“I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine.” – Caskie Stinnett
After a short ride from Chobe National Park, our little 8-seater plane landed on the dirt strip of a tiny little island called Xugana island.
Wild and untamed, it was as if sitting there, forgotten by the world.
“I have an insane longing to be where I am not”
That’s it, we are really in the Okavango Delta now.
The Kalahari desert and the Okavango River meet in the middle of Botswana to form crystal clear lagoons, water channels and islands full of water lilies and reeds, a perfect place for us to explore the animals that call it home.
As we gaze down from the plane, the enchanting landscape unfolds beneath us giving us a wondrous preview of the next few days.
Little by little, one travels far.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
A small boat picked us up and took us to the island camp where the excited staff welcomed us with African tunes.
As we approached, the golden light of the sun lit up the lush, tree- covered island and the mirror-like reflection in the clear, still water almost seemed like it was calling us to immerse in this remote, tranquil retreat.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien
As we settled down in our new abode, the breathtaking views from the room and the calm serenity of the place left a peaceful lingering feeling and a longing for what was to come…
” Live your life by a compass, not a clock.” – Stephen Covey
A quick lunch and siesta and off we went in a mokoro to explore the lagoon and its waterways.
The island with its papyrus reeds, blooming water lilies- dotted waterways and unique environment where small and large wildlife moved undisturbed was so unique.
The evening of exploration culminated into a beautiful sundowner with drinks and snacks right at the lagoon— a cherished tradition in the Okavango Delta.
We were guided to a scenic clearing with wide open views to the setting sun with a small table of drinks and snacks as the delta around us began to quiet and the sun transformed into golden orange -rose hues.
“I never knew of a morning in Africa, when I woke up and was not happy”- Ernest Hemingway
The day started at 5:30 am with hot coffee and some chit chat with our fellow camp guests who were from all corners of the world – New Zealand, Europe, US and Africa! Keen and engaging conversations over breakfast, lunch and dinner were a highlight of the days that we looked forward to.
Off to the walking safari, where we met herds of elephants, wild buffalos and impalas, lechwis and birds. I must admit that I was really relieved that we did not run into any lions or leopards while walking!!!
How relaxing when the walk was topped off with a bush lunch with barbecue and amazing and refreshing drinks. Of course, that was in a safe area near the camp….in case anyone was still wondering about lions ( as was I!)
“Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.” – Alan Keightley
The rest of the days were filled with sightings of elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and so many birds we lost count.
Each day crowned with adventurous mornings, relaxed afternoons and amazing evening sunsets in the bush or in the camp as we soaked in the spirit of that remote island- Xugana island, Botswana, not just a destination, it’s an experience of stillness, wonder and connection to the natural world.
“Life was meant for good friends and great adventures”
Today, I am feeling free. Released from the shackles of the pandemic, my travels begin again. On the beaches of North Carolina, the company of my besties, this is a new beginning again. I feel alive again and ready to live every lost moment two times over…….
“There’s something about the sea that sets me free”
The serenity of the beach has always beckoned to me and today it calls me ever so softly but twice as strongly. The sound of the waves is like music to my ears, sometimes softly whispering hopes of a new day, and at other times roaring fiercely grabbing me to let loose, enjoy the wild ride that is life.
The long walks on silky smooth sand perfectly complemented the thoughts, wishes, longings and fears shared by friends with roots of friendship at least two decades deep.
“A journey well shared is a journey well enjoyed”
We walked park trails and saw lighthouses. As down to earth as it maybe, Carolina beach is perfect for lazy summer afternoons and sweet relaxations- pure bliss!
This new chapter has just begun, and I can’t wait to turn the pages. So much to do, so much to feel and experience and so many precious moments to share with friends and families in lands far and near, new and old vistas, all waiting to be explored!
“Surely, of all the wonders of the world, the horizon is the greatest.” – Freya Starki
If you want to get away from crowds and the hustle and bustle, this is the island for you. Simple life with gorgeous beaches , gentle waves and infinite golden sunsets rolled together for private, quiet bliss sums up the island.
