Marajó

...was in college, on an Amazon Studies program, based in Belem, Brazil.
Marajo is the largest freshwater island in the world, I believe.
We spent some days here, interviewing villagers and looking at island life.
We were studying ecology and culture.
I am a photographer and have some great memories of this place through my work.
One day, I did not bring my camera. I saw one of the most amazing things of my life this day. I will never forget.
We were driving in a van and out the window a man with water buffalo, one on each arm, was walking through a swampy field. The sun was sweltering, he was sweating and slow moving. A carpet of red flowers were at his feet. We slowed and I stared.
As I leaned in for a closer look at the flowers, they rose up into the air. They were really thousands of red birds, all lifting up and around the farmer.
One of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen, never remotely duplicated in any other remote place I’ve ever been.

I’d like to go back here.