Dream, Create, Inspire

The visit by school kids was good.  The staff here did an excellent job.  I could tell the kids enjoyed it tremendously.   Wonderful thing they are doing… educating the youngsters.  

I mended some butterfly traps today.  That I can do. 
The Saturday fun night was ok.  We did charades.  Everyone seemed to have fun. 
Sunday is rest day.  I did laundry, read and caught up on writing and texting.
We’ll see what next week brings.  My feet feel pretty good.
Looks like this coming week will be a challenge for me.  Tomorrow morning I will do colpa at 5 am. Starting to storm again so may be called off.  Colpa is nice though… a boat ride and waiting for the birds to come.

Not too many birds saw today, but I love the boat ride and if we are lucky get to see a sunrise. Worked on the computer today and inputted data and spent some time cleaning up the staff room.

The next morning went on a tilt in the forest.  Left at 4:10 and returned at 7:10. It was nice to see the forest reveal itself.  Was pretty quiet though.  We didn’t see anything just heard noises and saw an animal footprint.  It was rocky, hilly, muddy and slippery.  Sam was wonderful as she offered her hand at treacherous places and slowed down for me.  These leaders are forever my inspiration.  They are solid and I place my life in their hands.

Reminds me of my walk with God.  Always there leading the way and I put my faith and trust in Him. Solid, strong, caring, guiding and keeping me safe!
The rest of the morning saw me rest, nap, wash clothes and read.  It is hot and I’m sweating, buggy, but nice with the trees, birds etc. 

This afternoon I have data entry and tomorrow working in the bio garden and doing a VES at night – my first one. 

Worked in biogarden.  Tilled the dirt added in compost then planted lettuce and raddish.  Weeded and tore dry leaves into bite size pieces.

Was very very hot.  Took a shower, had lunch, waiting for spanish lesson. 

Very hot again. Need another shower.  Waiting for Luis… he is in a meeting. After his meeting we met for our 1 on 1 where I learned more Spanish.
Went on Ves tonight.  Kinda nice.  Went out at 7:30 pm returned at 9:30 pm.  Got one frog and captured a lizard.  Cora and Sam caught him by hand, bagged him and brought him back for identification. 

Went on pitfalls in the  morning with Cora.  We checked the pitfall traps in P1 and P2.  Got caught in the rain.  Left 8:30 and came back at 11:00 or so.

Worked bio garden again. Most of the beds are weeded and watered so we made some compost and planted some big seeds in starter pots.
I have rest of day free. Guess I will take a good shower, maybe a nap and try calling home. My phone is almost dead, however.

Today went for a colpa.  Saw many more birds this time. Saw more feeding.  Cloudy day so no sunrise.  Going to set up butterfly traps this morning.  
Got back from setting up butterfly traps in P4.  Hilly and muddy.  Luis and Jackie helped me alot.    Left at 8 returned at 11:30.  Saw the most unusual bug and a transparent butterfly.  
That bug was a plant hopper.. cigarette cock they tell me.

Cleaned up the project room in the afternoon, then rested till Saturday night fun.  Did musical chairs and salsa, bachatta as well as line dancing.  Stayed up talking to Sophia, Jackie, Margaret and Luis.  Was nice.

Sunday is rest day.  Washed clothes,  took a nap, shower and talked on phone as much as wifi would allow me.
Waiting to find out if we are doing collpa.   It has been thundering and raining this morning,  but seems to be stopping.   We’ll see. 
Only one more week and 3 days.  For this week I have scheduled in the forest 2 tilts. One in morning and one in afternoon and one colpa.  Not too bad. 

Going to Salvation for a Fair on Friday.  Teaching one dance class. 
We’ll see what next week brings.  Don’t know what I will ask for. 
Saw some birds feeding at salt lick (colpa)  Should have brought my camera.  We went to the closer beach today. 

Working in medicinal garden today.  Haven’t gone there yet.  Should be interesting.  Then this afternoon a 1 to 1 with Max. 

In the medicinal garden we had to clear the path way.  Lots of raking and bringing leaves to compost (although Luis did most all of that) I just did raking. 
My 1 to 1 with Max was nice. Sharing more than anything, but was nice to get to know him. He loves his work here. 
Tomorrow going to bio garden again.  Dance class in afternoon then a tilt after.
Lightening soo bad last night. Rolling thunder and pouring rain.  I have bio garden today so it should be fine.   This afternoon a tilt but by then maybe cleared up. 

Long tilt night.  Left at 4:30 and got back at 8:30.  Saw interesting frog. Very tired.  Legs and feet sore. T4 did me in. Ate little then went to bed with throbbing feet. 

