Normally, our guides tried to spread activities fairly among the guests, but with most of hte group uninterested in kayaking, Charlie and I got to go again! On our last full morning on the river, we headed out in the kayaks on the Ucayali while Amy explored by skiff. It was good to be back down close to the water and moving under our own power. Getting to say we had kayaked in the Amazon was pretty special. Getting to do it twice was even better.
Charlie and I didn’t spot many animals, but Amy had better luck, seeing another sloth and Dusky-headed Parakeets perched high in the branches.
Back aboard, we had some time to relax before the afternoon outing. By now, we were getting pretty good at this part of riverboat life. Amy got back first and relaxed in the room while the river floated by. I, once again, fell asleep in a chair during a lecture. There’s photographic evidence.
The coolest part of the day came that afternoon, when we headed to the village of Amazonas. We had already visited one village and met a traditional medicine man whose remedies left us with some questions. Amazonas felt more developed, with a school, electricity, pets, and people out going about their day. The visit gave us a glimpse of how partnerships between expedition operators and local communities could support village life.
Ericson took us into a house, where our hosts showed us some of their cooking and served fish for us to try. The table was covered with plates and ingredients, and we gathered around while they explained the food. There was also a friendly dog who needed some attention, and we were happy to help with that.
Outside, we watched sugarcane being pressed and sampled the juice. Ericcson explained how, with some help, they had built a simple juicer. Later, under a large thatched pavilion, the women demonstrated how they dyed fibers and used them for weaving. Bundles of yellow, orange, and darker fibers lay across the table beside pots and finished crafts. Seeing the process gave us a better appreciation for the pieces we had been seeing for sale.
Then several women laid out their crafts for us to buy. Those sales were another way the visits supported local families. After watching the work that went into making everything, it was nice to be able to buy directly from the people who made it.
Back on the Delfin II, we gathered to meet the full staff. We had gotten to know familiar faces throughout the week, but seeing everyone together was a reminder of how many people had been looking after us. Then there was music at dinner to help close out our final evening aboard. One more night on the river before the journey home began.
