Day 9: More Service, Fun and Sunset

January 12, 2011

“Most people are on the world, not in it - having no conscious sympathy or relationship to anything about them - undiffused, separate, and rigidly alone like marbles of polished stone, touching but separate”  - John Muir quote

By: Regina Saavedra

This day was full of wonderful surprises. After breakfast, a few of us left Casa Quest to teach an English class for the high school at 8:30. The rest of us stayed behind to wait for the morning rain to dry up, so that they could get to work. By the end of the afternoon, a set of stairs was rebuilt, another bridge was finished, and two railings were installed near the Colegio, plus we taught two different classes, a total of 4 hours of English lessons.

Zach, Rithu, Stephanie, Aashish, and Jaimie finishing up the stairs.

Our stairs made of palm tree bark.

Rithu, Jamie and Robert checking out the new bridge.

A view of the Mandana (the community where the school is).

Aashish and Michael checking out the other new bridge.

 Lunch began with many of our favorite soup: Sancocho (filled with beans and yucca). Then we ate delicious fried rice with shrimp, and a side of avocado and tomatoes. Not surprisingly, it was one of my favorite parts of the day. Especially because we had a total of three saucers of my absolute favorite “aji” (chili sauce).

Afterwards, we set out for a relaxing afternoon: tubing on the Napo River for the last time! A few members of the group even treated us to a synchronized swimming show :).

The group getting ready for another tubing adventure down the Napo.

 Then came our visit to the “Mirador,” or viewpoint. After climbing about 350 stairs, we got to soak in an amazing view of the Napo River and its scenery. Obviously, Adam took as many pictures as possible. Nick and Robert took the photo opportunity to show off some chic jungle-wear in a mini-fashion show.  

Nick and Stacy capturing the view on their cameras.

Robert and Regina being goofy.

Damaris and the beautiful view.

The group (minus Michael, Kate and Robert) at sunset.

Zach reflecting on the day while enjoying the beautiful view.

Caitlin, Lillian and Zach... friends forever.

Nick posing with new jungle undies.

Zach and Robert showing off their new jungle undies.

Zach and Aashish

Another beautiful sunset.

Our last meal of the day was not a disappointment. It began with a green mystery soup, and then an incredibly satisfying plate of fried eggs with veggies and french fries. The kids of Yachana treated the recently-arrived tourists to a traditional dance. We all joined in and danced with some of our favorite students! Can’t wait for tomorrow - our last full day here at the Yachana Lodge.

Celine with Ayner at the traditional dance.