We stayed on the sleepy side of town- the west side – with calm waters, sparse population of humans and large population of chickens!
We arrived late at night and checked into our cottage. We were famished, we drove into town for a quick late bite.
Since we arrived at night we could not get a full sense of the beauty till our eyes opened the next morning. And then what a sight to behold!
It was a whole bunch of cute cottages right on the beach…..
Just outside our doorstep was the ocean with the lapping waves and soft sand calling us in for a morning swim.
That first day was spent lazing on the beach and on the patio stepping in and out of the ocean.
“Go where you feel most alive”
We then ventured out for lunch in Frederiksted at Polly’s at the Pier, a taste of the local establishment run by locals.
After getting some essentials for the week, we decided to barbecue for dinner that night. Watching the sunset behind the waves, we grilled our dinner and took in nature’s beauty around us.
“Let’s go somewhere where the sun kisses the beach”
We were ready for our adventures and exploration for the next week.
Next day was diving and snorkeling at the Frederiksted pier. We were ready bright and early. Island life calls for early mornings and early nights and that suits us just fine.
The wonderful morning was spent finding fish and turtles and manta rays. The calm waters on the west side were perfect for exploring and swimming for hours together.
In the evening we ventured to the north side of the island to the Christensted pier. This was the area with all the hustle and bustle. A relaxed dinner at the pier to top off a beautiful day and then back to our peaceful corner of the island.
We woke up early next day for a driving trip to the East side of the island. The drive was winding and curving and very picturesque. We reached the top of the mountain to Point Udall, the easternmost point of the United States.
It was quiet and for a few minutes we were the only ones there with the wind blowing and the breathtaking scenery around us. The majestic geometrical monument was uniquely beautiful in a different kind of way, standing tall, strong and silent with the whooshing all around it as if to say that times will come and go, seasons will change, yet I will be here forever and forever, standing strong.
“Don’t call it a dream, call it a plan”
As more people started coming in, we decided to hike down to Isaac beach and spend the afternoon there. The contrasting image of dry cacti growing right next to the brilliant blue water was an affirming witness to the contradictions of life, the complete beauty of the whole picture being the essence of it all.
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
There were only a handful of people on this almost private piece of land. The beach stretched for miles all the way upto the hills and on the other side all the way upto a curve beyond which I could see no more. The waters were all shades of deep blue, light blue and green.
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” – Anita Desai
We napped in a man made rustic stick- house that gave us shade from the hot sun, dipping into the water ever so often.
The next few days of our time on the island seem to fly by. We explored more beaches and did a bunch of different activities.
A day at Cane Bay beach with ferocious waves on the north side, that made snorkeling an interesting challenge. Equipped with my noodle and floatation vest, I was determined to make it happen while the boys rested in the shade of a bush.
Rainbow beach on the west side with it’s gentle waters was perfect for stand-up paddle boarding. As we found our balance and paddled around standing on the paddle board, the stillness of the water made us realize the sharp contrast from the north side.
Two sides of the same island, so similar yet so different. A wildly agitated and turbulent north, and a peaceful, quiet, calm west, both need to coexist for a perfect balance in this wondrous environment .
At night, we did a night boat tour of the bioluminescence bay at Salt River Bay. What a unique experience!
“Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aesop
We gathered at the Kayak tour place and took our kayaks out into the bay. As we entered deeper into the bay, our guide told us to swoosh the waters and splash around to see the bright bluish glow of the water with the bioluminescent organisms. What a surreal experience!
It was pitch black around us and the waters glowed around us as we splashed. Then we used some nets to get some jellyfish out of the water all blue and glowing too! We stared at them glowing, hardly believing our eyes! And then put them right back into the water. As they slithered away, so did the glow….
Parasailing high above the waters was an exhilarating experience. It has been eight years since we last did it and we had forgotten how thrilling it can feel. As the parachute lifted off and our feet dangled in the air hundreds of feet above the ocean, it took our breath away. The boat to which we were tethered, now seemed like a speck in the ocean. The balloon went higher and lower at different times, swaying us back and forth in the gentle breeze.
“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine. It’s lethal.” – Paulo Coelho
When the parachute came lower down, we could see the turtles and rays in the waters below. When it went higher up, the breeze that swept against our face and body gave an ‘out of this world’ feeling . I found myself thinking ‘I now know how a bird must feel as it flies across the skies’. Our landing had an exciting dip in the ocean and then back to the boat.
As we wandered around the village, some days we picked tamarind off the trees and some days we found mangoes. Getting back to the cottage to eat our harvested fruit with salt was a simple pleasure bringing back childhood memories. Oh for the simple joys of life……
“The goal is to die with memories not dreams.”
The last day was another picture perfect weather day. We went to Sandy Point Wildlife refuge. The refuge was open limited times due to turtle nesting season. Although we saw no turtles, we did see the sites of some nests. And the beautiful soft Sandy beach extended for miles with just a handful of people early in the morning.
It was our last day and we headed back to the cottage. Another swim on our little beach to finish off the vacation.
“Travel not to find yourself but to remember who you have been all along”
A vacation with a lot of R&R (rest and relaxation) is quite rare in our household and we had finally managed to pull off one. This sleepy and quiet island had slowed us down and got us into our ‘zen’ zone, ready to tackle the world until we venture out again next time…..
You go away for a long time and return a different person – you never come all the way back~ Paul Theroux
I find myself often yearning for experiences that are new and unique, familiarity is reassuring but novelty brings exhilaration. So, imagine my excitement as I waited for our new boat adventure on the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lake.
It appeared that every activity we did in Iceland, needed some kind of contraption to be donned. And this was no exception. We wore our bright fluorescent floatation suits, life jackets and hoods and were ready to go in the brilliant red zodiac boat waiting for us.
“The gladdest moment in human life is a departure into unknown lands.” – Sir Richard Burton
The boat started with a slow chug smoothly moving along the blue calm waters of the glacial lagoon. But in a minute, it picked up speed and was going so fast that we gasped in amazement. The wind blew our hoods right off and whipped through our ruffled, streaming hair. Faster and faster, it went until suddenly the engine sputtered and turned off and we saw that we had reached the icebergs peacefully floating in the calm waters.
We slowly floated alongside the deepest blue chunks of ice marveling at the miracles of nature. Even as we saw the 10% of the iceberg’s body that was above the surface of water, we craned our necks to look deep into the water to see a glimpse of the other 90% submerged way below…….
And then we saw something silently rolling around on one iceberg……. it was a seal!
Was he all alone? Not at all, soon we saw many more on icebergs scattered around and they stared at us with just as much curiosity as we were looking at them. I could not help wondering what this big slippery semi-aquatic mammal was thinking at this very moment……
“Wherever you gobecomes a part of you somehow.”
After this short pause, we started moving again, heading to the glacier. We went almost all the way up to it, the Vatnajökull Glacier and took in its vast expansiveness as the boat started slowing down and gliding again. We were just a few feet from the glacier now, although far enough for safety ( I hoped!)
VATNAJOKULL GLACIER
And then, we heard a big sound…. boom, crash. What was that? It was the glacier calving and big chunks fell into the glacial lake as we watched. The tremendous spectacle of nature’s power unfolding right before our eyes, as we watched in awe. And as I watched, I could not help but wonder if we humans are running out of time to preserve this wonderful place-‘our earth’ that has been our home for so long……
We have decided to seize the day………today we will snorkel the Silfra Fissure, a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Thingvellir National park.
Silfra is right where the two continents meet and drift apart about 2 cm per year, the only place in the world where you can dive or snorkel directly in a crack between two tectonic plates.
THE TECTONIC PLATES ON EITHER SIDES AND THE SILFRA FISSURE
“And then I realized, adventure was the best way to learn”
Adorned with our dry suits, we entered the freezing 2 degree Celsius water, filled with glacial meltwater from the nearby Landjokull glacier.
