My hopes of waking up in beautiful Grenada on Monday were shattered, once again, by the complexities of Brazilian bureaucracy. Today’s experience at Santarém International Airport left me bewildered. Despite its name, the airport doesn’t allow international departures due to a lack of customs office – a logic that eludes me.
A Fruitless Detour
The authorities suggested that I head to Boa Vista, assuring me that I’d be able to depart internationally from there. After a 3.5-hour flight, I arrived in Boa Vista, only to discover that customs officials don’t work on weekends – for the second time in a row. It’s ironic that entering Brazil seems effortless, while leaving is a formidable challenge.
A Glimmer of Beauty
The flight itself was smooth, with the plane gliding above or between clouds, offering occasional glimpses of the vast, dense rainforest below. The striking contrast of colors captivated my attention, providing a fleeting respite from the bureaucratic frustrations.
Finding Solace in the Jungle
After a day of disappointment, I retreated to a hotel with a swimming pool, embracing the 95°F heat and humidity of the jungle. I used the downtime to catch up on some computer work and plan my departure for tomorrow, bound for Grenada.
