Hands-on with Amazonian Animals!

5/24 Bufeos (Pink Dolphins), Sloths, monkeys, and more!

Leigh never ceases to impress me. J Yesterday amongst a swarm of Peruvians she was able to negotiate and bargain for the most economic way to the Serpentario. In the end it was our faithful Moto driver that “knew a guy,” and had the best price. The moto driver picked us up at 9am and took us to Huequito (a port with many small boats that are used to commute to indigenous villages and for tourists such as ourselves. It was at this port that we met Jorge and Junior, our tour guides and boat operators. Junior was one of Jorge’s sons. He skipped school today to help his dad as co-captain. Our journey began with a short boat ride to the el encuentro where the el itaya and amazon river mix. Amazingly there is a stark line where a deep blue/black water ends and the Amazonian chocolate colored river begins. Jorge said this is where the Bufeos (pink dolphins) like to play and eat. Within about 5 minutes our trusty captain found a Bufeo! We tried to tail it but almost immediately it retreated upset that we scared away all of the fish with the sound of our outboard motor. After chasing the Bufeo we went to an indigenous village called “The Yahua” where we were greeted by women and men dressed in grass skits bare upper torsos. They hurried us into their ceremonial TP where the chief declared that we were to pay about 8 us dollars each to watch their ceremonial dance. We obliged then were dumbfounded to see that the ceremony they referred to was us running around in a circle a couple of times, spit a few darts out of a very long wood straw, then have all of the members of the tribe surround us with their handy crafts, shaking their handy work literally an inch from our faces. It was at this moment that Leigh said, “This is isn’t about raising awareness this is about selling. You have such an opportunity to educate people about preserving your indigenous culture, shoving souvenirs in our faces is not going to achieve that goal. I came here to learn not be harassed with handy crafts.” The chief took this to heart and he took us aside and asked us what we would like to learn, We asked him a few basic questions and then somewhat disappointed with this particular experience embarked for the Serpentario (an outdoor property that houses Sloths, monkeys, anacondas, pre-historic water turtles and more!)

Holding a sloth is like holding the most cuddly teddy bear imaginable, only this teddy bear hugs back. J It was hard to give them back… They had one baby monkey that was barely weaned. Leigh made a special connection with him and he started suckling her hand, and lightly inspecting her fingers with his own soft padded hands. After Leigh made this connection I jumped in and was able to receive the same open affection that she did; precious is the best way to describe him. Next came the anaconda that was draped on us like a cold heavy scarf, and a pre-historic turtle that’s face looked like a rough leaf. Our Guide at the Serpentario, Jack, was very informative and patient.

On the way back from the Serpentario to the docks we found a pair of Bufeos that were playing just off the bow of the boat. What a treat!!

After lunch Leigh and I walked to the school that she taught at. She was greeted with many warm hugs, screams of excitement, and glowing faces. J I got to peak into her past seeing where she used to march in the courtyard, watch traditional dance competition, see what her classrooms looked like, the teacher lounge, etc.

By this point in the day I was ready for a nap, high 90s with 90% humidity really zaps energy. So I napped while Leigh caught up with a couple of friends.