I was feeling excited and apprehensive at the same time. We followed the guide, along a short path to the entry point. But as soon as we entered the water, my fears melted away. The amazing underwater visibility revealed rock formations that were just incredible. At the deepest, the fissure goes over 200 feet deep, or let’s just say, so deep that it’s impossible to see the bottom! It was a strange feeling as the water on my slightly exposed palms and nose felt freezing, while against my body, I barely felt the moisture or coldness. I had never heard of a drysuit before and was impressed with its function.
We slowly glided along and as the sunlight streamed through the crack and changed the sub-aquatic landscape to magical green and blue colors, I marveled at the feeling of transformation that overcame me, as if I was transported to a completely different universe.
“Feel the fear and do it anyway”- Susan Jeffers
We were lucky to have a bright and sunny day so walking back to the start point after our adventure was not the freezing proposition I had imagined. Although I like adventures, I almost always have to talk myself out of fear and into the ‘brave’ zone. Sometimes this self-talk works and sometimes not. Having snorkeled in multiple tropical locations, I realized that my fear was mainly the water temperature and the awkward suit, once I decided to look beyond those two, it was smooth sailing. Sure, am glad I did it! An experience to remember ……..
‘There is no time to be bored ina world as beautiful as this”
There was silence all around. Everyone was watching with bated breath.
And then there was a huge whoosh sound and hot water jetted out with force and steam all around. Lasted for a few seconds and there was collective gasp and then a sigh…… every person marveling at the Strokkur geyser and its power. The magma under the surface heated up the hot spring under the surface of the earth enough for it to escape through the vent into the outside air.
What a sight! And we watched as it did it again and again surrounded by a smoldering field of bubbling hot springs all around.
“Because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty Amazing”
If volcanos and hot springs are the heart of Iceland, then waterfalls are its crowning jewels.
Every turn you take there is either a mighty one thundering down the mountains or a small trickling one lilting into a babbling clear cool spring that is waiting to be drank from.
Some have names and others are nameless, each one has its own unique beauty. As we circled the country, we lost count of how many planned and impromptu stops we made to see these flowing creations on nature’s canvas.
GULFOSS and FAXI FALLS
OXARARFOSS and GODAFOSS
“Water is the most perfect traveler, because when it travels, it becomes the path itself”-Mehmet Murat Ildan
SELJALANDSFOSS AND GLJUFRABUI
SKOGAFOSS and DETTIFOSS
“I can see my rainbow calling me through the misty breeze of my waterfall”- Jimi Hendrix
The water in the waterfalls keeps flowing, just like life itself, carving through rocks and obstacles and making its way, never stopping; if it’s too rocky, it erodes and pushes through it, or if that does not work, then makes its way around it, all the time moving forward with a force and determination that sees it through it all.
And that is real beauty, that is what it is all about, isn’t it? Keep going and you will create a flow and a beauty that you had not known before.
“I travelnot to go anywhere but to go. I travel for travel’s sake.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
The Land of Fire and Ice, today we were aiming to see the fire!
Fagradalsfjall Volcano trekking sounded like fun and we hoped to see a glimpse of hot orange red lava near the cooling rocks of hardened lava, even if meant walking for hours to see it.
After talking to the ranger, we decided to head down to the lava field first.
The old black lava was solid hard snaking and zigzagging in rivers of dark formidable masses. Occasionally, there were hissing sounds here and there, as if warning us to keep a safe distance. And if that did not do it, the sulfur fumes would keep us at a safe distance anyway.
But walking on the cold parts of this huge black mass extending forever and ever till our eyes could see, was a weird feeling in itself. The lava crumbled like a cookie under our feet in some areas, gently reminding us that was but a few weeks old.
“Without new experiences, something inside us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken.”
Then we decided to head in the direction of the volcano which was very quiet today. No new lava………..
We walked and walked and walked, it seemed like for ages. Up and down mountains and along the ridge of the hillside, sometimes rocks, sometimes gravel and sometimes sand. This was a ‘trail’ that never ended.
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” -Helen Keller
All the time we looked into the distance, to see if we could spot an ‘orange red glow’. The more we walked, the more we were determined. But after being alive as long as I have been, if there is one thing I have learnt, it is that nature has no timetable. Looked like today was not our day, the clouds hung low and the volcano was just smoking and hissing, but no lava!
Now we were about three quarters of a mile from it and had a clear view. We decided to wait for a little bit and were contemplating our walk back. We had started in the morning, and it was almost six in the evening. We were hoping to walk a different route back, the way the lava took flowing down a few months back.
And just as we were about to turn around, it happened! Loud rumbling and a sudden violent eruption! Red orange molten earth flew from the depths of the crater high into the sky. As we turned around with our mouths open in amazement, everyone started running up the mountain to see deeper into the crater.
But we really need not have……the lava started exploding and erupting higher and higher. And then suddenly, one wall of the crater collapsed……… rivers of lava started flowing down the mountain side. The bubbling and smoking and hissing all mixed with the clouds. We could not believe it. It was like the earth was alive, the mountain was alive and gurgling………Molten rock, ash, steam all rolled together in the orange lava coming from the very crust of the earth and splashing out from the crater……..
“For some moments in Life, there are no words”- David Seltzer
We watched mesmerized, people running toward the mountain, closer and closer. Never had we imagined this force of nature, this miracle unfolding before our eyes. Helicopters from news channels started flying over the eruption. How long did we watch transfixed, we don’t know, maybe an hour, maybe two?
And then, as suddenly as it had started, it stopped; the bubbling and rumbling stopped and the eruption went down and was quiet. The orange lava rivers continued running down quietly along the hillside. We walked back in silence, stumbling and sliding down hills savoring our memory of one of nature’s infinite miracles that we were fortunate enough to see.
“Travel doesn’t become an adventureuntil you leave yourself behind”
Our first day in Iceland. It was a long flight and we were exhausted. Went to the capital city, Reykjavik and the only thing we wanted at this point was some coffee. Hallgrimskirkja church suddenly came looming ahead of us and we were drawn by its unique design and architecture. A short walk up the stairs led us to the top for a beautiful view of the city in its old-world charm. I was surprised how small the place was, I don’t know what I was expecting but Reykjavik had such a small town feel that was quite charming.
A quick lunch and then drive to our home away from home for the next few days, a cute little cottage with an amazing view.
“If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet”
After a short rest, we headed to Reykjadalur hot springs thermal river.
We walked and walked and walked in the hope to reach our destination. After every corner we turned, there was a ray of hope……hard work and patience always has sweet rewards. We walked through spectacular green valleys and mountains, up and down gravel paths, round and around mountains and then finally we saw it!
What a lovely sight! There was steam evaporating from the small river that was flowing through the greenest valley you can imagine. …….just straight out of the earth hot springs mixing with fresh cold glacier waters to make the most delicious of warm baths. And best of all, no crowds, just enough people to make it perfect. The river flowed and we picked a spot with the perfect warmth for us. And it was really really hot!
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”
As we soaked in the heavenly bliss, it was like we were on a different planet, soaking in the serenity and calmness around us. When it was time to go, we did not want to leave, and literally we need not have, as the sun never sets here even at midnight! But as our tummies were rumbling, we reluctantly climbed out and made our way back. If this was day one, I cannot wait for the rest of this trip…..
“Travel…the best way to be lost and found at the same time.” – Brenna Smith
I can almost feel my own excitement in my nerves…..I have been planning this trip for months, even when I did not know if Iceland will open up for travel. I have read so many books, seen so many videos and browsed so many websites, circling the whole country in 12 days, this is something we have not done before, it will be different and I can’t wait.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
A good friend asked me few days back ‘Why do you plan so much, how about some spontaneity?’
I pondered about this and as I thought more, the answer came to me.
