Now we're having fun. Now we're living life.

Remember when you played your violin like a guitar? And you told us that when you were a little boy you used to put on your cape and you just knew that if you jumped off that roof you would fly? I think I know what you meant.


Last week I swung through the rainforest on lianas, vines. The jungle held me in her arms. I stood in front of a Shuar god (a waterfall) and she embraced me and cleansed my soul. I tasted the almondy flavor of one of the main sources of protein for the Shuar: termites. I listened to the forest and watched as the Incan god, the sun, passed his torch to the god of the Canaris, the moon. I stared many a spider in the face and said, "you are beautiful." I am trying to help you understand, but I'm sorry if I am failing. This country is incredible. 

Maybe these photos will help.


Last week we went on an academic trip and visited all of the ecosystems of Ecuador. The dry forest, the montane forest, the cloud forest, the Paramo, and the tropical rainforest. It is incredible what kinds of biodiversity the Andes have encouraged. Ecuador is a tiny country, yet an incredible hotspot in terms of plants and animals. 


We spent our last night with a Shuar family. We brought spaghetti to have for dinner, and Tarjelia, our host, had never prepared pasta before. The Shuar kitchen, (the circular, bamboo structure in a photo) has a stone floor with a fire that is always burning to keep the roof dry. Chickens roam in and out of the kitchen, where meals of fruit, vegetables, and meat, all from the rainforest are prepared. The Shuar people are pressured by the outside world, but still maintain much of their traditional culture. Children now learn Shuar and Spanish in school. We had to hike for an hour in foot deep mud to get to the village. The family that we stayed with are good friends with Ernesto, and we were welcomed kindly into their home. 


It is truly amazing what kind of emotions being in the jungle can induce. Much like falling in love.