Tomorrow am have a collpa.
Colpa was nice.  Saw many birds. 
Today relaxed a bit getting ready for Tomorrow tilt.
Left a 4:45 for a tilt with Max, Sam and Sophia. Saw monkeys and heard lots of birds
The walk was good and it may be last time in the jungle.  I feel that might be enough forest walking.  It takes alot out of me.  Walking on slippery rocks, roots, branches and mud puddles.  My feet are tired.  Can’t believe I made it for 1 month.  It has been challenging to say the least.  I taxed myself.  I am not getting younger.  My age is showing.  We shall see how the next project is made for 50 plus in age.  Maybe I won’t like it.  Machu picchu is my next challenging adventure… along with rainbow mountain.   I feel, though,  as if I can do anything now. These past weeks and some of the hikes on lake Titicaca were very challenging.  Along with some of those hikes in and around Cusco… due to the high altitude.   We shall see how the attitude affects me when I go back to Cusco.  I regress… now back to the Manu…
Yesterday went to Salvacion for the community fair.  Very sparcly attended, but picked up in the evening for the Ms. Banana contest. 

We had an exhibit set up there and the staff and interns did a great job making the displays and sharing with the community

There were only 3 contestants for Ms. Banana, Mila and Brenda plus another.  Cora and Bea were going to compete, but were told no because they didn’t have all the outfits. 

Even Seb
wanted to join. 
Good thing they didn’t because would have made a mockery of it.  They take Ms. Banana very seriously.
True to Peruvian time it started 2 hrs later and had to be  delayed another hour cause of heavy rain.

The contest finally started. Mila and Brenda were awesome. Our staff spent all day and more making their traditional costumes, as well as practicing their answers to the formal questions about bananas.

It was interesting to say the least.  There was a Salsa/ Cumbria group playing between the shows
  We danced away in our group..  some of the drunk locals came to close and Luis came to the rescue dancing with us and keeping them away.  He is such a gentleman.  Very conscious of what was going on… I appreciated that.

we were very happy that Brenda won the Ms Banana contest! We chuckled when we learned that the prize was a stay over at a rainforest reserve. Winning made the Mana Learning Center staff and Director very proud and happy. We were happy for the distraction and entertainment of the day/night. It was interesting and amusing all at the same time. Surely not to be forgotten…

To make it even more interesting… that night we all (about 10 of us) slept in one room. We could hear the rain and the music playing most of the night… and then my alarm went off by mistake at 4:40!  Went back to sleep until time to catch the car ride and trek to catch the boat back to the MLC. What a bonding experience!
Got back in the morning and had school kids visiting.  They were mostly boys and very energetic.  
Nice day.  Rested some then helped with the school kids.  Played a fun game at night.  Kinda like gimme gimme, but eliminated slowest one till one winner.  I won.  Last challenge was to capture a live animal and bring it back.  I caught Luis and brought him to my chair… ha ha ha!  Won a pisco sour!  Seb makes great ones, but strong! We also celebrated Maria’s leaving New adventures. They love to do cake in the face!

Today, Sunday was a rest day.  Washed and hung clothes I needed for this week.  Rested, practiced the hula. Took a bath and wrote most of my presentation.
A full moon tonight. Very beautiful.  I see the same moon as in Hawaii and Alaska… just a different part of it Luis says.
Ready for bed.  Collpa is morning at 5 am
Was a good collpa.  Lots of birds but no feeding.

Watched media presentation by Bea and Seb. Tilt cancelled due to the media presentation taking long.
Meeting with max and worked on butterfly repair.  My presentation cancelled till tomorrow due to lack of electricity.   Had dance lesson.  Taught Bea and Jackie Hula Hands hula.  We will dance for everyone tomorrow after my presentation.
Wed… last day.  Can’t believe I made it 4 weeks!  This week has been easy due to cancellations on activities.   Saved my feet.  The presentation went well.  I did my goodbye to everyone.   Talked about how they inspire me for the future knowing that there are young adults like them who care soo much about others and the community and how I know they will go on to huge things making the world a better place.  I think they heard what I said.  I meant it and hope my words can inspire them to fulfill their dreams and their destinies.
Well after a long windy 8 hr drive to Cusco we made it.  Bea, Seb. Danny. Criss and Max. 
After a warm shower we went out for dinner then said our goodbyes.

Oct 12th was my last day.  I made it!  I have really learned alot about myself and others.  I am inspired by the young adults here and it gives me hope for the future.  Myself, I feel my age… my body is not equipped for things as this.  But my ability to pursue and overcome challenges is evident through this experience.   I can be happy to be me in spite of my circumstances.   I appreciate and take glory at nature and man’s existence.  I am for the better.  Give me 15 more good years and another 15 to be at ease. Later on I will attach or link a video presentation. There are soo many unforgettable memories…

Sunday is rest day.  Much needed for my feet and body.  Getting a blister.  The welly boots are very stiff and heavy.  I don’t like them.  Breakfast was bread and fried plantains. Lunch was veges and a ball of fried plantains and lovely papaya for dessert.
Dinner was noodle soup with wonton.

