We headed down to the water today to board what has become our "home-base" for the next three days. It's a large, wood plank boat with the words "People of Peru Project" printed in pseudo-cursive on the side. There is a bathroom with toilet paper aboard (yay) along with 6 cloth hammocks, which the kids spotted and laid claim to immediately.
Our introduction to the Amazon began with a 6 hour cruise upstream. Along the way, we marveled at the color differences between the river and its tributaries. We searched for monkeys in the trees, and we watched humbly as women and children from the small villages that line the shore came down to wash clothes, bathe and occasionally play in the water. As the time passed, several of us climbed up to the roof of the boat to soak in the sun and talk about life goals. To hear these kids articulate their dreams and to express the academic, social and financial fears they face at home takes me back. They inspire me every day with their maturity and perspective.
Our boat pulled up to our newest campsite a couple hours before sunset. For the time being, we are calling a 9' platform in the middle of the jungle "home." There is a coatimundi that also calls this place home... our kids both fear and love the little thing.
At the moment, I am tucked-in tightly under a mosquito net, a little intimidated by the sounds of the jungle, the cadre of insects, and the darkness of the night's sky. At the same time, I am grateful to have the opportunity to play Swiss Family Robinson with a group of incredible teens for the night.
Dinner should be ready shortly, and we are going alligator hunting after that. Buenos noches for now. Buena suerte for later!
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