Día 13

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Since we just got back from our "Jungle Weekend," I am going to update all entries.

Día 13 (Friday the 13th!!!)

Since we were leaving Iquitos pretty early today, Natalie and I had to get up early to pick up our laundry. Even had a few minutes to check email at the cafe! Short busride to the dock where we were met by BF Stephanie, the boat that would be takng us to the Amazon Lodge for the weekend. Gerlo, our guide, gave us a little bit of information on the way but since the motor to the boat was loud he didn´t share too much. So I dozed and listened to my iPod. The ride was about 2 hours.

Lunch at the lodge and then a short nap, to regain some energy for the hike we would be taking through the forest. (Fell asleep to the sound of falling rain) While Rudy explained the plants and wildlife we were seeing, I took pictures and enjoyed the sounds of the jungle. I DID NOT eat the grubs that he so thoughtfully extracted from their homes in the tree. Jenna and Kathy, however, are a bit braver. Anacondas? No problem. Eating live insects in the jungle? HELL NO.

Our excursion was about 1 1/2 hours, and we returned to the lodge sweaty, hungry, and bitten up by mosquitoes. This is despite long sleeves and pants and lots of DEET. Because the jungle is so muddy, the lodge provides rubber boots for us to wear. Unfortunately, we were not told to bring high socks to wear under the boots. You´ll see why this is unfortunate shortly.

After a delicious dinner of chicken and other veggies, and chocolate cake for dessert, a small group of us decided to play the card game Asshole. For those of you who are not familiar with this game, it involves alcohol, cards, and tends to get very loud. (goes along with the beer...) We invited one of the guides, Rudy, to join us for the game, and wouldn´t you know that he became president after the first round! Beginner´s luck!

It seems that many people frequent these jungle lodges because they enjoy nature and life in the jungle. I guess that also means they like the peace and quiet that a lodge in the middle of the Amazon can offer them. So our game of Asshole wasn´t quite appreciated by others staying in the lodge. We got a little loud... and got in a little bit of trouble. But hey, we had Rudy with us! He said it was okay...

Quick description of the Amazon Lodge:

- no electricity
- mosquito nets covering the beds
- public bathrooms and showers
- toilets that only flushed what came out of the human body (toilet paper had to be disposed of in the trashcans)
- no hot water
- hot, humid, and really buggy
- No internet cafe nearby??
- wonderful hosts
- terrific food
- awesome activities
- extremely tranquil environment
(see mom, I found some positives!)

No, it was actually a great time. I couldn´t do more than a weekend there, but it was well worth it. People pay for machines that offer the sounds that we had for free all weekend - crickets, frogs, rain, birds, chickens, etc.)

Bedtime about 12:30, cause we had a big day planned for Saturday!

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Photos

Kathy, me, Jenna and Tabitha
Las mujeres de la selva

Comments

[Debbi and scotty]

A princess of the jungle!!
Wow!! I am impressed not sure I could sleep out there! i guess i am too high maintence..LOL Scotty says the mosquito our as big as Sashi pup. So I guess you snuggled with one..ha ha I love the sounds of tropical forest must have been so relaxing and peaceful.. your conditions looked like you stayed at the four seasons..doll!! Your amazon look was hot!!m sure edmundo thought so. maybe you should bring a pair of those boots home for Lauren !!to add to her shoe collections,,just put some hello kitty sticker on them and she will love them. i HOPE THIS MADE YOU SMILE.. MISS YOU!! Deb and scotty

[Marci]

I can't believe that you're leaving us hanging!!! Hurry up with Saturday's blog!!!