The next morning we went out at 5:30 am to the clay lick where the birds come to feed.  Evidently the macaws, parakeet and parrots go there for the minerals in the clay lick that combat the toxins in their bodies.   We take note how many, what kinds, the amount of tourists,  weather, etc for an hour and half three times a week. 

We had a breakfast of quinoa porridge and eggs with sweet potato.  After breakfast I had a first aid training then we had to move plywood from the field to the trail where they are going to replace bridges.  Was very hard and tiring… needless to say I only carried a plank half the way. 

When I returned from carrying the planks the other volunteer, my roommate, said she was leaving. She had a panic attack last night and couldn’t have that happen again. Needless to say I was devastated. She was leaving me and I would then the only volunteer, however there are interns and staff so i wouldn’t be totally by myself. It made me sad. I was left thinking that maybe I should leave as well. I still had 4 weeks left here. Would I make it? It already is hard work.

Later that day I did a trek in the Rainforest with Sammy. On the way back I got bit by a wasp (I think). I brushed it off from my hand, but was left with a stinging sensation. Sammy said I could take an antihistamine, but I didn’t want to. Of course there is no ice there so I just ran cool water over it and covered it with a wet towel. All night it stung. It ended up being a blessing because all night I couldn’t focus on anything else but my stinging hand and didn’t think about the other volunteer leaving. The next morning the stinging was gone and so were my negative thoughts about being the only volunteer.

On Tuesday, we took a trip to a nearby town called Sébastien.  Involved a 20 minute boat ride then a 40 minute walk then a 10 min tok tok ride to the town and the Crees office. 

There we were taken to a pre k school to work in the bio garden.  We pulled weeds and replanted a tree that was in the garden.

In the evening I was scheduled for an outing, but I decided against it because I was very tired.  They said it was ok because it was for my learning and if I chose not to it would be my choice.  I decided to stay in the lodge instead.   That evening was celebrating the person in charge, Brenda’s, 22nd birthday.  They did the cake in the face ( guess it is cultural here for all ages) then we did a pinata.  In the pinata was, surprisingly, razors, hair clips, all kinda of things and of course candy. 

In the morning I went on the butterfly traps.  We located the traps at 3 different heights and took out the trapped butterflies, identified them then released them. I learned how to hold them. 

In the afternoon I only have a Spanish lesson with Luis. 
The next morning was suppose to do colpa ( the salt lick), but it was thundering, pouring rain like crazy so it was canceled… but did go for butterflies with Luis and Mila.  We were gone from 9 till 1:30.  My right foot was sore, but bunion ok.  It was muddy slippery and wet.  Had to cross many puddles and streams.   Very carefully. They were so patient with me and helped me all along the way.  Very grateful.   We took down butterfly traps and set one up.  Upon return had to wash out traps in river and hang up.  After that I was cold and alittle wet.  Went to cabin and rested a bit then out to meet with Jackie and do data entry.  No data entry due to computer not charged.  We only get electricity for 2 hours 6 days a week. Tomorrow is Saturday.  We have night activity.  I want to try do charades.  Heard that tomorrow there are school kids coming.  We’ll see how that goes.  My feet are sore, not easy walking in forest, but mostly the bugs get to me. When we stand still for identification.  Told Criss only to schedule me once a day in forest.  That is about all I can take.  4 weeks seems extra long.  This is going on my 2nd week already.  Will I make it?  Have to say this is harder than Africa?  Well the lodging is better… not a tent in sand, but nice cabin with comfortable bed. No warm water… getting somewhat use of cool showers. Much more walking though and very buggy.  Plus I am 3 years older.  Maybe this will be the last of this type of volunteer work for me?  This is hard physically for me. But at least my knees are ok.  Just my feet were hurting.  We’ll see how this next week will be though.  And I don’t like the bugs!

Wow… what an experience.   We drove out of Cusco to our way towards the Manu reserve.  Stopped in a village and saw a grade school parade.  Was wonderful to see all the kids dance in their beautiful costumes. 

Then back on the road again.  the cloud forest was amazing as the clouds move so fast.

We had to stop for 2 hours due to construction and that put us behind somewhat. We stopped for a waterfall and took pictures.

Then it started raining.  We finally made it to our lodge for the night.  To get to it we had to carry our backpacks and trek down the rocky path across water and boulders in the dark using only our cell phone fashlights (our head torches were in our suitcases left the truck).  Then we had to sit on this trolly and cross raging waters while we pulled ourselves to a person waiting on the other side.  Quite a trip! 

