| MANAUS // The jungle locale of Manaus may be proving a golden goose to headline writers with a liking for Guns'n'Roses, but the traffic in this sprawling city in the heart of the Amazon is similar to any other metropolis: congested and frustrating. The city – population of nearly two million and surrounded by 5.4m square kilometres of rainforest – suffers from chronic jams. Yet still the journey from Manaus's grimy port to the gargantuan Arena da Amazonia is most effectively, efficiently and economically made by bus. It was not supposed to be this way. The most popular route to Brazil’s northernmost World Cup stadium, which will host England’s opening match with Italy tonight, was supposed to be by monorail. The city that once boasted one of South America’s first tram systems approved plans to construct a 20km train line that would shuttle spectators to the arena. After accusations of irregular planning, it was cancelled. Ground was never broken. Consequently, spectators will likely take the bus. It is slower and older than a monorail, but if treated like a scenic tour it can be rather pleasant. First, though, it is worth having a wander around town. To continue reading, click here. |
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Gary MeenaghanSports scribbler. Pedant with prose. Alliteration addict. Omnivore. Archives
June 2015
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