Time for class!

Today I did a workshop on communication with a group of young women.  I love that one day I can be engaged in complex dialogue with bright young ladies, and the next I could be trying to get a rambunctious five-year old's head out of the monkey bars (true story, and we did eventually get his head unstuck).

Different setting, same question.

A mural in the heart of downtown Lima.  The text asks, "what will be these puppies' future?"

The Butterfly Effect

Definition of BUTTERFLY EFFECT (as per Merriam-Webster Dictionary) 

:  a property of chaotic systems (as the atmosphere) by which small changes in initial conditions can lead to large-scale and unpredictable variation in the future state of the system

Bobby

Meet Bobby - the new puppy.  Despite being squished, pulled, and harassed all day, he remains calm, cool and collected.  We love Bobby!

El Señor de Los Milagros

Making flower petal confetti. 

A dear friend.

The effigy sways back and forth as it is carried through the streets.  I noticed that the sea of people also started to sway back and forth in unison as the effigy drew near.  

My bag of petals is ready!

Finally got to throw it!

The yellow image on the right is made entirely of flower petals. 

A close up of the ladies and their incense burners. 

An older couple throwing balloons and confetti from their apartment window.  I could see them arguing over which to throw first - she won (shocker). 

Today I got to watch one of the largest processions in the world - the procession of El Señor de Los Milargos.  El Señor de Los Milagros (Lord of Miracles) is an image of Jesus that was painted in the 17th century.  During the 18th century, there was a devastating earthquake which nearly destroyed Lima.  The church where the painting hung was nearly demolished, but when the dust cleared, the only thing left standing was the painting.  Also, it's worth mentioning that there were two small earthquakes in Lima last night, (the night before the procession) and people say, "that's how it always happens".
In any case, the procession was a beautiful display of Peruvian solidarity and pride, and I was lucky to be a part of it.

68 days

A walk through Parque Kennedy on Ryan's last day in Peru. 

A very casual dinner at Lima's famous, "La Lucha" sandwich shop. 

Sad to say goodbye, but I will be home for Christmas in 68 days!  Si Dios quiere.

Ryan in Manchay

Thank you so much!

Today's class.

Ryan the teaching assistant. 

The kids helping to organize their new supplies!

One of the students made a poster.  I'm third from the left.  It's truly an honour to be part of "La Familia Ruwasunchis".

Ryan came up to Manchay today.  He says he saw tremendous potential in the kids and is looking forward to seeing how Ruwasunchis (the NGO) will help them develop it.  It meant a lot to me to share this experience with him.  Thank you to all the family and friends who contributed supplies - no more sharing pencils or waiting ages for the sole pencil sharpener!  This means a lot to the kids and all the teachers.

On our way

The obligatory aerial shot. 

    

    Bringing bananas to the market.

Double parked. 

                     

The main lodge. 

On our way to the the main lodge in Tamshiyacu Tahuayo, Maynas, Peru - a remote area in the Amazon jungle, mostly frequented by researchers.

Night Excursions

Can you spot the frog?

Ryan holding a Caiman...I was way too chicken.

These eyes glow orange at night!

Tarantula!

  

My favourite little froggy.

   

A baby porcupine.  His mom died and the lodge staff have been caring for him.  He comes by the lodge every night to get his milk. The kitchen staff boils the milk, cools it, and falvours it with cinnamon (no wonder he keeps coming back!). 

Piranha Fishing

Ryan and the Piranha. 

Our guide speared a fish to use as bait. 

Up-close and personal with the Piranha. 

First time fishing.

Our guide took us Piranha fishing.  I caught a catfish instead of a piranha, and I also caught a barracuda, but it scared me and I accidentally flung it over my shoulder.  Ryan caught a second fish, and managed to keep both of his in the boat. 

Dorilla and Chepa

Chepa

Dorilla

Dorilla holding my finger

Dorilla and Chepa (two types of Wooly Monkeys) are rescue monkeys that were nursed back to health by the researchers at the lodge we stayed in. They now live on the outskirts of San Pedro, a tiny village of 200 people located on the edge of the river.  They are monitored closely and assist in educating the public on the importance of monkeys to the Amazonian eco-system.  We visited Dorilla and Chepa, and brought them some treats!  This was truly a once in a lifetime experience we will never forget.