I realized that it is my passion to see more and learn more, and that passion consumes my whole being, almost as if ‘that’ which I cannot touch or see in person, I still have to ‘feel it’ and ‘see it’ in my mind’s eye.
Planning is dreaming. As I plan, it gives me the gift of travel long before it happens.
And when I do finally get there, it’s like magic- it’s all unfolding before my eyes larger and fuller than what I had ever imagined.
“My life is not a dream, my dreams are my life”
I think this trip is even more special, first time over the oceans again after the extended seclusion. And I can’t wait for it to happen…….
” You don’t have to travel far to find the greatest experiences life has to offer ” – Jen Davies
As we rush around in life, and long to slow down, there are few places in this world that allow us to do that. We visited one such place this weekend. Hungar’s beach near Cape Charles.
Hungar’s Beach
A quiet place where the orchestra of the chirping birds and the lapping of the gentle waves in the bay transport you to another world.
As the tide comes in, there is a feeling of fullness of possibilities and abundance of love and friendship.
As the tide recedes, so do your cares and worries leaving sand bars of hope and peace.
Our next few days were glorious and sunny. We spent lazy long days with friends talking about everything and nothing. Brewing conversations in a brewery, cooling off with icecream and hanging by the pier, we did it all.
Walks on the long stretches of beach sometimes wading through waist deep water and sometimes barely dipping our toes, wondering if we should dive in or look in from the side lines just long enough for the water to surround our feet.
We kayaked in the glistening calm waters, all we could hear was the splash of the paddle and then the sound of silence all around us.
As we paddled toward the horizon, the house and the shore seemed smaller and smaller , almost disappearing but still just visible.
At sunset every night, the hues around us changed into a burst of colors from purple and pink to orange and yellow and golden.
The ethereal beauty engulfed us as we took in nature’s art, like a canvas with an almost perfectly splashed painting.
Every hour and every day the canvas changed just a little, almost like it were alive with changing moods, sometimes bright and sometimes muted.
We saw occasional passing ships on the horizon, slowly gliding to their destinations. What loads were they carrying? Where were they going? Where did they come from? A mystery just like life itself….,
At night, the house stood shining surrounded by woods and trees and as the fireworks lit the sky, another beautiful chapter was added to my book of memories.
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us” -Anonymous
Curacao, the Dutch Carribbean island, 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela, the lesser known and more remote of the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, this little island has managed to escape mass major tourism and retains its pristine charm.
This small island of turquoise blue waters contrasting with tall dry cacti is surprising and mesmerizing at the same time.
Water, water everywhere and yet the desert dryness piercing through…….
Our resort was on Playa Lagun, the secluded northwest side of Curacao, away from the usual tourist routes.
The calm blue waters protected on three sides with cliffs made for awesome snorkeling. Jumping into the water the very first day we arrived for a refreshing dip did wonders to our tired selves after the long journey to this tiny island in South America.
This tiny village with its secluded beach and local kids splashing around while we snorkeled and dived around, this was Boka Sami(St Michiel Baai) Rocky but serene, snorkeling all along the edge was peaceful and so absorbing that I did not know when the morning turned to afternoon……
The small dive shop with interesting people and conversations added to the charm of this place and the coffee at the end of the day was certainly well earned by us all.
The next day was Kokomo beach, more touristy than we hoped for, and the waves were more than we bargained for……but the kids finished up their scuba training and we relaxed on the beach watching the waves and sipping our drinks
Playa piskado was our next stop the following day- with hoards of sea turtles to snorkel with, we had good company. They were fearless and swam right up to us. There were times when I was surrounded by 4 or 5 of them all around me and although there were other humans just a few feet away, the proximity to these giant turtles made the humans almost disappear in my mind’s eye.
‘TRAVEL is the only thing you buy that makes you RICHER’- Anonymous
In the far north corner of the island , we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit the Shete Boka park. The thunderous sounds of waves whooshing through rocks and crevices were both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. The power of nature never fails to impress upon me what a minuscule part of this universe each of us is. As we stood there with the wind blowing fiercely and the waves crashing around us, this fact seemed more than apparent in that moment…..
