This was an especially fun one! I think we all learned a little something about this magical place called Manaus, from the yin-and-yang intertwining rivers that join to form the Amazon to the excessive luxuries of the Rubber Boom in the late 1800's to the breast-less warrior women and even more atypical (and paranormal!). But, there was one particular fact that was so unique, eye-catching and fascinating that we had little choice but to declare it the winner.

Congratulations to Kurt S., who scoured the internet, academic journals and god knows where else to find this gem --

"In 1896, the theater's main staircase was hurriedly fashioned from rare and local Amazonian hardwoods after the specified, bought and paid for, custom Italian Carrara marble unit unceremoniously sank to the ocean floor whilst trapped deep inside the cargo hold of a doomed steamship."

Source:

Culled from the January 16, 1990 New York Times article:

Opera Is Ready for a Comeback in the Amazon

Kurt, you will be sent the original vintage postcard that inspired the art for package #23 first thing on Monday.

Thanks to all of you who entered! Enjoy the weekend and be safe out in the snow, Eastern US.