miércoles, 11 de julio de 2007

Alright, I´ve got fourteen minutes of internet to flow this thing. The casa familiar I´m staying at here in Leticia is run by an old ex-sailor hipster into philosophy, literature and controlling the flow of conversation. Regardless, he´s a decent guide and knows the good stuff. I told him I wanted an overnight jungle tour, so the next day we (Gustavo the Guide, Konstaninos the Greek Guy and myself) took a bus out of town until kilometer 11 and hiked into the roadside forest (pictures available someday). Inside of two hours we arrived to the campsite set in a large clearing bordered on three sides by the winding Atacama river. A quiant building of three rooms and four stilts sat in the center. Jorge, a fourth grader at some pathetic school was an unofficial shadow with plenty of camping savvy since his life is ultimately camping there with his family. His dad caught five fish for us, two regular thingies, a Pero and a piranha. Later some guy came along and offered us caiman, so yes, I ate bonfired caiman and it was delicious though illegal I think. We sat around an swam in the river which maybe had scary creatures but was very refreshing and boiled some water for tea and I haven´t gotten Dengue fever yet. Jorge and I walked around a little at night which was scary, but if the jungle senses fear something will bite you so I steeled myself. Spiders´eyes reflect a bluish light from the flashlight, so Jorge´s machete knew where to strike. Later we went in the canoe, Jorge and I. I rowed, and with his machete he scalped four-inch fish with sublime accuracy. Ta! just a little of the top. The next day we had some amazing jungle grapes and pineapple, hiked out and that night we went to Brazil (!) to watch the Brazil-Uruguay semifinals and drink caipiriñas. There´s an open border here, it´s only after a while in a larger city were one must do passport business. I didn´t get the boat to Iquitos, so I´m going tonight. LATERZ.

6 comentarios:

Anónimo dijo...

Hey, Brent! Sounds like a great time and unbelievable experience. Anxious to hear from you when you get to Iquitos. Miss you!

Anónimo dijo...

So happy to hear from you! I've passed your blog to a few people who've been asking about you. Everybody thinks it's great, but they all say to be careful, which I know you are. May have a contact for you in Lima, will let you know later. Besos.

Anónimo dijo...

Fantastic experiences Brent! incredible memories being made along with a cultural exchange unforseen in both your lives. Hope you are documenting every moment and getting some sketching done of the people and animals. Hope la vuelta continues successfully! Enjoy the boat ride. thanks for the correspondence son- love DAD

Anónimo dijo...

Hope you have a great time on your South American tour. Sounds like you are off to a good start! Dom

sara... dijo...

¡¡ que experiencia tan chevere me gustaria tambien poderla conocer, espectacular!!.
pero me imagino que no es mas emocionante que ser profesor en el speaking corner, ah!!, jajajaja ( me vas a matar por este comentario)

Unknown dijo...

me alegro mucho q estes contento, por favor ten cuidado!!!, besos mil tu tia claudia