The highlights of the Amazon were holding a caiman out on the lagoon,
seeing a sloth hanging in a tree, visiting the Shaman and Nacho the
monkey at the indigenous community, catching piranhas out of the
lagoon - which involved a lot of squealing on our behalf, with Jess
showing her expertise and taking them off the hooks - and canoeing to
the Enchanted Lagoon, where no motor boats were allowed. Our guide
also taught us about the uses of native plants including a tree whose
sap is called dragon blood and is used to heal cuts, and another tree
which can be used as a cure to malaria. I also had a very interesting
run in with a palm, resulting in some excellent paddling on our canoe
trip!
Apart from caiman and many different types of monkeys, we also saw
pink river dolphins which was a very special experience, many
different types of birds including wood peckers and black vultures and
two types of snakes, an Amazonian Boa Constrictor and a Tree Boa! It
was quite an amazing thing to think we were in the middle of the
Amazon jungle just cruising along! It was an experience that I don't
think any of us will ever forget - we have so many photos I don't
think it would be possible to forget.
The rest of the group - Garri, Mel, Alex, Steph, Klara, Katy, Sam,
Chloe, Tess, Edwina and Katelyn all headed off to the coast over the
long weekend. It was a week of relaxing, swimming and beach fires and
sounds like a lot of fun! They started at Canoa, west of Quito and
headed down to Montanita, a very nice, relaxed beach further south.
Days were spent relaxing and visiting what we have been told is an
unmissable crepe shop with absolutely amazing food, and nights having
lots of fun with bonfires on the beach and making lots of new friends!
On the way home, Alex, Garri and Mel stopped off in colonial Cuenca
which is apparently a beautiful city they have now recommended we all
visit if we get the chance! Definitely on the list of things to do.
Placement has also been going well, with people now seriously
considering how they might be able to get their favourite child home
in their suitcase. Everyone is starting to feel sad at the thought of
leaving their children who we have all gotten to know, and whose
smiles light up our days. I know at all the placements, but speaking
from my own experience at INSFIDIM, coming in each morning and having
so many kids so happy to see you, even when they might not be having
the best time is more than enough reward and incentive for getting up
and going that extra mile for the kids. It is certainly an experience
like no other!
Over our last three weeks in Ecuador, apart from placement, the group
has split a little and is continuing with travelling, with various
people visiting the Amazon, Galapagos, the coast, heading back to the
markets to do some shopping and saying a very teary farewell to our
kids! No doubt by the next blog there will be lots more amazing
adventures and scintillating stories :)
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