American influence.

Note that so far, the only McDonald's branded store we've seen has been a little mini-McD that only served ice cream (at the Fortaleza Airport). I found this a little puzzling.  Like, McDonald's ice cream is a Thing?  However, there is a Subway (Eat Fresh!) in the gate area of the Manaus airport.  Because of course there is. Note also that the Manaus airport is not big, though it's under construction/expansion to keep supporting its role as the only connection between Manaus and the rest of Brazil that's not by boat (10 day boat + bus ride to São Paulo) (there is a road out, but apparently it goes to Venezuela?).  MORAL: SUBWAY IS EVERYWHERE, MY FRIENDS.

As for the the mystery surrounding the total and utter lack of Americans in Brazil, our driver this morning reminded us of a relevant factor, which is that Americans do need visas to visit the country.  This is a result of the Brazilian government's (eminently reasonable, IMHO) reciprocal policy, which is to say: Brazilians need visas to go to the US, thus, US citizens need visas to come to Brazil.  The price is even the same.

Several Brazilians we've met, however, urged us to urge our friends to visit, which I'm happy to do.  The visa is an annoying extra step and expense, but can be handled by companies that do such things, obviating the need to go stand in line at any embassies.

Speaking (loosely) of Manaus, we are doing an evening tour on our way back from Téfé to Rio, due to another unreasonable period of time between one flight and another.  We thus only spent the night quickly.  It turns out that the Rio Negro (tributary of the Amazon) qualifies as a Real River, in my (grew-up-on-the-Hudson) book:

Breakfast view.  The pool is to my right, also on the river.

The hotel elevator boasted the best warning sign I have ever seen in my life:

I wanna know the story that led to this regulation.

Anyway, boarding for Téfé soon, and to the jungle/floating lodge.  Later, friends!  Hopefully with pictures of pink dolphins!