We set out for the most epic portion of our trip, camping out in the jungle. The five of us were guided by Alan-one of the coolest guys ever. He was a little tough at first, but opened up to us by the end. We trekked through the jungle with him and he shared his wisdom and experience from the Brazilian Army. Off the beaten path, Alan formed a new trail with his machete and introduced us to Acai trees and many other plants. He cut down a small palm tree and we got to taste fresh heart of palm. We found bundles of Brazil nuts and ran into some wild pigs. On our way back, we got to swing on a vine just like George of the Jungle. Back at camp, we tied up our hammocks and bed nets as Alan started a fire for dinner. As fireflies sparkled through the darkness, dinner preparation was a group effort. Actually, Alan pretty much cooked the whole meal; we just helped chop garlic and onions. Let me tell you, this was the most delicious meal; my mouth salivates just thinking about it. We had grilled chicken with lime, salt, paprika, and other spices, rice with garlic and onions, and fresh pineapple. Ah it was so good! I ate as much as I could. We all talked by the fire for hours until we crawled into our hammocks and fell asleep. It wasn’t the best sleep of my life; I kept waking up throughout the night. It was almost a relief to wake at 545 for sunrise. We peacefully paddled down the river and listened to the music of bird calls. Breakfast was another fabulous meal of bread with guava spread, fresh papaya, and coffee. Alan said, Everyone in the Amazon starts the day with a cup of coffee and I know why, its good coffee.
After we packed up camp, we headed to a local family’s home. Their way of life is pretty incredible and simple. They completely live off their land; their property is covered with fruit and nut trees, animals, and gardens. Their vast land provides enough to produce food for a family of 11 children. We saw cashew trees, cocoa trees, mango trees, pineapples, red chili peppers, passion fruit, acai trees, plantain trees, dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, and so much more. Alan introduced us to Jenny, a tarantula that lives on a palm tree. The boys let this black and orange fuzzy giant crawl over their bodies and face. After a tour of the land, we were welcomed into the family’s home. A very simple hut made from material of the land, was separated into three sections. The first included the kitchen and eating area, the second was for sleeping and had hammocks tied up across the room. They tie up their hammocks during the day so kids won’t be lazy and nap, similar to making the bed. The last section of the house was an open space with a bench and table. The table had colorful jewelry spread across, all made by individuals in the family. I talked with one of the daughters named Teis and bought some of the jewelry she made. This interaction and exchange was very special and meaningful. I will carry the memory of this family and the Amazon way of life. One of the necklaces I bought has acai beads and a center piece of the small coconut that carries the larval worms that I spoke of earlier. So, not only will I remember the people but the taste of the coconut larval worms of the Amazon.
After we packed up camp, we headed to a local family’s home. Their way of life is pretty incredible and simple. They completely live off their land; their property is covered with fruit and nut trees, animals, and gardens. Their vast land provides enough to produce food for a family of 11 children. We saw cashew trees, cocoa trees, mango trees, pineapples, red chili peppers, passion fruit, acai trees, plantain trees, dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, and so much more. Alan introduced us to Jenny, a tarantula that lives on a palm tree. The boys let this black and orange fuzzy giant crawl over their bodies and face. After a tour of the land, we were welcomed into the family’s home. A very simple hut made from material of the land, was separated into three sections. The first included the kitchen and eating area, the second was for sleeping and had hammocks tied up across the room. They tie up their hammocks during the day so kids won’t be lazy and nap, similar to making the bed. The last section of the house was an open space with a bench and table. The table had colorful jewelry spread across, all made by individuals in the family. I talked with one of the daughters named Teis and bought some of the jewelry she made. This interaction and exchange was very special and meaningful. I will carry the memory of this family and the Amazon way of life. One of the necklaces I bought has acai beads and a center piece of the small coconut that carries the larval worms that I spoke of earlier. So, not only will I remember the people but the taste of the coconut larval worms of the Amazon.
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