Some of our other adventures consisted of another nature walk to identify plants that are used as natural medicines for the indigenous people living in the jungle. We got to swing on some crazy tree vines like Tarzan and we saw some other animals/insects. We also got to see some dolphins. We really only saw the top of their heads but it was still pretty cool! We took one night to search for caymans. There was one that basically lived under our lodge but then we were able to find another one out in the wild! Our next day was cool bc we got to spend time in an indigenous community. The bad thing about this day was it rained the entire 1.5 hours in bus and even though we had rain ponchos, they were completely water proof so I was a bit damp to say the least. In the community we had one lady who 'hosted us.' With her we went and picked Yuca (a potato like veggie) and then watched the process of how they make yuca tortillas all from hand! The process is quite incredible and time consuming. We only made about 5 tortillas(they were huge) but normally she does about 100 at a time and it will last them about a month. Once I get pictures uploaded you can see the process there. I could say a lot about this experience but I'm running a bit long as it is so if you're curious, just ask and I'll tell you more on how they live.
After time in the community we went and visited a Shaman (a healer of sorts). This is also quite an interesting part to their culture. Basically the Shaman heals the people by either a 'spiritual cleansing' of song and ritual dance or he prescribes some medicine that can be found in the jungle. The interesting part is that in order to do either of these, the Shaman drinks a hallucinogen so he can 'see into their spirits/body'. He does this about 3-4 times a week. Anyone who wants to be a Shaman can try...it takes about 20 years in all. They start their training around age 12. Basically through out time if they can drink the drug and 'control' its effects, they earn the title.
Our last morning started super early with bird watching before breakfast. Then we packed up and headed back. There were definitely tarantulas living on the ceilings of our huts, big ones at that! But they never bothered anyone. We slept in mosquito nets but it was more to protect us from the spiders, frogs and whatever else that could have landed on us! I actually slept pretty great every night in spite of the potential death by tarantula! ;)
Overall, the experience was incredible! So glad I had the chance to go. I was hoping to see a few more cayman and a monster anaconda but it wasn't in the cards this time around! Pictures to come once I've arrived back to the states!
Thanks for tuning in!