Finally we walked to the lodge and found a nice dinner and warm (kinda) bed waiting for us. 

5:30 came early and it was still pouring rain.  We had planned to take a trek to see the cock of the rock (Peru’s national bird) but canceled it due to the pouring rain.
Then we heading downhill and across the raging river then uphill to the waiting truck.  Much easier during the day when we could actually see where we were going
Seemed easier than when we came. 

Well another hour or so driving to the Office where I locked myself in the bathroom.  

After ten minutes and a pilier I found my way out.  Only to find out that others had locked themselves in there previously. Then on the truck again to the waiting boat.  After unloading and loading the boat with our bags and supplies we were off on the skiff to Manu Reserve. Once arriving at Manu we had to unload and trek all the bags by ourselves to the lodge. 

After a few moments of rest we were given a tour of the place and meet the staff and interns. 
Lunch of noodles and veges… we had more orientation and presentations.  There are 3 types of forest here… clultivated, partially cultivated and not. One object is to see how each forest type is rejuvenating itself and to study the life in each different type of forest. After a dinner of rice and curried veges  we got formally introduced to everyone and introduced ourselves.  A nice evening of cards and a glass of wine put us to sleep for the night.  Upon morning we had breakfast of egg omelet and porridge with cocoa.

The rain slowed down alittle.  We got out first real trek in the rainforest through the cultivated forest.  Renalto introduced us to the flora and fauna and we got a great view from the Mirador (meaning viewpoint in Spanish)

Lunch was beans, avocado and salad along with watermelon. 
In the afternoon we had a lesson on how to use a machete, how to sharpen it and how to use a compass.  Being directionally challenged, I did benefit, but just don’t know how you would know the direction you want to go in the first place!

The next day we were off to the small town of Salvacion,  but first to a waterfall and hot springs.

The boat ride was awesome… the current was raging and birds to see along the way.

The walk to the waterfall was steep and rocky.  Once there, though, we jumped in the cool waters for a refreshing swim.  Walking down to the hot springs proved slippery as one fell, but was ok. I just took my time and made it safely.   The hot springs was devine.  We stayed as long as we could.

Next stop the town of Salvacion.  This is like a three shop town.  They have the rights to the hot springs so they benefit off it, but the hot springs didn’t seem too busy.
After that long day we came back and had to walk up the very steep hill to the lodge. 

Since it was Saturday we had an evening of fun.  After dinner of veges and plantains I taught some line dances, bachata, salsa, waltz basic steps with some variations.  It was fun…

Then they danced the night away with more “youthful” dances.

Peru Hop has been amazing. This bus company is like a tour company which runs buses throughout the southern part of Peru. You can get off and stay as long as you want then hop again. There is massive communication as people are coming and going. They pick you up and drop you off at your designated locations and it helps if those places are on their lists, but they will always find a way to get you. You can change plans as long as you give them 12 hr. notice.

They coordinate tours at the same time and communicate with you regarding pick ups and drop offs. They make it soo easy and you feel utterly safe. The guides are on the bus with you coordinating everything. They speak English and Spanish.
The first ride was great … until we had to stop and then had to follow to the police station.

We found out something was wrong with the paperwork so we had to wait there a while…. but they had a plan. Another bus would pick us up. So, yes, in about 30 minutes another bus came. When we walked around the bus to get in… low and behold we saw a broken window!

They said… don’t worry, just sit in back of the bus. Evidently the bus ran into somethings on the way over here. Well, we had a free air-conditioned! After that everything ran pretty smoothly, except for traffic and 30 minutes waits while they closed the roads due to working… but all the massive coordination went very smoothly. I made it all the way from Lima with stops and stays in Paracas, Huacachuna, Nasca, Arequipa and Puno to Cusco. Smooth sailing all the way.

The people you meet…
Meeting great people off and on the bus at different places. It was great. As one said even though we meet maybe once or twice we have an affect in our lives. We cross paths maybe momentarily, but the effect can last a lifetime. What a joy meeting people of all ages who are traveling for a variety of reasons. Many solo travelers and we identify together. Some traveling for only 2 weeks and some for as long as a year.

I’ve met digital nomads, people in between jobs, others taking time off and others, like me, in their retirement ages. All, though, having the same gusto to life, finding a joy in exploring places and meeting people and having new experiences. It makes this world seem so very much smaller. The local people I meet along the way work very hard and I admire their dedication and diligence to live their lives to the fullest in spite of, what we would call hardships.
Peru Hop was awesome. The guides on board assisted with lodging and tours. They made sure you were dropped off and picked up at or near your lodging. Can’t say enough about the guides… even got to celebrate one’s birthday.

Thanks Peru Hop for giving me a memorable trip to the southern part of Peru.