Anna Claudia Ramos
tried to hide them because, after all, he was shy and quiet and perhaps not used to showing his feelings. From Manaus, they went on another unforgettable ride to find out everything they could about the Pororoca. “Can we really surf the Pororoca, Nanda?” asked Gunnar. “Sure you can, Gunnar! It’s great! I think you guys are going to love it, but I could only get one board. I’m afraid you’re going to have to take turns, if you want to surf.” There was silence on the boat. The boys didn’t want to say anything, but they didn’t know how to surf. Everyone in the team smiled; they knew the boys couldn’t surf and they knew neither of them wanted to say. Niara was lost in her own world – the world of words – writing down everything she saw on the boat ride. She didn’t seem to have heard Gunnar’s question or Nanda’s answer. Cauê explained all about the Pororoca. He told them that they can only see it in the Amazon and that it happens when the waters of the Amazon River meet the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. He also told them that he thought it was one of the most beautiful natural events. He explained that Pororoca came from the Tupi word ‘poro’roka’, meaning ‘big boom’. 58