The Wealth of the Amazon
- 13 Apr 08, 03:30 PM
Posted from: Manaus
I've been to Manaus a few times before; a land full of contrasts that always fascinated me. You may think it's jargon, but it is really in the heart of the Amazon. It's the main gateway to jungle locations.
I've used it before to get to remote places and to find extraordinary scientists researching the aspects, connections and interactions of Amazonian ecosystems, wildlife and culture. The way I know the city is as a very versatile one, with a good heart, great people and which offers almost anything you want.
But we are here to learn about the wealth of the Amazon, quantifying its richness in the monetary sense. It has the third fastest-growing economy in Brazil, with over 450 industries from all over the world, responsible for the fourth largest gross domestic product in the country.
Just over a month ago I was asked to find a host for Bruce, a playboy who could show him the city and give us a taste of how life is when you are on the top of the chain, living in luxury, being blessed with opportunities and being able to afford extravagances in the middle of the Amazon. In a region which impresses for its traditional modesty, simple way of life and generosity; almost unaware of its meaning, my mission seemed personally challenging and I knew I would have to question myself about my own way of thinking.
I have a hippy soul, and a wealthy life is almost something out of this world for me. I was expecting to find an arrogant guy, with not much in his head. But then I met 'Tony boy' and I had a nice surprise. I found a young and interesting man, dedicated to his work, passionate about Manaus and more than I expected in tune with the Amazon I value so much.
Twenty-eight-year-old Tony has his heart in the right place. He wants to move out of the city and live on the banks of Rio Negro in a stunning piece of land he bought when he was 18. It's in his blood, and fishing seems to be his favourite subject - it pops up in almost every conversation. He wants to find the perfect partner who he wishes to be a hippy, but the way he flirts with his ostentatious life would put off any possible candidate who could fall for his forgotten 'Caboclo' soul. (Caboclos form the majority of the people of the Amazon, a mix of Amerindians and white Europeans; people with a traditional way of life - simple and attached to nature.)
Tony is part of a new generation of millionaires. Supported by charming parents, as well as successful friends, he shines in society here. There is money in Manaus and a huge potential for development. But what makes me uneasy is the distribution of it. Maybe I'm being too romantic but Manaus is a rich city surrounded by poverty. In the centre of town you find the landmarks of the old aristocracy: impressive buildings inherited from a rubber boom, which put the city on the map. Around it, an enormous mix of people, selling all sorts of goods, usually at a low price. They are natives and immigrants, with little money, a lot of hope, and a tough life.
Tony wanted to impress Bruce and the crew, and he did it well. Endless parties, beautiful and interesting people presented to us in a Manaus I hadn't seen before. It's not far behind from what you would find in Miami. Tony seems to be respected by the rich and poor. His attitude towards the caboclos is genuine and kind. Part of me wants to condemn the waste of money lying on his hands, but on the other hand I appreciate he is enjoying his privileged life.
You see this kind of scenario on every metropolis, and Manaus is not different. The difference is that in Brazil the discrepancy is right there in front of your eyes. Some have too much, while some have too little. Tomorrow we are heading to the other end of the scope, flying south to a little town called Apui and from there entering a world where simple people dream of building their own fortune, hidden in the guts of the earth.
The search for gold is about to begin.
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