This was an especially fun one! I think we all learned a little something about this magical place called Manaus, from the yin-and-yang intertwining rivers that join to form the Amazon to the excessive luxuries of the Rubber Boom in the late 1800's to the breast-less warrior women and even more atypical (and paranormal!). But, there was one particular fact that was so unique, eye-catching and fascinating that we had little choice but to declare it the winner.
Congratulations to Kurt S., who scoured the internet, academic journals and god knows where else to find this gem --
"In 1896, the theater's main staircase was hurriedly fashioned from rare and local Amazonian hardwoods after the specified, bought and paid for, custom Italian Carrara marble unit unceremoniously sank to the ocean floor whilst trapped deep inside the cargo hold of a doomed steamship."
Source:
Culled from the January 16, 1990 New York Times article:
Opera Is Ready for a Comeback in the Amazon
Kurt, you will be sent the original vintage postcard that inspired the art for package #23 first thing on Monday.
Thanks to all of you who entered! Enjoy the weekend and be safe out in the snow, Eastern US.
Did anyone written about the Boto?
Tapioca is very different from pancake because is very flat… and everybody prefers stuffed with “Leite Condensado” or cheese from Minas or Coalho.
@athinkingcat oh, well I guess that means my fun fact was not as rare and fascinating as I thought. LOL! I should have went with the pancake fun fact. So Jack, when you are down there enjoy tapioquinha a pancake-like food made from manioc starch that gets buttered and stuffed with palm fruit and farmer’s-style cheese. This wonderful dish can be topped with your choice of fruit or jam for added flavor! And when you come into chat let us know how it was and which topping you got.
BlueOrchid I’ve had those nail files before. Wow cool thing to know.
What a lovely, weird, and fascinating contest. I am the better person today for reading everyone’s history lessons.
A worthy and formidable scoop, young friend. I salute you!
Muddy Waters
Congrats Kurt. I had two facts. The one I submitted was about a fish found in the region thats scales are used as nail files the other was about a pancake dish that is popular in the region and you can get the topping of your choice with it. Since Jack is rumored to like pancakes maybe I should have went with the pancake fun fact. :D
Congrats !
No runner ups posted?