Sightseeing in Belem, which is situated at the mouth of the river Amazon.

Today was the big game for the football fans. Brazil played against Japan in the World Cup in Germany. The game took place 4-6pm Brazil time (-4 GMT). By 3pm, everything came to a halt in the Belem city!

All shops, no matter big shopping centers or small street vendors closed down. Streets were desserted, and everywhere, one can hear the synchronized commentaries of the game on broadcast television.

We went around Belem on foot, visiting interesting landmarks such as Mercado Ver-o-Peso, Forte do Castelo. Even the tourist landmarks closed down during the game!

As we walked by the many plazas, squares and parks, small crowds of people gather around portable television sets in the shade, including street vendors, leaving their stands desserted. This is the viewing rate advertisers dream for!

Tomorrow has an interesting start, as we are visiting the Parrot Island before sunrise, so we need to get up before 4am!