Thirteen is not an Unlucky Number Whatsoever

Author: Calder
Location: Rio Napo, Amazon
I don't even know where to begin, frankly. We did so much today, and witnessed so much, it's hard to decipher a method of description capable of summing up the day. I shall try my hardest, of course, but no promises.

We woke early (roughly six, on average) so as to catch a hearty breakfast before setting out for the day's most muscle-based work. Hector, our companion, took us downriver on the Napo (a primary tributary of the Amazon) to a small facility where he had gathered over 200 large, spiky palm-fronds. They were spread out through the rainforest quite close to where they had been cut down, and we proceeded to carry them to the canoe we landed in-through a muddy rainforest, which was primarily composed of hilly terrain. Describing the challenge of toting even one palm-frond through that environment to the shoreline is hard without physically showing the labor, especially when you consider a typical frond is roughly fourteen or fifteen feet in length. But for us, one frond was no challenge; two or three quickly became the minimum. Our accomplishments were incredible, especially considering the muddy terrain. Not only did we manage to complete the established task, but there was also a large degree of fortitude present in the connection in between all of us-whenever anyone fell, there seemed to be a hand waiting to help them up immediately.

This work lasted a good time, but we still finished with time to spare, and took our load down to Sumak Allpa ('Heaven' in the old-Incan tongue) and began unloading it. At this time, we began the work that would last the remainder of the day...but not before we met the students (14 in total) who went to the school on Sumak Allpa (it doubles as a school and a breeding/rehabilitation center for endangered monkeys). The average age among them was probably about six or seven (regardless, they trounced us in a game of soccer after lunch), and they were already quite proficient in their studies-enough to make the U.S. System consider its methodology.

After the introductions, we began to dismantle (if that is the proper word) the fronds. With utilization of a machete, one can cut them to the right dimensions, and then-with peculiar care and softness, considering the nature of the machete itself-cut lines in the leaves of the frond. This loosens them, and allows them to be curved backward into a suitable position for weaving (the reason we were weaving will be fully explained later). It is hard, but satisfying, work; it took up a good deal of time before and after lunch, but seeing its final use was extremely rewarding; the fronds were then woven into a roof for a mess hall in the school. Knowing we'd essentially created this roof solely by our efforts, was one of the ...it was a wonderful feeling, to say the least. I will not ramble; I hope I am no Polonius.

Eventually, when our work was done, we returned home, with fond memories of the day's labor (regardless of how hard it was). We were welcomed by rest, and-well, I do not know about the rest of us, but I made the acquaintance of the finest shower I have ever...it was a fantastic shower, anyhow. Not soon after, we dined on a delicious meal of soup, chicken, cucumber, rice, broccoli, and potatoes. Food here is unthinkably scrumptious.

Like everyone else, I think I will retire now-time marches on, yes? With thoughts of Danielle and the Homestead, I am eagerly awaiting tomorrow's activities. Night everyone!

(P.S. As I mentioned briefly before, we played the local students in soccer. We were obliterated...how Ecuador does not take the World Cup annually with those children alone is inexplicable to me.)
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage