By Edgar BearAs we were walking within the thickness of the Amazon Rainforest, it began to rain. I’m not talking about a few drops here and there; I’m talking about strong, heavy, rain. We were soaked instantly.
Now, Some would consider this a negative experience. To an extent, I admit that I didn’t enjoy the fact that my clothes got entirely wet, yet, as cousin Dave put it, “it makes the experience more real.” I agree. Not only were we able to see and walk about a portion of what is the largest rainforest on the planet that hosts one of ten known species of plants and animals in the world, we were able to experience one of the most important factors that gives life to the Amazon. ...................................................................................................... The day before, we visited a town that left me in wonder, Papallacta. Driving through it was an experience in itself. The luscious green mountains had clouds hovering all about. Each cloud highlighted the beauty of the mountains that continued far beyond what we could see. Papallacta, a town that requires one to wear a jacket, is known for its hot springs. David and I, almost shivering, decided to check out this natural phenomenon. So, we entered a local spot and saw the water’s heat rising; all this in the middle of cold. Let me tell you that as soon as one enters the warm and refreshing water, all of life’s issues seem to disappear. There is a peace that flows through. ...................................................................................................... The following day we left for the Amazon Rainforest. It would be silly of us who are Driving Latinoamerica to not visit one of the most important and diverse pieces of land in the world. Once we arrived to a town by the name of Misahuallí, we ran across a few Chileans and one Argentinian. We were all looking to walk about the Amazon. Next, we met a local who said he could give us a ride on his boat and guide us in order that we may experience the rainforest. We all jumped into the boat, and instantly, the experience was captivating. It felt like a scene from a movie that depicts the Amazon except, of course, there were no natives shooting darts at us. The boat moved along as we saw all sorts of variety of trees along the water’s edge. For miles, throughout, one would see green as the trees seemed to stand above the others due to the mountains surrounded the rivers. After about a 45-minute boat ride, we stopped and began our first trek into the thickness of the rainforest. At this first location, we arrived at what is known as Amazoonica. It is a place of refuge for local animals and a place that helps prevent deforestation and helps preserve the rainforest. Locals and foreigners come through to serve, to help the cause. At this location, we were able to see a variety of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, plants, trees, and insects. It is incredible to see the ever-changing diversity as one walks. There are leaves all over the ground that help nourish the earth, all sorts of animals and insects that then are prey to another variety of animals. About an hour and a half later, we got on the boat, and after eating, we went to another part of the rainforest. As soon as we arrived it began to rain. We were instantly soaked. We picked huge leaves from a nearby plant to help block the rain, but the shower was too strong. It was to no avail. This area had a completely different look and feel than that of the former location. The ground we walked on felt different (not simply because of the rain) and there were unique variety of trees, of insects, fruits, and animals. Here we were able to see some of the ingenious practices that the natives used to hunt and to trap a selection of animals ranging from pumas to snakes. An example of how to trap an animal would be encircling an area while leaving an opening. Within the opening would lie both a piece of food and a trip wire that once moved, would suddenly impulse a tree onto the animal that would cause the animal to instantly die which would then result in food for the natives. Soon after, we visited a community of historically indigenous people who resume to live in the rainforest but many of whom do not continue to dress in their traditional clothes. Here, we were witnesses to a traditional dance and were given a taste of food and drink. Both delicious. Then some of the kids wanted to play with us, so we played their instruments and I, at a different time, played soccer with the kids. Subsequently, we went home. ...................................................................................................... Something that I cannot stop thinking about when it comes to the Amazon that also concerns each one of us is the importance of the land to our survival. Now, I don’t by any means consider myself a hippie nor the negative portrayal that comes with a tree hugger. But to say that we do not depend on the land for our survival is ridiculous. As hard as it may sound for some of us who can be considered hyper individualist and independent, we are by no means independent. We are dependent every single instant of our lives. Right now every human is dependent on water they did not create, food they ate, oxygen, and so on. All this is part of the cycle of nature that if we mistreat, can affect the livelihood of people. If deforestation continues in the amazon, all sorts of animals, insects, and plants are affected. Not only so, but humans are affected as well. In the same way, if we continue to negatively affect the nature around us, we will also be negatively affected: example, flint Michigan. The mistreatment of water has brought about poisonous water to a harassed and neglected community onslaught by those in power who still have yet to act. As Christian I am called to be a steward of the land. Being that I consider this land to be His, it is important that I be a good steward that does not abuse what He has given us because not only would that be disobedience, but it is also affecting my fellow neighbor who I am to love while affecting future generations and my own source of survival. |
DavidMuchacho simpatico EdgarEdgar is Christian. He loves soccer, traveling, and meeting new people. Archives
July 2016
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