Day 4: More Work, Medicine Man, & Amazon Hunting Skills

January 8, 2011  

"The ultimate test of man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard." — Gaylord Nelson (former governor of Wisconsin, co-founder of Earth Day)

By: Damaris Sanchez

The night before we set our alarms thirty minutes earlier than usual because breakfast was served at 6:30AM rather than 7:00AM. We needed to bring the rest of the aluminum plastic sheets up the wooden stairs to the Yachana Collegio de Technico before the technicians arrived. It was a struggle to get up from bed; however, we made it through because on the menu there were delicious fried eggs and pancakes to eat.

Afterwards, we quickly passed the village nearby and walked on the trail that led us to the cargo we left behind the other day. The team decided to divide the work into separate activities to speed up the process: we had one group take the majority of the cargo to the bottom of the staircase while the second group carried the materials up the stairs to the end of the construction site. It was vigorous labor from carrying the heavy loads in the humid weather and battling against the bugs. However, it was a beautiful experience to cherish because we learned to work together, knew how to carry the cargo through the rest of the path, and began to enjoy each other’s company.

The group posing for a pic under some roofing.

The classrooms that will be receiving a new roof with the materials we hauled onto the site.

 After our long day at work we had the chance to return to the Yachana community and play eco-volleyball. We had such a great time as we taught each other how to hit the ball and tried our best not to throw it over to the river. We ended up developing an audience from the community as we laughed and cheered whenever we could not hit the ball we continued to persevere. As well, there were a few of us who had the opportunity to mingle with the people from the community. The children like Francisco, Arturo, and Carlos whom were eager to talk to us and show us how to swing on the poles or climb on the trees.

Rithu serving the volleyball!

Our friend, Fransisco.

At this point we were extremely hungry and exhausted. At lunchtime, we were rewarded with ceviche con palmitas, tilapia fish with yucca and onions on the side, and sweet fruits for dessert. After lunch, Robert took the group on the canoe to the opposite side of the Napo River where we would meet the medicine man and his traditions. Along the trail we had to walk on a bridge made of bamboo that could withstand two people at a time. There were a few who were nervous to walk on the bridge because down below there was a stream. However, before we met him Robert gave us a tour of the different fruits that villagers eat such as the Cacao y las juaves verde. As well, he showed us various plants and how they would use them to create hats and decorative dresses for celebrations. 

Lillian and Celine crossing the bridge.

He randomly picked a tree, climbed on it, and found a Cacao where he smashed it against the tree bark and opened it up to find sweet sugary substances. He advised us to eat the white coating and to not eat the seeds because we needed them to play a game. He wanted to see who could spit the seed the farthest in order to win the prize. There were few who struggled, however, as you could imagine it was quite an entertaining scene.

Picking out a Cacao seed for the spitting competition.

At the end of the path, was the household of the medicine man and he was a 75 year old man who learned from his father how to treat the ill and passed his wisdom to his oldest son. Robert explained to us the difference between shaman and the medicine man, and how they are a great influence in the village. During the ceremony, the medicine man decided to do cleansing rituals for every person using clumped leaves and tobacco to get rid the evil spirits and bring out the good spirits. The experience was liberating and it gave us the chance to see piece of history and culture that continue to resonate in the forest. When the ceremonies were over Robert showed us how to blow darts at a fake parrot and throw a spear into a wooden block.

Stacy and Nick getting the bad spirits removed from them by the Medicine Man.

Michael blowing a dart.

Nick's darts...  well done!

Adam's spear throwing... he's ready for hunting with a throw so straight.

When dinner came around we ate delicious rice mixed with vegetables and chicken and for dessert we had chocolate cake! At the end, we had a moment of reflection near Casa Quest where we had our nightly reflection and talked about ideas/suggestions we had to influence the next generations how to take better care of the world and the environment they live in.

Our friend we met while visiting the Medicine Man.

Another beautiful sunset over the Napo River.