On the Town: 'Marcos from Marco' start trek down Amazon River

Edward and Phyllis Marco are having a blast on their long cruise down the Amazon River. Edward has kept in touch with their many friends and relatives by e-mail.

The Marcos are aboard the beautiful ship Radisson Seven Seas for a 51-day trip. Their first port of call was Manaus, Brazil.

Manaus is about 1,000 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean, Ed reports.

Phyllis and Ed took advantage of the layover on their first night by attending a wonderful jazz concert at the Opera House. The building is more than 100 years old and was built during the heyday of the rubber barons before their market collapsed. It is a one- of-a-kind structure, with building materials imported from Europe.

The Marcos are enjoying life aboard ship with wonderful amenities offered by the competent captain and crew. As of this writing they were looking forward to a gourmet dinner at the Signatures, a delightful restaurant on the ship. The Signatures' chefs were trained at the Cordon Bleu. Ed said the big decision was whether to get duck or rack of lamb.

The weather is like summer on Marco Island, in the high 90s with high humidity, so the travelers feel at home.

They are looking forward to touring Iguazu Falls in Argentina on Feb. 8. They'll leave Buenos Aires at 6 a.m., fly to Iguazu Airport and then to the Falls. It will be a long day, but they were advised by many that it is really worth it, a real must-see.

That's all the news I have received on the extended cruise of the "Marcos from Marco Island." (Ed noted that everyone hearing this title gets a kick out of it.)

• What do many of the visitors — even residents, I might add — on Marco Island do during the busy winter season? Why, play bingo, of course.

Bingo games are offered at many places, including the YMCA, San Marco Catholic Church and the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island.

Speaking of the Jewish Congregation, the members will hold a bash titled Monaco on Marco on Saturday evening, Feb. 18. The gala casino night will offer chances of luck at blackjack, dice, roulette and a Big Six wheel. There will be hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, spectacular prizes, a silent auction and a 50-50 raffle.

Sound like fun? Mark that date on your calendars. The congregation is at 991 Winterberry Drive.