Have been meaning to post here since I returned by have got caught up with life. Riker, big ups to you beforehand for all the advice, etc. I was able to travel to Manaus and Recife. I came away far more impressed with Manaus as a city at the end of my trip. I can't point my finger to one thing in specific as there were many aspects of the city that made it thoroughly enjoyable. The people were so friendly, I speak no Portuguese and made it by on broken Spanish and hand signals. At no point did anyone get frustrated with me because I didn't speak the language. The city square and the nightly performances were fantastic! Brasilian girls seemed to love to attempt to teach my how to Samba, something I will never forget. All in all, this was a great trip and I will always have fond memories of Manaus!
Thanks Riker for your help. Hotel Express Vierialves was fine. The room was tiny but clean and there were a couple bars close by to hang out and watch matches. There was also a taxi stand right outside the hotel which was super convenient. I went to the restaurant Banzeiro and it was AMAZING. Tambaqui ribs are something else. Also went on a day trip on the Amazon which was awesome, we saw wild monkeys in the trees, went swimming in the Rio Negro... It was great. And I went to the beach at Ponta Negra by the fan fest the morning of the match. It was small but kind of cool to see. Something different. I also saw the opera house. Overall my two and a half days in Manaus was enough, but it was definitely worth it for me.