September 16, 2008
Jungle Fever!
After being spoiled in Brazil our trip out to the Amazon jungle was quite a shock. Although the jungle has always been on both of our ´to do´ lists, what was in store for us was more amazing then we could have ever imagined.
After a shot stay in Santiago, Chile and then in Lima, Peru, we caught a flight to a small city called Iquitos which is one of the main ports on the Peruvian Amazon. The city itself is much like any other in Peru, quite poor but the people are very nice, quick to help and trustworthy. We did however have a bit of a run in at the airport when Chris´ rain jacket was stolen while we were in transit. He´s convinced it was stolen by an airport worker with a slick hand while I keep assuring him it was the clever monkeys of the jungle who we´ve learned can certainly not be trusted.
Either way, after a quick stop in Iquitos and a new rain jacket in hand, we left by boat to a Jungle Lodge about 45min South of Iquitos called the Cumaceba Lodge. The lodge was amazing! As soon as we stepped off the boat we were bombarded with the mist and humid heat of the rainforest mixed with sweet tropical smells and rich animal song. The lush flora was everywhere and it truly was like being in a different world that was extremely foreign to both of us.
Sunset on the Amazon
Our lodging was also something to write about. We stayed in small huts made of local wood and palm leaves which stood on 4ft tall posts which protected us from the ever increasing levels of the amazon which can fluctuate exponentially with the intense rain downpours. We were caught in a few of them and got COMPLETELY soaked...I see now why they call it the rainforest =)
While at the lodge we took part in so many activities it´s hard to recall them all. We had an english speaking guide with us who took us exploring by boat and on foot and gave us a lot of information since he himself grew up in the jungle. We learned about the numerous plants and trees which are used for various medical purposes as well as got to meet some local indigenous people who still live in the jungle.
Chillin in the jungle.
Shooting a blow dart..no biggie!
My favorite part of the adventure however would have to be the wildlife. We saw birds, bats, spiders, monkeys, sloths, insects, crocodiles and of course snakes...I even held an ANACONDA! We also spent a fair amount of time on the Amazon where we fished, swam and watched local fish and dolphins swim about. Chris even managed to catch a piranha on one of our fishing trips which we ate for dinner that night.
Cooling off in the Amazon
Sloth
Can I take him home?
They look cute but can´t be trusted!!
A face only a mother could love.
Anteater
Chris´ piranah that we ate for dinner. YUM!
Nice jaguar...purrr...
The whole point of the expedition was certainly to get a sense of how one can truly be self-sufficient in the jungle. We had no electricity, hot water, imported food or any of the seemingly unnecessary frills of home. It was truly rustic but certainly eye-opening. We had numerous talks over how pollution, overharvesting of the waters and land, and general ignorance is destroying the delicate ecosystem which we stayed in. It gave both Chris and I an appreciation beyond anything we could have imagined.
We promise to post pictures as soon as we find a cheap and reliable internet connection. Hope all is well wherever you are...
Bex and Chris