The Alfred Russel Wallace Website

Only 9 days since leaving UK but much has already happened.

I have had a very busy four days in Manaus. I only received the framed images of Wallace's fish and palm drawings I sent over from the UK from customs two hours before the formal opening of the show (ARW`s specimens were delayed by their ancestors - and so had to go on the Helen!!)- I had ten assistants to organise and work to the right quality standards - I had to be forceful, it was a very hectic time - But we made it.

There were over 200 people at the private view and it was reported on Amazonian TV including a 5 min interview with me. Today I had a very interview with the best paper in Manaus `Acritica`. You might find it on the web in a day or so.

The staff at INPA have a very high regard for Wallace and are so pleased to have the drawings back on the Rio Negro.

The director of INPA is preparing a list of contacts along the Rio Negro (Mayors, research workers, tribal Chiefs etc. and is giving me a set of introductory letters asking for their full support and cooperation. This a very high level of support only offered to very few - so I am clearly privileged and very pleased.(ARW and Sebastian Snow both had the honour of letters of introduction)

Tomorrow we have more interviews and get ready to move to a second venue. Ildeu Moreira, Brazilian Minister for the Promotion of Science now wants to show the work in Brasilia and Rio.