Sorry I've had some problems uploading. Will catch up as soon as can...
Arrived in Iquitos last night after a long set of flights. To get around Iquitos, people walk, take the bus, ride motorcycles, or take a motortaxi. Love the motorcarros (ie. motor taxis)
I was a little hungry, so went looking for something to eat. I wanted wine, fruit, cheese, maybe some bread. They sent me to the Mercado down the street. They had alcohol (I looked at wine, but completely clueless, so skipped), all kinds of processed food (which my body hates), produce that didn't excite me, and some non-food items (clothes, etc). I thought they might have a rain jacket for me, since I left my behind accidently. Nope.
Since I always travel with protein bars, I headed back to the B&B. In the alley next door, a little farmers market had been set up. I bought some grapes. (They tasted awesome, but I forgot how big the seeds are if you don't re-engineer them to the small seeds we have at home.) That, with my protein bar was enough after all the food on the plane.
Nelly is my guide. I've heard great things about her. She has already learned I ask way too many questions.
On a side note, my favorite from prior trips was Anselmo, from my 1st year. I adored him. He reminded me of my dad. He retired, but happened to visit during my last trip.
A few facts about the Amazon and Tahauyo area:
• The Amazon River is one of the 7 wonders of the world, and the largest river in the world.
• The B&B is by where the Tuhauyo & Amazon meet.
• This is a picture of where the Amazon & Tuhauyo rivers merge. Notice the difference in colors?
• The lighter water in the picture is from the melting of the Andes into the Amazon
• The Tahauyo River is considered a blackwater river. When the river rises, it floods the forest allowing the tannins and decomposing vegetation, to color the water black. This process is called igapo.
• The Tahauyo River level changes drastically during the year - it starts to rise in Nov and peaks in Apr.
The lower arrow show how high the water was this year. You can see the water has already receded quite a bit since Apr, even though it still has a ways to go. The upper arrow shows the highest water level this tree has ever seen. The trees to its side do not have those lines, indicating it was before they grew. This is one way they are able to track previous water levels (there's more to it, but too sciencey for me).
The Andes are to blame for this. They stop the humidity, which causes more, creating a severe rainy season from Nov-Apr. This means more water fed into the Amazon. (At least that's my layperson explanation)
We went by a village where houses are in the midst of trees. Yet, the village by the lodge has the trees around the houses cleared away.
I asked why the difference. Erosion. The trees help with erosion. So they no longer cut down trees when building a new house, and are adding vegetation along the shores.
Examples of the impact of erosion
Broken bridge
Church collapse
House now on edge - likely to lose eventually
There are many small village along our route. Each village tends to be an extended family. Which makes it hard to find someone to marry near home. So they have sport matches (volleyball, soccer) between villages. This allows them to meet people to marry.
The sports get-togethers also provide an opportunity to trade goods. Different villages have various "specialities" (for lack of better word). During the sports matches, people will bring their wares (produce, meat, etc) and sell to each other.
This is a building used to make charcoal. Many villages now make charcoal and sell it to Iquitos restaurants, who use for barbecues. It is much cheaper than cooking with gas.
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