Blow pipe practice

Still trying to back blip as we have so little time free!

From our lovely rustic cabin (no electricity but candles are supplied), we went for a day walk, following some of the track we'd done last night. The walk stopped at a small sanctuary set up by a Swiss woman who had married a local. They had toucans, parrots and macaws, as well as tapirs and other stuff. The birds have been sent there as they can't fly, and some animals because they have been rescued from hotels who have had them as pets. Wild monkeys were in the trees above as we walked along. Our guide was able to point out some gorgeous bright butterflies. It was extremely hot and sticky.

We got the boat back to the lodge and after lunch it took us over the river to Anaconda Island, which is in between our river and Napo River. We had another walk, saw a quetzal and some plants like cinnamon, ginger, cocoa, on land belonging to an indigenous family. They have everything they need around their house, which is in the blip. We then went in their house to see how they made the local beer from manic and sweet potato. Of course we had a taste, and then were offered a go with a blow pipe. We didn't bother with the poisoned darts though. Here is Mr C having a go.

Back at the lodge a shaman visited to exorcise our bad energies and fill us with good ones. He did this by chanting, whistling and shaking a bunch of sacred leaves over us. Sadly this would not have had the desired effect if photographs were taken.