| We set out with a group of 38 singles with | | | | to a remote clinic serving the poor river |
| and as usual they were initially timid but | | | | people. Here a tooth extraction costs $2 if |
| quickly bonded in friendship. On arrival in | | | | they can afford it. |
| Lima we check into a lovely hotel located in | | | | |
| trendy Miraflores district. There was a | | | | There were many highlights! We hiked the |
| guided city tour, leisure time to explore and | | | | world's longest canopy walk 100' high in the |
| a delicious dinner of sea bass ceviche at a | | | | trees. We visited Monkey Island, a research |
| restaurant built on an ocean pier. | | | | station for 8 species that room free. For one |
| | | | photo I held 3 at a time. There was a lecture |
| Next day we flew Lan to Iquitos where we were | | | | by two resident shamans who taught us about |
| greeted by 3 top guides who remain with us | | | | medicinal plants and then blessed us |
| for our 6 days in the jungle. They are truly | | | | individually as they removed our bad spirits. |
| pro's on flora, fauna and having fun! All | | | | At the Yagua Indian Village we traded our |
| transport is by boat. 90 miles down river we | | | | western goods for masks and blowguns (several |
| arrive to Explonapo Lodge in the heart of | | | | of these were later were confiscated by TSA.) |
| Amazonia. No plumbing or electricity, feels | | | | |
| like an episode out of "Survivor." Rustic to | | | | The best part of the trip for me was a |
| the extreme yet therein lies the unique | | | | surprise visit to a rural school. Inside were |
| charm. I fell in love with the resident | | | | 50+ children barefoot and wide-eyed who never |
| "pets". There was Adrian the toucan who would | | | | see tourists. Tears filled my eyes as they |
| poke his long beak into the dining room door | | | | sang their national anthem to us. We sang our |
| for a treat, along with several tame parrots | | | | anthem to them and deposited a ton of school |
| and scarlet macaws. Charlie was a Capybara | | | | supplies to the two teachers. It was a |
| that looked like a mutant 100lb. guinea pig. | | | | glorious sight. |
| When I'd scratch under his chin he'd close | | | | |
| his eyes and make cooing sounds. | | | | Back to Lima, we all scatter to shop the |
| | | | Indian markets. The dollar is so strong here |
| The pitch black nights were spooky with a | | | | that several in the group bought another |
| symphony of wild noises. Our rooms were | | | | suitcase to fill. I did my Xmas shopping in |
| connected with a privacy wall and an open | | | | May. Our fabulous dinner was at a restaurant |
| thatched roof. Like a giant slumber party, we | | | | set in pre-Incan ruins. We toast each other |
| all shouted "goodnight Johnboy" from our | | | | goodbye with many hugs as I remiss a journey |
| mosquito netted beds. Suddenly Sharon | | | | well done. This group was so prefect I'd like |
| screamed and the guys run to her room. She | | | | to clone them all for future AFS trips. I |
| found a giant lizard tucked in with her in | | | | couldn't hand pick better travelers for this |
| her bed. At 3am I head to the latrine with | | | | adventure. |
| flashlight in hand. Inside a bat flutters | | | | |
| near my head as I repeatedly whisper "bat's | | | | I have always loved the land of Peru. I am |
| are good." | | | | now designing a unique future trip to include |
| | | | Machu Piccu, boating Lake Titicaca, visits to |
| Enough roughing it. We board our boats for | | | | natives on floating reed islands and crossing |
| "luxury in the Amazon" at Ceiba Tops. With | | | | to La Paz Bolivia. For the moment, I have |
| air conditioning, tropical gardens and a | | | | tired of Europe. There is a spirit of |
| pool, it feels like the Ritz to us. I take | | | | humility found in the hearts of these people |
| the world's longest shower as others enjoy | | | | that I am unable to adequately describe here. |
| Pisco Sours by the pool. We all gain weight | | | | Nor can my photos justly convey Peru. It |
| with fresh food throughout that is both | | | | truly must be experienced. |
| delicious and plentiful. | | | | |
| | | | Note: AFS has officially adopted the |
| On daily boat tours we saw giant water | | | | Timicurillo School. We welcome your |
| lilies, sloths, countless birds and the | | | | contributions. For just $10 per year, you can |
| elusive pink dolphins. We fished by cane | | | | provide materials for these beautiful |
| poles for piranha to fry up for dinner. We | | | | children who have so little. For more |
| visited a family with a pet anaconda snake. | | | | information please contact Barbara at for |
| My brave clients drape it around themselves | | | | more details. |
| for a photo op. We delivered medical supplies | | | | |