“Travel far enough, you meet yourself” -David Mitchell
The next few days were spent in Willemstad, sampling local fruit and local foods at local places like the fruit market and Plaza Bieu. Awesome local food at unbeatable prices.
Walking around discovering the city, brimming with history, Otrabanda, Queen Emma bridge, museums and synagogues and Kura Hulanda, our little slice of history where we made our abode for the time in the city.
The distillery tour ‘Blue Curacao’ a peek into the historic birth of the famous ‘ Blue Curacao’ liquor. Rainbow-colored liquors red, blue, green , yellow, all the visitors, all to go….
“YOU CAN SHAKE THE SAND FROM YOUR SHOES, BUT NOT FROM YOUR SOUL”
Curacao, the little island far far away, just a few miles north of the equator, the perfect place for you to leave the ‘tourist’ in you behind and embark upon the journey to find the ‘traveler’ in you.
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” -Gustav Flaubert
This was not our average trip……and this was not the average destination. Only 17000 people ever made it to this part of the world every year. We knew we were onto something special……it was a region filled with mystery and allure for me. Wild things and wild places…….
ON OUR WAY:
A puddle jumper from Quito to Lago Agrio, followed by a two hour bus ride and then a 2 hour boat ride on Cuyabeno River, a tributary of the Amazon River brought us to Cuyabeno Ecological Forest preserve. We came to the Siona Lodge, our headquarters for the next 5 days. In the middle of the Amazon, here we stayed, played and took in the wondrous miracles of nature! This small, intimate setting with just 6 thatched roof huts was the perfect home base to explore the vast rainforest.
THE SIONA LODGE
SETTLING IN:
Comfortable of course, and no frills attached……our humble abode with thatched roof and mosquito nets and swinging hammocks all in the midst of the thick forest and flowing rivers.
THE SIONA LODGE
CANOE SAFARI:
Our ride into the lodge was our first of many canoe safaris. Baby anacondas, scarlet snakes, scores of birds, monkeys and turtles and more….and all these in just a couple hours!
NIGHT WALKING SAFARI- not just a ‘walk in the park’
After an afternoon siesta, it was time for a delicious meal and then onto a night walking safari into the forest all equipped with flashlights and headlights. Now if you are the quesy sorts, you might want to skip the next couple pictures!!
Next day started bright and early, bird watching on the vast lagoon, as the sun was rising, it appeared that life started popping its head out all over. The brisk cool air, lapping of the water with the oars of the boat and the sound of pure silence with just some bird calls to interrupt……….
After a scrumptious breakfast, we set out again into the thick forest. The sun rays peering through the dense vegetation, butterflies, frogs,
Evening sunset swim in the lagoon was very refreshing, it was a good thing the guide told us after the fact that the same lagoon had caimans swimming right around there!
Night hunt for Caimans in the Amazon River was something like a detective hunt. Flashlights in hand and headlights on the forehead, we assisted the guide to look in crevices and hiding places for the caimans.
Next day saw us going for piranha fishing, and althought we were not successful, the guide managed to get some to show us.
Yucca harvesting with the locals and Yucca bread making was the actvity of the next day. We went to an indigenious village and spent time with the local folks and kids.
And we actually crossed the equator line when canoeing around that day!
Although it seems so crazy, we could not help taking a GPS picture of our location. And no idea how the blue dot shows up even though there was no service!!!
Experiencing the torrential Amazon rains was quite the moment. It poured for a few minutes and the forest was bathed in bright greens and before we knew it, it disappeared just as suddenly as it had appeared. Since it was the dry season, that’s all we saw as far as the rain was concerned, but glad to have experienced the great Amazonian rainforest rains!
The next couple days flew by with more forest hikes. canoe rides, a very interesting visit to the Shamam ( Medicine man/witch doctor) to see their customs, an education about Iawasa ( ahhh, you need to look that one up) in their medicine culture, tribal games and in the wonderful company of our fellow lodge mates.
