nights - including lunch on Wednesday)

Rates per person - Until dec/11
 Amazonas river Negro river Amazonas & Negro rivers
US$ 580.00US$ 790.00US$ 1,165.00
- Children up to 12 years old accompanied by parents: 20% off.
- Individual cabin: additional of 50%
The program includes:
All meals except drinks, accommodation in double cabins with bunk berths and excursions as described in the itinerary.

Prices do not include: alcoholic beverages or soft drinks, personal expenses, transfer, travel insurance, anything else not listed as excluded.

AMAZON CLIPPER PREMIUM

For anyone who enjoys the comfort of a luxury boat, the "Amazon Clipper Cruises" offers PREMIUM fleet. With Premium and Otter boats offer the best for boat cruises on the Amazon. In the Premium category, all passengers are hosted in spacious apartments with two beds side by side or one queen size bed, air conditioning and safety deposit box, all feature a spacious bathroom with hot water. An air-conditioned restaurant with a buffet. A complete deck just for fun, a large room for meetings and lectures air-conditioned with TV and DVD, bar, hot tubs and showers to freshen up and relax. A sun deck with panoramic views of 360 °. Both categories were designed exclusively for cruising on the Amazon River and its tributaries. Using years of experience on other tour boats we made several design innovations to make them as comfortable as possible and still offer a perfect interaction with nature. The shallow draught allows us to visit locations inaccessible to many other boats and the outboard powered canoes that we carry are used for trips in lagoons, narrow channels, creeks and flooded forest.

ITINERARIES:

I) Amazonas river - Departures on Mondays (3 days and 2 nights)
II) Negro river - Departures on Wednesdays (4 days and 3 nights)
III) Amazonas & Negro rivers- Departures on Mondays (6 days and 5 nights - including lunch on Wednesday)

Rates per person - Until dec/11
 Amazonas river Negro river Amazonas & Negro rivers
US$ 810.00US$ 1,080.00US$ 1,630.00
- Children up to 12 years old accompanied by two parents: 50% off.
- Children up to 12 years old accompanied by one parent: 20% off.
- Individual cabin: additional of 50%
The program includes: all meals except drinks, accommodation in double cabins and excursions as described in the itinerary.

Prices do not include: alcoholic beverages or soft drinks, personal expenses, transfers, travel insurance and anything else not listed as excluded.

FEATURES:

MANAUS

Manaus, capital of Amazonas, is located in the middle of the Amazon forest. In the early years of the twentieth century the city of Manaus, became very wealthy and the most important cultural centre in the Northern Region of Brazil.

The old rubber barons dreamed of transforming it into a European style city and called it "the Paris of the Tropics";

AMAZONAS OPERA HOUSE

Amazonas is a state of Brazil, located in the northwestern corner of the country. It is the largest Brazilian State by area and the 9th largest country subdivision in the world.

It also borders Peru, Colombia and Venezuela.

Amazonas is named after the Amazon River, and home to the highest mountain in Brazil, Pico da Neblina, a tepui which stands at 2,994 metres (9,823 ft) above sea level.

AMAZON CRUISING

The best way to experience the Amazon is on an expedition cruise, one that includes jungle walks and trips up narrow channels and through flooded forest. And Amazon Clipper Cruises are the best when it comes to this. They are based in Manaus, Brazil, a city as interesting as the jungle surrounding it.