Jungle II

This is the bridge by which we forded the Rio Upano. It was fun to walk across and feel the bridge swinging. :) We took a few moments to sit down by the water and enjoy the sounds of nature on the river's edge.

We arrived at the village and had a good time playing with the children. They were extremely enthusiastic, and not in the least afraid of gringas! Later on, we attended a brief church service and interacted with some of the village people.

The next morning we headed out early because we had to get some paperwork in another town before heading home.
We stopped at the home of one of Isaac Allan's friends to pick up some fresh sugar cane juice. Little did we know just how fresh the juice was going to be...he allowed us to stand there and watch as he made it! He gave us each a slice of lemon from a nearby tree, and told us to use it to flavor the cane juice...delicious!

He then proceeded to go to another nearby tree and knock long bean-looking pods out of it. After a while, he climbed up into the tree and continued knocking down the fruit. It was guava! Isaac showed us how to open the pod and we enthusiastically partook of the unique fruit inside.

We returned home by dinner that night.
It's seems like a different world there in the jungle...it is lush and green and colorful and warm and humid. Here in Riobamba it is sunny but dry, mostly muted green and a lot of brown. Both places are beautiful and complement each other well.
It was a wonderful change of pace and scenery, as well as a good learning experience for all of us. We are very grateful to Isaac for letting us tag along with him and learn from him about his experiences and prior work there.
I don't know your thoughts about the Ecuadorean jungle, but I am sure heading back there just as soon as I can! :)