Oh, day 10 came and went without the anticipated homicide, suicide, or fellowcide – 39’ now on borrowed time! As the sun rose on day 11, an unnamed classmate (Jose) attempted to board a bus along with the shapely “Miss Ecuador” candidates! Despite the best nefarious intentions of one particularly randy presiding fellow, the bus driver properly informed the class member that he was unfortunately on the wrong bus (apparently, the bus driver didn’t want to even out the male to female ratio, for some reason)!
Luggage and cranky fellows loaded, the Mercedes Bus departed the city and our trek to the jungle began. We saw scenery change along the way as the elevation rose before we crossed the continental divide and dropped down into the rain forest. Our tour guide pointed out local sites, talked about challenges and affirmed the effects of Climate Change on the environment. Emily was extremely excited to hear the topic emerge, as she was “darn” sure the term was limited to the political machinations of Sacramento technocrats!
When finding waterfalls, John mused over obvious signs of river dredging, “Do they have a 404 permit.” Our questions of environmental compliance continued in Tena as Tina wondered if six “skilled” day laborers seen from across an Amazonian tributary had a Dept. of Fish and Game 1600 permit to carry a cement mixer through the river – cleaning themselves and it along the way. Talk about efficiency!!!
Back on the bus, some members grew closer together (Taylor & Greg) and others questioned the sanitation of our hired Mercedes Benz transportation once it was realized that the toilet, an after market bolt-down box, was drained right on to the road!
Once arriving in Tena, some folks went to their rooms, while others found refugee (because lodging was not available) in a city botanical garden and zoo. The brave souls encountered a “tourist” site that had more animals outside of cages than within. Yes, the poisonous snakes were behind bars, but the equally poisonous plants were located along the pathway!
After barely escaping Alf the tapir, an extra large pig-like creature that is a distant relative of the horse (who decided he would stalk the intrepid junglephiles) the mini safari became much easier when Tarzan’s Jane, Cara, lead us out of the fray.
This afternoon, a handful of the boys made America proud, as they helped local workers push a bob-tail truck out of the road (their day-long bus ride obviously had not taken every last ounce of strength from our quickly aging brood). We all agree that in this country, people are very willing to help each other out!
The day that began with rain and chills, finally cooled down from hot and muggy as we participated a discussion about what oil exploration has meant for Ecuador over the past 40 years. A significant portion focused upon the multi-year lawsuit between the people (represented by a pro-bono NY Lawyer) and Texaco (star of the American Road).
Following the presentation we headed for dinner at our hotel that was advertising for a cook on the front door! Half the class can fit in one of the spacious showers provided by this same, well-staffed inn.
As this blog closes, we must not forget the “teaching lessons” of the trip: notification that we need to have school supplies for the village the next day (thankfully purchased by our presiding fellows), limitation on allowed luggage as we are “Welcomed to the Jungle” in the morning, and the realization that we still are not sure of our lodging for the next day as we visit the “villages.”
Oddly, we find our bus a much safer place to store our belongings, even after it suffered an assault, from yet another bus.
Goodnight from the Jungle!
Tracy, Nick and Brian
Luggage and cranky fellows loaded, the Mercedes Bus departed the city and our trek to the jungle began. We saw scenery change along the way as the elevation rose before we crossed the continental divide and dropped down into the rain forest. Our tour guide pointed out local sites, talked about challenges and affirmed the effects of Climate Change on the environment. Emily was extremely excited to hear the topic emerge, as she was “darn” sure the term was limited to the political machinations of Sacramento technocrats!
When finding waterfalls, John mused over obvious signs of river dredging, “Do they have a 404 permit.” Our questions of environmental compliance continued in Tena as Tina wondered if six “skilled” day laborers seen from across an Amazonian tributary had a Dept. of Fish and Game 1600 permit to carry a cement mixer through the river – cleaning themselves and it along the way. Talk about efficiency!!!
Back on the bus, some members grew closer together (Taylor & Greg) and others questioned the sanitation of our hired Mercedes Benz transportation once it was realized that the toilet, an after market bolt-down box, was drained right on to the road!
Once arriving in Tena, some folks went to their rooms, while others found refugee (because lodging was not available) in a city botanical garden and zoo. The brave souls encountered a “tourist” site that had more animals outside of cages than within. Yes, the poisonous snakes were behind bars, but the equally poisonous plants were located along the pathway!
After barely escaping Alf the tapir, an extra large pig-like creature that is a distant relative of the horse (who decided he would stalk the intrepid junglephiles) the mini safari became much easier when Tarzan’s Jane, Cara, lead us out of the fray.
This afternoon, a handful of the boys made America proud, as they helped local workers push a bob-tail truck out of the road (their day-long bus ride obviously had not taken every last ounce of strength from our quickly aging brood). We all agree that in this country, people are very willing to help each other out!
The day that began with rain and chills, finally cooled down from hot and muggy as we participated a discussion about what oil exploration has meant for Ecuador over the past 40 years. A significant portion focused upon the multi-year lawsuit between the people (represented by a pro-bono NY Lawyer) and Texaco (star of the American Road).
Following the presentation we headed for dinner at our hotel that was advertising for a cook on the front door! Half the class can fit in one of the spacious showers provided by this same, well-staffed inn.
As this blog closes, we must not forget the “teaching lessons” of the trip: notification that we need to have school supplies for the village the next day (thankfully purchased by our presiding fellows), limitation on allowed luggage as we are “Welcomed to the Jungle” in the morning, and the realization that we still are not sure of our lodging for the next day as we visit the “villages.”
Oddly, we find our bus a much safer place to store our belongings, even after it suffered an assault, from yet another bus.
Goodnight from the Jungle!
Tracy, Nick and Brian
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