Welcome to the jungle

Today was an early rise and a long (Liam Neeson themed) public bus trip out of Quito, to Tena, then 4x4s to Mishaeuvilla then canoe to our lodge and home for the next few days. We are staying in a community project, run by Kichwa women. They wished to empower themselves and preserve their culture and so started this venture. There are around 50 women working here and they all rotate their jobs regularly. We happened on their fortnightly meeting and got to glimpse the community at its best. It's very nice to see women defining themselves outside of their relationships to men, particularly in the machismo culture of central and south America. Later we were treated to a traditional dance, and then we joined in! And finally, with the help of all the little children we all danced and limboed on the beach. I do love some crazy dancing!Read more